In this task, you're given a statement and three sentences as choices. Your job is to determine the neutral choice based on your inference from the statement and your commonsense knowledge. The neutral choice is a sentence that neither agrees nor disagrees with the statement. Indicate your answer as '1', '2', or '3', corresponding to the choice number of the selected sentence. If sentence X agrees with sentence Y, one's correctness follows from the other one. If sentence X disagrees with sentence Y, they can not be correct at the same time.

Q: Statement: When we reached the house, my little friend waved aside Mary's offer of tea.  Choices: 1. When we reached the house, my friend denied an offer of tea. 2. My friend thought it was too hot to have some tea. 3. When we reached the house, my friend asked Mary for some tea.

A: 2
****
Q: Statement: He saw the hurt in the man's eyes but he had to talk to the Swords alone. Choices: 1. He took the man with him to attack the Swords. 2. He knew the man was upset but it was for his own good. 3. He had to speak with them privately.

A: 2
****
Q: Statement: However, as the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century dominated the Mediterranean and shipbuilding technology improved, longer Atlantic journeys became a serious prospect. Choices: 1. The Turks were able to invade several unsuspecting peoples and amass enormous wealth. 2. Longer journeys were facilitated by improved ship design. 3. Ship technology had matured by the 14th century.

A:
1
****