### 290

The leader of the approaching cavalry, a sergeant, signals to his men to change formation. They leave the highway and draw up in a circle, closing around your hiding place. The sergeant unsheathes his curved cavalry sword, holds it at arm’s length, and edges his mount nearer so that the blade hovers menacingly just before your chest. ‘You’re both under arrest,’ he bellows, ‘on suspicion of spying! Drop your weapons at once!’

If you wish to obey the sergeant’s order, turn to 24.

If you choose to resist arrest, turn to 85.