The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1894-07-28

relief and even entertained bold hopes Of
victory. He followed the game 50 closely
that he scarcely noticed that the burden
In his lap grew constantly heavier, and
that the child had grown to beautiful
girl
This young woman, with tho Joy Of
living In her bright eyes, moved her men
boldly, almost too boldly, gaining upon
Death minute by minute and pressings
him so hard that he seemed already half
beaten.
At last Life overlooked single move,
and Death pushed his knight into the
opening. A second poor play, and Life
, lost her queen--the most beautiful piece
Of the game and its principal strength.
Oberst giared angrily at the now mature,
woman; saw her alter move by move; saw
the color leave her face and the wrinkles
appear one by one; saw her eye dim and
the gold Of her hair change to dull gray.
The little mother moved her men slowly,
deplored each separate play and wcp< and
lamented over her mistakes, constantly
giving the advantage to Death, who drew
nearer with each move and pressed her
relcntlessly In spite of tears and prayers.
"Be merciful, cruel DEATH Let me take
back his one play You will always have
time to win. will not lose Just yet I
! will not die"
|, "Neverl' roared Death, glaring from
, his empty eye sockets. There is no hope
4 for you, useless Life You can do moth
ing more in the world"
"Oh, 80 much-still SO muchn' pleaded
/, old Life. You gain nothing from me-
!, and can still be of use in the world. If
: my own happiness is at an end, can give
! others joy and add to their pleasures, "
With these words Death made clever
4 move and cried, CHECK"
|, Oberst's heart almost stopped beating,
:, for he knew his own life was the stake of
a the game.
He felt the color leave his cheeks and his
y eyes start from tLrir sockets. He would
J help Life with his skill and prevent an
y other foolish move, but his tongue was
= paralyzcd, and his arms seemed turned to
stone. He saw the end approaching move
a by move, Death constantly throwing out
"a that fearful threat, 'Chcck-1 check to
' Life"
Lifc's king was in peril, and there were
but two possible movcs-a wrong one,
q which would lose the game, and right
one, by which the king could save himself
a behind the three remaining pieces. ThesC
ii three pieces beckoned the solitary king
and seemed to have human facCs-onc the
20 features of lovely child, tho second of 1
:; sad faced woman, and the third of a man
N with u thoughtful, earnest expression
m the face of that hated creature ON account
II of whom Oberst had lost his well loyet
" sister. With fear and anguish he watched
the frightened Lies trembling fingers
10 Which would she playl If they were onl.
NJ both good But look! Sho graspcd tn,
70 king and pushed him toward tho danger
- Gus square.
,p In malcvolent glcc Death laughed out
II right
BY powerful effort Ohcrst freed him
nj self from the charm which held him. "Fo
n. heavens sake, not that play-the othcrl'
w he cried, and throwing his arms over tn
m table TO prevent the play he knocked tn
h, figures to the floor.
al
ne Bright light filled the room.
lie Tho sleeper awoke from his ghastl
. dream and stared about with wide openc
q eyes. He was alone; the chossmen scat
Il tered over the carpet a horror strickc
H. servant rushed into tho room. He ha
" heard his masters horrible cry. What il
:" heavens name had happened?
ke, Nothing, nothing" gaspcd Obcrst
brushing the cold drops from his forchca
ID with u trembling hand.
he He sprang up and his knees give wa
beneath him, but without needing thi
Ill weakness he cried: "My hat Joseph an
a. my coat Make haste and come with me
I'd Be quick!"
* Shaking his head, the puzzled servan
hastcncd from the room.
nd A few moments later when he lighte
hi his master down the steps, he saw tears i
rs the old mans eyes and heard him mul
cd muir: mo, it is not too late. / can sti
be of use and give others pleasure. Chez
he "A check to DEATH
A thousand shining stars lighted the
he way as they FASTENED out into tho col
b. night ogethcr.-From the German in Ne
ry Orleans Times Democrat.