### 240

As you walk towards his table, three muscular bodyguards suddenly appear and block your path. The merchant looks up from beneath the rim of his floppy velvet hat and says in a thin voice: ‘What business do you have with me, stranger?’

If you wish to ask the merchant the way to Brass Street, turn to 47.

If you say you wish to do some business with him, turn to 189.

If you decide to apologize for intruding on his privacy and approach the tavern-keeper, turn to 312.