"How do you know?" Richard didn't deny his objective and looked at the bartender with curiosity, wondering how he had seen through his thoughts.
The bartender didn't immediately answer, instead deliberately keeping him in suspense. He put down the rag he was vigorously using to wipe the counter, turned around, and took a large wooden mug from the shelf. He filled it with a frothy beer from a keg on the side. With a thud, he placed it heavily on the bar counter and slid it toward Richard.
"Buy a beer and I'll tell you the answer," the bartender said with a condition.
Richard blinked and asked, "How much is the beer?"
"Three copper coins a mug, guaranteed delicious," the bartender smiled, his gray eyes full of sincerity and eager salesmanship.
