e descended upon him. He pushed forward a man with quick fingers.
"Go ahead."

Uncle William took time. His fingers hovered here and there in loving
calculation. At last he lifted the piece and moved it slowly forward.

"Same move you al'ays make," said Andy, contemptuously.

"Sometimes I beat that way, don't I?"

"And sometimes you don't." Andy shoved forward another piece. The quick
movement expressed scorn of dawdlers.

Uncle William met it mildly. He set his man in place with slow care.

Andy paused. He snorted a little. He bent above the board, knitting his
forehead. His hand reached out and drew back. The fingers reached out
and drew back. The fingers drummed a little on the edge of the board.

Uncle William, leaning forward, a hand on either knee, beamed on him
benignantly.

Andy shifted a little in his chair. "You're going to get into trouble,"
he said warningly, "if you move that way."

"Like enough, like enough. I gen'ally do. Is it my move?"

"No," growled Andy. He returned to the board. The game was on in
earnest. Now and then Andy grunted or moved a leg, and once or twice
Uncle William arose to put more wood into the glowing stove. But he
did it with the gaze of a sleep-walker. Outside the wind had risen and
dashed fiercely against the little house. Neither man lifted his head to
listen. Their hands reached mechanically to the pieces. They jumped men
and placed them one side with impassive faces. The board was clearing
fast. Only seven men remained. Andy moved forward a piece with a swift
flourish. He gave a little growl of triumph.

Uncle William studied the board. At last, with a heavy sigh, he lifted a
piece and moved it cautiously.

Andy made the counter move in triumphant haste. "King," he announced.

Uncle William covered the man, a little smile dawning in his eye. He
looked at the pieces affectionately. A chuckle sounded somewhere in the
room.

Andy looked up quickly. He glanced again at the board. Wrath froze his
gaze.

Uncle William leaned back, nodding at him with genial meaning. A little
conscious triumph flavored the nod.

Andy shoved back from the board. "Well, why don't you take it? Take it
if you're goin' to, and don't set there cackling!"

"Why, Andy!" Uncle William moved the man mildly.

Andy shoved the counter in place with scornful touch.

Uncle William moved again.

Andy got up, looking sternly for his hat.

"Can't you stay to dinner, Andy?"

"No."

"I was g