Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-15
SPIRIT OF PAUL MORPHY

who claims that he can cause me to play
under the influence of Paul Morphy. | have
tested his powers, and am convinced there
is something in his claims. AT all events, he
has enabled me to put up such game OF
chess that he has astOnished me. L have
PLAYED in these circumstances against some
redoubtable players, and have seldom been
defeated" Now, all this was literally true.
l took care that every word should be true.
MIR. Drayton was perplexed. He saw
was serious, and he did not know exactly
how to take me. "DO you believe In spirit
ualism?" he asked uneasily.
"Mr. Drayton," | objected, II claim the
right to play the games under the conditions
proposed After the bdrfie, | will allow you
to make any tests or ask any questions you
choose"
"Very good" he agreed. "A lawyer
shouldn't bubble. Name your time, and we'll
meet over the checkered field of combat.
"But l must bring my medium l said
uneasily.
Bring a regiment of them if you like" he
consented heartily. "If they can work any
trick on me, I'd be glad to know it."
60 the next Saturday morning Herr Won
- Benedek and appeared by invitation
and were escorted into the sitting room.
Here the board was prepared, smoking
tray laid and all was in order for the games.
l introduced my Austrian friend by an
assumed name-De Strelitz, l think it was
and proposed that, as preliminary, Mr..
Drayton should play game with him. Both
agreed, and l was treated to an exhibition OF
the Austrian's marvellous skill He won the
first game by so narrow margin that MIR.
Drayton was eager for another, convinced
that, but for a slight oversight, he would
have been the victor. The second game
went to Mr. Drayton after prolonged end
game struggle. The third was beautiful
drawn game--and the little preliminary
skirmish was ended with an even score, leav-
ing Mr.. Drayton with settled conviction
that it had been strenuous struggle where
in neither could claim decided advantage.
"You are certainly an excellent player"
said Mr.. Drayton very courteously. you
hardly need the assistance of Mr.. Morphy
himself, or his spirit"
yet replied De Strelitz in his difficult
English, "dere is not player dat from him
could not much inspiration attain"
well, we will not 60 into the spirit land"
answered Mr.. Drayton; "at least, until we
have entered upon our tournament.
"But dere is nobody Directing if | gif de
help to my young friend?' asked De Strelitz.
IL see dnytn1lS 10 OBJECT 10, ii ieI you
know" said Mr.. Drayton. $50 bring on
your dark cabinets and your tambourines
and bells"
a hat not such toy tricks, was the reply
@But | will be blindfold wild dark handker
chief if such is easy come by"
Mr.. Drayton called his daughter, and she
brought a black silk handkerchief.
This was tied over De Strehtz's eyes, and
he took his seat some distance away and
out of sight of the table.
THAT is not necessary" said Mr. Dray-
ton. "You may come and look on. I'll take
my chance with the spirits.
ave have thus practised the seance," re-
sponded De Strelitz, "and l brefer that
my mind be not disturbed by viewing"
"As you like" said Mr.. Drayton. And
now have at you!" and he moved pawn to
kings fourth. Silence ensued; for Mr..
Drayton was a strict devotee, and played
religiously while he played.
UNLESS gave the score of each game
~ and that would mean little to most
readers-I could not show the direful defeat
that the spirit of Paul Morphy' inflicted
upon the struggling Mr.. Drayton. The
moor gentleman hardly made even q gallant