The Argosy — page 89: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

76 Checkmate in Ten Moves. ‘‘Observe, M. le Maire,” I said, “that up to this point no pieces have fallen but the four pawns. My author tells me that White, aiver the last move, bent down over the board and suddenly looked up again, with his eyes so full of mischief that everybody was sure something was coming.” ‘It is a fine position for both parties,” said the Maire, whose interest had been deepening with every move; ‘still, I cannot ——” ‘““Wa:t for two steps further.” White. Black. iz. Q. to 4th sq. before royalsq. K. Kt. P.1 sq, 1). Q. B. takes K. B. P. Kt. takes B. ‘At this point, we are told, White stifled a laugh, leaned his elbows on the table, and coolly observed, ‘‘ Nine moves more, and then checkmate !” There was silence ; my own excitement had by this time brought on such burning thirst that I was glad of a respite. M. le Curé shut up his snuff-box with a snap, declaring that he should not sleep if he looked on any more. Would Madame favour him with a quiet game at something more suitable to an old man’s wits? Eleanor complied at once, and they were soon safely ensconced in a corner where she, at least, could see nothing; and I turned to ask Mariette if she would make me a‘glass of lemonade? She rose with most amiable alacrity, and disappeared, unmarked by M. le Maire, whose eyes were fixed on the position before him. ‘Well, M. le Maire,” I said at last; ‘“‘shall I proceed?” ‘“* Mademoiselle, it will be afavour. My brain reels with the amount of calculation required.” ‘Then here is the first move.” White. - 20. Q. takes Kt. ‘One moment, Mademoiselle!” he said, eagerly; “I think I see something that might help the defence.” I asked nothing better than to see him thoroughly lost in his fascinating study; and waited in silence till he looked up at me, with a gleam of triumph. ‘/ should do this, in Black’s place.” B. to 4th of W. Q.'s B., giving check to Q. and R. “Just so,” I returned, ‘and when that move was made, White’s opponents were exulting at his expense, while he only looked grimly good-humoured.” At this moment I heard the key turn in the sitting-room up stairs. “Vou will see how he must have foreseen, and preparea for it, by the secona move.” 21. Q. to 3rd sq. before B. K. R.’ssq. B. takes R. “Of course,” said the Maire. ‘Allow me to think the matter over a little.” ; com (>) eDOOKSEEO