The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1890-05-08
A GAME OF CHESS.
How the Identity of the Sultan's
Opponent Was Revealed.

Fifty years ago, in Mehemes Ali,s
time, Suleiman Pasha-a naturalized
Frenchman-was commander-in-chief of
the Egyptian artillery, and universally
acknowledged to be the best chess
player in Cairo. AS a soldier he stood
in high favor with the court as well as
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 to the prompt decision and strategy
Of Suleiman Pasha. The Egyptian army
had already taken to flight carrying its
commander, the heroic Ibrahim Pasha,
away with it, when suddenly, as if by
magic, the battle took favorable turn,
changing the fleeing masses into pur-
suers, who succeeded in completely van
gushing the Turkish troops. This
blow proved fatal to Mahmoud, the un-
happy Sultan, whose supreme power
hitherto had been unquestioned. He
took the less of his brave army so much
to heart, that he died of grief barely a
WeeE afterwards.
When peace had succeeded war, Sulei-
man Pasha returned to the city of the
ealifs to enjoy there his favorite pastime
Of chess. Punctually every afternoon
he made his appearance in cafe situ-
ated on the banks of the Nile, where, on
the terrace, under the shade of mighty
palm-trees, seat was specially reserved
for him, and there he fought daily
battle with the venerable Ulema, Reshid
Aga. The field upon which the battle
was fought was the sixty-four black and
white squares of the chess board, where
ivory armies strove with each other,
each trying hard to decoy 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 to prayers, to resume
It again the next day, and to continue
Tor weeks and months until one of the
combatants was defeated. But it was
never the Pasha who was beaten, though
Reshid Aga was not only highly con-
sldered on account of his great learning,
but also far-famed for his mastery 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 fol
Keshid Aga, a stranger stepped up to him
and addressed him as follows: ''Pasha
may propose game of chess to thee?'
The persons who as usual had gathered
round the latter were so much startled
by this unexpected proposal, that theil
ehlbouks nearly dropped from theil
grasp, while gray-bearded Cadi was
almost choked in the act of gulpine
down his Mocha. For who could be 81
daring as to venture to challenge the
eonqueror of Reshid Aga?
Suleiman Pasha, however, only cast
Ing searching look upon the stranger
quietly replied: 81 am at thy service
What is the stake thou art accustomed
70 play for?n
For nothing the first time; for {
great stake the next. But it is for thee
Fasha, to name the stake now"
A hundred ducats won't be too mucl
sheng" Suleiman Pasha replied, agai1
looking inquiringly at the stranger
whose face remained quite unmovet
Rnlle ne calmly took his place.
The board was brought and lots were
cast for eolors; the Pasha drew Black
me stranger White.
great crowd of enthusiastic specta
.aeors soon collected round the players
after the very first moves it was clear t,
sll that they had master-player befor,
mem. The ivory figures seemed t
eioW into life in the hands of tn
stranger; it was as if real soldier
moved on the black and white squares
snnoly obeying the commands of thei
aeaaers. Suleiman Pasha also soon be
same aware of the crushing power o
~ adversary; he felt as if the grip 0
~ lron list held him in bonds. In vail
ne trled to shake of his opponent; vail
nas his sacrifice OF Knight and Castle
me strangers power did not seem t
m9aKen bit. The Pasha sat in deer
sarnest thought; opposite to him tn
ssanger, ~ calm, but with proud look
Ae the marble statue of commander
onief. A CLEAN of joy spread sud
sAiy over the Pasha's features; he sal
~ chance of capital move, and, quit
AOlsed, be placed bis Queen right i