### 44

Your bleeding hand strikes something close to the edge of the pit that feels like a narrow plank. You thank your good fortune, but before you can scramble across it, a blow catches you in the ribs and leaves you gasping for air (lose 3 ENDURANCE points). You have been dealt a vicious kick that leaves you sprawled over the edge of the pit.

If you wish to get to your feet and try to retaliate, turn to 257.

If you wish to pull yourself on to the invisible beam and try to struggle across to the other side, turn to 166.

If you wish to risk diving into the pit, turn to 275.

Text copyright © 1986 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1986 Gary Chalk.