### 248

A small, heavy-set merchant is hawking his wares from a stall set close to the archway. His small, beady eyes twinkle from beneath a ridiculously outsized turban. As you approach, he launches himself at you, desperately trying, with a flood of wild claims, to persuade you to buy his obviously inferior goods. He looks surprised when you interrupt him with your question. 'Tipasa?' he answers. 'Yes, I know where he lives.'

He holds up a gaudy waistcoat of pink and orange sackcloth and offers it to you. 'It would make a worthy gift for your esteemed friend,' he suggests, his eyes continually glancing at your belt pouch. 'Only 5 Gold Crowns, master.'

You realize you will first have to purchase this ridiculous garment before the merchant will tell you where Tipasa lives.

If you wish to buy the waistcoat, pay the man 5 Gold Crowns, and turn to 328.

If you do not want to buy the waistcoat, or cannot afford to pay him 5 Gold Crowns, turn to 274.

Text copyright © 1985 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1985 Gary Chalk.