Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1890-05-24
A GAME OF CHESS.
How the Identity OF the Sultan's
Opponent Was Revealed.

Fifty years ago, in Mehemet Ais
time, Suleiman Pasha-a naturalized
Frenchman--was eommander-in-chief OF
the Egyptian artillery. and universally
acknowledged to be the best chess
player in Cairo. As soldier he stood
in high favor with the court as well a.
with the people; for in the war waged
by the Sultan OF Turkey against Mehe-
met Ali in 1889, the Egyptians owed
their victory in the notable battle OF
Nisib 10 the prompt decision and strategy
Of Suleiman Pasha. The Egyptian army
had already taken to fight, carrying its
commander, tho heroic lbrahim Pasha,
away with IL. when suddenly. as II by
magic, the hattie took a favorable turn,
changing the fleeing masses into pur-
sners, who succeeded In completely van
gushing the Turkish troops. This
blow proved fatal 10 Mahmoud. the un-
happy Sultan, whose supreme power
hitherto had been unquestioned. lie
took the loss of his brave army much
To heart. that he died Of grief a
week afterwards.
When peace had succeeded war, Sulci-
califs 20 ENJOY there his favorite pastime
OF chess. Punctually every afternoon
he made his appearance in q cafe sitn-
ated on the banks of the Nile, where, on
the terrace. under the shade ef mighty
palm-trees, scat was specially reserved
for him. and there he fought a daily
battle with the hcvenerable Ulcma. Reshid
Aga. The field upon which the battle
was fought was the sixty-four black and
white squares OF the chess-bnard. where
ivory armies strove with each other.
each trying hard 10 deeoy his opponent
into some hidden trap. They only
ceased fighting when the evening twi-
light descended, and when the cry of the
muezzin from the minaret Of the mosque
called the faithful 10 prayers, to resume
IL again the next day. aud 10 continue
for weeks and months until one Of the
combatants was defeated. But II was
never the Pasha who was beaten. though
Reshid Aga was not only highly con-
sidered on account Of his great learning.
but also far-famed for his masterly play
ing Of chess.
Tho two masters were generally SUR
rounded by all the best players of Cairo,
who followed their moves with eager
and attentive looks. One afternoon.
while suleiman Pasha was waiting for
Reshid Aga. a stranger stepped up to him
and addressed him as follows: ''l,asha.
- may propose game OF chess to thee?'
The persons who as usual had gathered
round the latter we're SO much startled
by this unexpected proposal. that their
rhibouks nearly dropped from their
grasp. while gray-hearded Cadi wa,
alnlsz. checked in the act Of gulpinp
down his Mocha For who could be 81
daring as 10 venture TO challenge tbs
conqacror OF Reshid Aga?
Suleiman Pasha, however, only east
ing searching look upon the stranger
quietly replied. II am at thy service
What Is the stake thou art accustomed
10 play for..
"For nothing the first time; for
great stake the next. But IL is for thee
Pssha, to name the stake now
"a hundred ducats won't be too mucl
them" Suleiman pasha replied, agail
looking inquiringly at the stranger
whose face remained quite unmove'
while he calmly took his place.
The board was brought and lots wer
cast for coiors: the Pasha drew Black
tho stranger White.
A great crowd OF enthusiastic specta
tators soon collected round the players
After the very first moves II was clear q
all that they had master-player befori
them. The ivory figures seemed 1
grow into life In the hands of tn
stranger: IL was as If real soldier
moved on the black and white squares
blindly obeying the commands of thei
leaders, Suleiman l'asha also soon be
came aware of the crushing power q
his adversary; he felt az II the grip q
an iron list held him In bonds. In val
he tried TO shake of his opponent: sal
was his sacrifice OF knight and Castl,
the strangers power did not seem
weaken "a bit. The pasha sat in deeI
earnest thought; opposite 70 him I'll
stranger. calm. but with a proud lool
like the marble statue OF a commands
in-chief A CLEAN of Joy spread su,
denly over the Pasha's features; he "a
the chance Of capital move. and quii
excited, he placed his Queen right
front of his opponents Queen. \ mu
mnr OF discomfort, arose amongst n
spectators; the game seemed lost tor q
pasha; be must have overlooked thi
his Queen Is left unprotected The iat
OF Reshid Aga. who also looked ~
beamed with pleasure; al glance
had thoroughly mastered the rpnhin
tiun of hts friend. The stranger took
much longer time 10 consider than usn
before he slowly lifted his lean hand.
''No doubt he will take the Queen
the spectators shispered to each o'he
.'Theu he will he mate In eigl
moves, Reshid Aga said, gieeiully ra
bling bis hands.