### 154

The moment you cease tapping on the lock, a powerful charge leaps from the surface of the door and explodes in your hand, knocking you backwards to the floor: lose 5 ENDURANCE points.

Banedon, upon whom you landed when you fell to the floor, is far from impressed by your display of mental arithmetic and he asks to be allowed to see the lock for himself. You heave him on to your shoulder once more and carry him to the door. Even in his weakened state it takes him less than two seconds to arrive at a solution. Eight, he says, telepathically.

You apologize to him, then tap the lock eight times, secretly hoping that he is correct, for you do not relish the thought of receiving a second bolt from this door.

Turn to 8.

Text copyright © 1991 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.