The log cabin Democrat. [volume] (Conway, Ark.) 1901-1982, 1909-04-22
THE MASTER
MOVE
By GEORGE E. GARDNER.
Copyright. by shortstory Pub. Coz

"Pshaw - exclaimed Col. Jack, as
he sprang to his feet in good
humored disgust, 81 thought | had
you, but it's of no use; you are the
very devil at chess, Ned, and no mis-
take"
l laughed. The game had been
my hobby ever since | could distin-
guish the pieces, and after my return
from active service in India, bach
elor's life at a London army club
had given me full scope for its in
diligence. took an absurd pride in
the skill which 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 Chumleigh! By
all that's good, | didn't expect to
see you for a twelvemonth," and both
of his hands caught in their sturdy
grip those of tall and stalwart
man who had just entered the room.
They talked together few min
utes, then Jack laughed hilariously,
as this old friend of mine always
does when he thinks his idea clever
one, and led his guest towards me.
capt. Willis, this is my friend,
Maj. Chumleigh"-we shook hands
Hes a deuced good fellow, and
that's one reason why I've intro
duced him to another. But my real
motive is baser one. Chumleigh is
a crank on chess, and hang me if |
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; II don't
care"
"Nonsense," interrupted Col.
Jack. 'You love to play, and here's
man worthy of your metal"
81 have been fond of the game, y
the other answered slowly, and with
some embarrassment, ''but l haven't
played for several months, and /
hardly think that l shall again"
| looked at Maj. Chumleigh curl
ously. There was pulling intona-
ton in his speech which set me
fairly on edge. 81 really hope that
you will honor me with game" !
said. 81 have not met with mas
ter at chess for a long time. At
least tell us why you play no more. >
GAS the alternative is presented ,
returned the major, 81 suppose
courtesy requires me to accept one
or the other. VIII it really give you
pleasure to play with me?"
"Indeed it will"
Every WELL" he replied quietly, as
he sat down, ''but let me assure you
that it will be hardly pleasant"
"Why not ?" l asked.
81 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, nc
child's play here. With the sense
which every skilled chess player has
of his opponents proves, l knew
that every atom of Judgment, fore
sight and resource which 20 years OF
training had produced must be used
if | was to make even a resolute
fight, to say nothing of gaining a
victory. But on the whole he main
tanned a defensive attitude; finally
his play weakened a bit, and in an
hour | felt a reasonable assurance of
success. The game was still far from
won, but | could see my way clear, |
thought, and my opponent seemed
unable to balk me. All the time,
however, | had a confused and I'M
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 | had
been planning to effect by slow and
circuitous policy. | looked up in
quick surprise; his eye caught mine
but whether or no he realized the