### 64

Seconds later you hear the crash of broken furniture as a fight breaks out inside the cabin. Paido has surprised your would-be assailant, and the two of them are now locked in hand-to-hand combat. Abruptly the noise ceases, and Paido appears at the front door, sweating and dishevelled, his sword bloodied in his hand.

'Where have you been?' he asks, stepping aside to allow you to enter. A scar-faced man lies dead on the floor, a wooden stave lying across his chest. 'Come and see what I've found in the back room,' says Paido, leading the way.

Small sacks, each filled with nuggets of silver, are stacked in a huge mound that reaches almost to the ceiling. 'No wonder he fought so desperately,' you say, staring at this treasure hoard. 'There's enough silver here to pay a king's ransom.'

You may take some treasure before you leave--each Sack of Silver counts as one Backpack Item.

If you wish to continue along the valley, turn to 152.

If you wish to investigate the mine, turn to 120.

Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1987 Gary Chalk.