### 288

You leave three men to guard the horses and take four men into the mine. It is pitch dark but you are quick to notice that unlit torches line the damp walls at regular intervals. You each take a torch and light it before going any further. Now the footprints can clearly be seen on the muddy floor. They lead to a collapsed section of the tunnel where they disappear over the top of a massive earthfall.

If you wish to climb the mound of earth and squeeze through the narrow gap between the top of the mound and the ceiling, turn to 254.

If you decide to call off the search and return to the mine entrance, turn to 187.