Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1845-09-10

heart.
! But much as he dsliked draughts, and much al
he condemned and even dispsed the principle in
volved in the stpuations of Anna father. al DOW
erful love again prevailed and he sought the home
of his lady fair TO enter the list once more for her
hand. But II was with little better success. Still
there was one compensation for the disappoint-
mems that followed the evenings land tina,
was an hours quiet communication with Anna
for, as long as he would play with the old man,
and try, as he of course did, to beat him, he was
a welcome visitor. and allowed fair opportunity
10 tell over again 10 the maiden how fondiy he
loved her.
! Six months passed in this way, and young
Graham began to play with much skill and iudg-
n'ent. and not uufrequentiy game would last for
a whole hour. On such occasions, the old man
would slap him on the shoulder, after he had beat
him. with swell done my boy1 The girl will be
yours YETI 1r
One day, about this time. it happened that Ora.
ham. with his farmers frock on, was driving his
cart along the road that passed near the cottage of
his Sweetheart. Woodruff happened to meet
him just there, and insisted upon his stopping.--
Graham came in, aud after drinking a glass of
home brewed beer, made by the fair hands of her
se loved, the old man reached down the ever pres
emf checker-board.
This may be lucky day, Jobn,' he said,
looking him archy in the face. slave YOU
mind to try?'
The first sight ofthe board always annoyed the
young man; but he stuffed this feeling as usual,
aid sat down to the table. -.
For a little while Anna stood looking at the
game. and then retired to attend to her ordinary
duties in the family. The mother, too, soon fol-
lowed, and the players were soon left alone. The
dog that had parlaken of the general feeling of
hustle on the entrance of the young man, soon felt |
The quiet influence of the room, and stretching |
himself out upon the fool, seemed as deeply en-
gagged 10 thought as were his biped companions.
Not sound was to be heard, except the low noise
made IN moving the pieces on the board, or the |
occasional quicker rafting ofthen when one was
AIKEN. Graham never before seemed to have his
mind so clear, nor to have so lucid perception
# the principles of the game-and the old man
vas as much absorbed in hat he was doing as
yer. About every Ten minutes, if there had been
mother observer in the room,a serious face might
ave been seen looking in for few moments at
ne window just behind the young man.
"JupIter !" suddenly exclaimed the old man,
win an uneasy movement, as his antagonist leap,
d over two pieces ioto the king row. The reIa.
We position of several pieces in the neghborhood
t this newly made and first king On The board, {
'as such as to COMPEL Woodruff in taking care
them, ia disarrange entirely his game. and de
roy his usual position OF advantage. For few .
linues the flush of excitement destroyed the calm
aanced state of young Graham's mind But he I
erceIved this. and confined his moves to unm- .
ortant and safe cues. until bis pulse beat quietly.
nd now came the severest struggle vet "Now a
never = thought Graham, who readily acknowl
1ged that 1t was happy accident rather than G
XII to which he was Indebted for his present de-
dedly advantageous position.
For nearly half an hour both parties continu. )
to play with such caution that but single piece
as taken but now each seemed TO be determin-
10 bring the game TO an issue, and soon the &c
ard had on 1t nothing hut four kings-lwo for
On. just at this lime Anna came to the window N
ID seeing the position of affairs, turned pale and
i a sensation of taintness; but she was riveied al
the spot. The mothers interest, too, had be-
me excited, and as she came to the door, and sc
'od also looking upon the board. The old man D.
with his hands on his mouth, lingering his lips,
usual position when deeply interested in his OF
'orite game; and Graham leaned his head up M
his hand, his countenauce though distracted, TO
iicatDg sadness of feeling miBgied. with hope.
re four kings were near together, and each was IN
identity intent upon reducing the number of the CO
her TO one, and then blocking that. on
Alter studying and calculating moves about five ed
nues, The old man cautiously passed one of his su
gs to another square. Ouch as though, his
agonist made move, and then with long in WI
ration, awaited the result.
Jupiter Pagan calculated the old man, closing or
fingers tight upon his under lip. A long pause
sued, and at last the move was made. tel
'Hurrah - exclaimed Graham in loud voice,
ing his head suddenly from his hand. He gave M
ing for king. and having the last jump, SO 10
,hted as to completely hem him in, or block da
old mans only remaining king--thus winning del
game at the last extremity. 'Hurrah, hurrah, mo-
rah! he cried, and leaned back In exstacy of bot
ght. the
FOR moment or two the old man seemed cha hal
ned at bis defeat but recovering himself quick heI
and grasping the hand of Graham, said she
Now, my boy, you have fairly won her, and spl
Is yours. Come here. pet,' he said to Anna, in
appeared at the door pressing in by her moth hin
'and name your wedding day. has
IS needless 10 tell how Anna blusbed, or how bla
little heart Ieaped for JOY in her bosom. 1t is hur
nore moment TO say, that, in one month the wo
I'm were made one hesh.' her
g. Il