The story:
The Phantom is reading a chronicle story from the 17th century in which the 7th Phantom meets the Emperor Joonkar. The Phantom is already familiar with its contents (see S069 The Golden Sands of Keela Wee), but is surprised to learn about the Emperor's cruel fate shortly thereafter.

Wanting to learn more about real life in his realm, the Emperor secretly leaves his palace to live like an ordinary man. But having only confided in the Phantom about his plans, he is unable to verify his identity when he is taken to a ship to spend the rest of his life as a galley slave...