### 181

You burrow beneath the hay and wait with bated breath as the farmer’s son climbs slowly to the top of the ladder. You hear him pull himself into the loft and take a few paces towards your hiding place. He then proceeds to skewer forkfuls of hay which he pitches down to the floor of the barn below. He is working hard and you sense that he is unaware of your presence here. Within a matter of minutes he has cleared half of the hay from the loft, and soon his pitchfork is stabbing at the remainder, some of which lies dangerously close to your head.

If you wish to remain hidden where you are, turn to 315.

If you decide it is too dangerous to stay where you are, you can still attempt to escape by way of the loft door by turning to 16.