Colin sighed and took a quick look at his intended target.  The merchant’s stall was next to the corner of the city wall and the merchant was busy with a customer.  Now's the time, thought Colin as he slinked toward the outer edge of the stall.  He carefully moved through the crowd that had gathered to look at the merchant's wares and slowly made his way closer.

     When he had reached the stall's corner, he hazarded a look at the merchant.  Spotting him down at the other end with his back turned, Colin slipped around the edge and into the stall.  Crouching down under the counter, he took out his lock picks and began his work.

     After about two minutes, Colin heard the soft click of the latch and he pulled open the safe’s door.  Glancing inside, Colin had to struggle to contain his joy.  The safe was packed with copper, silver, and gold coins!

     Just as he reached in, the merchant turned around and spotted him.  "Hey you!," shouted the now furious merchant, "What are you doing!? Get away from that!"  With a shout of "Guards! Thief!," the merchant charged right at Colin.  Grabbing a handful of the first coins he could lay his hands on, Colin sprinted out of the stall and down the nearby street.  Weaving around startled people, he ducked down the first alley he came to and vaulted over the fence at the end.  Turning down another alleyway, Colin began to slow down and when he reached the end, he walked out onto Malluria Street, just as guards began to run down the street toward the merchant's stall.  

     Taking his first look at his prize, the young thief frowned in displeasure.  He had grabbed a fist full of copper coins!