Explanation:

- The passage is about the establishment of the East India Company by London merchants in 1600. Their goal was to trade textiles and spices with Indian traders, inspired by the success of the Portuguese and the Dutch.

- Sentence Simplification: The merchants noticed others were already engaged in a lucrative trade in spices. They wanted to follow these successful examples.

- Option Analysis:

- Option 1: getting out - This implies someone is leaving or withdrawing, which doesn't fit the context of flourishing trade.

- Option 2: carrying on - This means continuing or engaging in an activity, suitable for describing ongoing trade.

- Option 3: pulling on - Typically refers to dressing or wearing, not trading activities.

- Option 4: setting about - Implies beginning an action, doesn't reflect an ongoing activity.

- Therefore, the correct answer is "carrying on" to describe continuing trade activities.