The log cabin Democrat., 1909-04-20
THE MASTER
 MOVE
By GEORGE E. GARDNER.
Copyright, by shortstory Pub. Co.)


 he sprang to his feet in good humored disgust, ''I thought 1 had you, but it's of no use; you are the very devil at chess, Ned, and no mis- take"
 I laughed. The game had been my hobby ever since l could distin- guish the pieces, and after my return from active service in India, a bach elor's life at London army club had given me full scope for its in dulgence. I took an absurd pride in the skill which l had at last acquired
 had barely finished my laugh at Col. Jacks petulance and was draw ing a cigar from his extended case, when he suddenly dropped it and sprang towards the door, exclaiming delightedly, "Joe Chumleighl By all that's good, I didn't expect to see you for twelvemonth," and both of his hands caught in their sturdy grip those of a tall and stalwart man who had just entered the room.
 They talked together a few min- utes, then Jack laughed hilariously, 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 a deuced good fellow, and that's one reason why I've intro duced him to another But my real motive is a baser one. Chumleigh is crank on chess, and hang me if l 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, you will excuse me-" said the major; q don't care"
 Nonsense" interrupted Col. Jack. "You love to play, and here's a man worthy of your metal.'
 q have been fond of the game, ; the other answered slowly, and with some embarrassment, ''but 1 haven't played for several months, and l hardly think that I shall again."
 I looked at Maj. Chvmleigh curi- ously. There was a puzzling intona- ton in his speech which set me fairly on edge. q really hope that you will honor me with game" l said. 'T 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 1t really give you pleasure to play with me-"
 "Indeed it will"
 ''Very well," he replied quietly, as he sat down, 'but let me assure you that it will be hardly pleasant"
 "Why not?" l 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 a master; there were to be no false steps, no ridiculous laundering, no child's play here. With the sense which every skilled chess player has of his opponents prowess, I knew that every atom of judgment, fore sight and resource which 20 years of training had produced must be used if l was to make even a resolute fight, to say nothing of gaining a victory. But on the whole he main- tained a defensive attitude; finally his play weakened 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, l thought, and my opponent seemed unable to balk me. All the time however, I had a 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 l had been planning to effect by slow and circuitous policy. I looked up ir quick surprise; his eye caught mine