"I believe I was under the delusion for a moment."
"But why? There, now it's your turn. Oh, I say!—you're going to move my king."
Denham laughed slightly.
"I am rather a futile opponent, seemingly. Never mind. Now it is your turn."
"What's the matter? Can't you see?"
"Not well; just a headache. Go on; you'll soon end the game at this rate."
Roy showed himself capable of heroism. Though he had never yet beaten Denham in full fight, without having some of his adversary's best pieces presented to him, though the desire of his heart was for a victory, and though he was on the high road to administering checkmate, one more glance decided him. He swept his arm over the board.
Denham half smiled, and made no protest.
"You are a kind fellow," he said, as he went back to his former retreat; and Roy dropped on the floor to pick up the scattered pieces.
"Why didn't you tell me? You'd no business to play. Can't I do anything for you?"