“Yes, let us play,” I answered, and we continued the game. My apparent resignation to my fate had completely disarmed the suspicions of the men, and they were grouped about the table watching the fall of the cards. An hour passed, and nine o’clock sounded from Notre Dame. It was time to act.
“Come, M. Bernin,” I said, yawning and throwing down the cards, “this is growing wearisome. I know a better game than this. Let me explain it to you.” I picked up the piece of chalk and glanced around at the walls. “My bedroom is the best place,” I said. “Come with me,” and I caught up one of the candles and led the way. Bernin followed me.
“The game,” I said, “is called ‘Prisoner’s Chase,’ and may be played in a number of ways. The one which I am about to show you is, however, the best.” I held the candle in one hand and drew a diagram on the wall with the other. “You will observe,” I continued, “the board is in the form of a cross, and at the upper end of the cross is the stronghold, or fortress. Within this fortress is the prisoner. Without it are six guards,” and I rapidly indicated their positions.
“Yes, yes,” said Bernin. “I find the game interesting.”
“You will find it more so before it is ended,” I said. “The guards are limited to moving in straight lines and only one base at a time. The prisoner, on the contrary, like the queen in chess, can move the whole length of the board if necessary. The problem is for the prisoner to compel the six guards to enter the castle, in order to avoid capture, while he himself escapes. If he cannot do this he loses.”
“I understand,” said Bernin. “The prisoner has need to use his brain. A charming game.”
I glanced over my shoulder and saw that two of the other guards had entered the room and were watching my diagram with interest.
“Let us now play the game,” I said. “The guards are drawn up in a line across one end of the board. The prisoner is within the castle. If they can advance in an unbroken line to the castle wall they cut off all possibility of escape and the prisoner loses. They advance to the attack. Ah, but see, they have left a break in the line. The prisoner sees it. He has been waiting this opportunity. He swoops out. This man must either retreat or be taken. He retreats. He is within the castle. Once in he cannot get out. The prisoner has now only five men against him.”
Another of the guards had entered the room and was watching the game.
“Again the guards advance,” I continued. “Again they leave a space, since they cannot all move together. A moment and the prisoner has a second captive,” and I illustrated the word with the action.