### 108

'Calm yourself, Smudd,' you say, purposefully letting your hands drift away from your weapons, 'I mean you no harm. I just want to talk with you awhile, that's all.'

The scrawny-faced knave stares at you with deep suspicion. Cold sweat beads upon his brow and his hand tightens on the hilt of his rapier.

'Look,' you say, reaching to your Backpack, 'I'm even prepared to compensate you for the privilege.'

Slowly you unshoulder your Backpack, unbuckle the flap, and offer him any item of his choosing. After some hesitation, he picks the item which is listed at the top of your Backpack List. (Erase this item from your Action Chart.)

To continue, turn to 323.

Text copyright © 1991 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.