The log cabin Democrat., 1908-09-14
THE MASTER
 MOVE
By GEORGE E. GARDNER.
Copyright. by shortstory Pub. Co.)

Hullioitu ulsSust, l lIlOuSHl l lldu you, but it's of no use: you are the very devil at chess, Ned, and no mis- take
 1 laughed. The game had been my hobby ever since l could distin- guish the pieces. and after my return from active service in India. bach eIor's life at London army club had given me full scope for its in- diligence. l took an absurd pride in the skill which I had at last acquired.
 had barely finished my laugh at Col. Jack petuIancc and was draw ing a cigar from his extended case. when he suddenly dropped it and sprang towards the door, excaiming lelightedlr, Joe Chumlcigh, By all that's good, 1 didn't expect to see you for d twcIvcmonth." and both of his hands caught in their sturdy grip those of q tall and stalwart man who had just entered the room.
 They talked together few min utes, then Jack laughed hilariouslv, as this old friend of mine always does when he thinks his idea a clever one, and led his guest towards me. Capt. Willis, this is my friend, Maj. Chumleigh"-we shook hands -"He's deuced good fellow, and that's one reason why I've intro- duced him to another. But my real motive is baser one. Chumleigheis crank on chess, and hang me if I don't want to see you beaten, Ned. You'd play billiards oftener and think less. Sit right down and de- feat him, Joe, and I'll feed You as you haven't been fed for 20 years.'
 Really, Jack, yor will excuse me-" sid the major; T don't care
 'sNonsense," interrupted Col. Jack. You love to play, and here's "a man worthy of your metal.'
 T have been fond of the game" the other answered slowly, and with some embarrassment, but 1 haven't played for several months, and I hardly think that I shall again."
 looked at Maj. Chumleigh curi- ously. There was puzzling intona- tion in his speech which set me fairly on edge. T really hope that you will honor me with a game" I said. 'I have not met with a mas ter at chess for a long time. At least tell us why you play no more."
 ''As the alternative is presented" returned the major, q suppose courtesy requires me to accept one or the other. Will it really give you pleasure to play with me-"
 'Indeed it will"
 "Very we'll" he replied quietly, as he sat down, but let me assure you that it will be hardly pleasant.
 Why not?" asked.
 q will tell you afterwards" was the answer, and the game began.
 Less than half a dozen moves proved the man across the table master; there were to be no false steps, no ridiculous blundering, no child'S play here. With the sense which every skilled chess player has of his opponents prowess, l knew that every atom of judgment, fore sight and resource which 20 years of training had produced must be used if 1 was to make even resolute fight, to say nothing of gaining victory. But on the whole he main tained a defensive attitude; finally his play weakened a bit. and in an hour l felt a reasonable assurance of success. The game was still far from won, but l could see my way clear, I thought, and my opponent seemed unable to balk me. All the time. however, l had confused and un- easy consciousness that he was in some way leading me on in my play, a conviction which was strengthened when a peculiar move of his king seemed to invite the very coup I'had been planning to effect by d slow and circuitous policy. l looked up in quick surprise his eye caught mine, but whether or no he realized the consequences of his play could not tell. At all events, it would cer- tainly secure me the victory, and in