Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/105

 "What was that move?" I inquired, replacing the pieces. "That is excellent," said I, after careful study of the indicated move, "stronger, even, than that suggested by me. I am really afraid"—

"Do not say there is no hope!" said Ialma, with mingled feelings of pleasure at my praise of Olay's play, and dismay at the prospect of inglorious defeat. "Reva will feel greatly mortified."

Had she, with a woman's insight, already perceived that Reva was a name she could employ on me to conjure with? At all events, I studied the situation with renewed attention. I was, besides, anxious, in my peculiar position, to stand well in at least one subject, and that, as it seemed, of general interest. Yet there seemed but one possible issue to the contest. Regretfully I rose, to announce this as my decision, when, as I stood giving a last look to the board, the solving idea suddenly flashed upon me. Yes,—the apparently insignificant advance of that pawn would convert defeat into victory.

"You see some way?" said Ialma, who had approached to learn my decision, and marked the expression on my countenance as I reseated myself.

I was about to reply, when something caused me to look up. There, in the doorway, stood Reva, her lips parted in eager expectation.

"You have succeeded!" she exclaimed, as she advanced into the apartment, and took her stand beside Ialma.

"I think so," said I quietly. "Have you any notion as to what the next move will be?"

"I think I have tried over every feasible move," was