Draughts Items.

Otago Witness, Issue 1898, 19 June 1890, Page 33

Draughts Items.

Not a Clear Course.— They were playing at draughts in the smokeroom at Thornton's, Huddersfield, and the player of the Black men was moving with the care and circumspection whioh is characteristic ot the gentlemen who come from "The Land o' Oakes." His opponent, who hails from the Farherland, became somewhat wearied, and determined, if possible, to expedite matters. He first remarked that he was puzzling his opponent considerably. '1 hat did not rouse the cautious Scot. Then he observed that he had to leave at a certain time, and added, "My time has nearly expired." But the North-countryman continued to peer at the board, and went on with his calculations undisturbed. Feeling that something more forcible must bo done if play was to proceed with reasonable speed, the player of the White men rang the bell, and calmly waited for a response. Directly in camea waitress. "Will you please to light the gas," said he. as, pipe in hand, he leaned back in his chair. " Eh." queried the waitress, much astonished, for the gloaming was yet distant. " Please to light the gas," was again the requesb. " Why do you want ffie gas lighting?" asked the waitress, who, like the spentators, could see no reason for such an act. " I want the gas lighting," sedately replied the second player, albeit a siulle played around his lips, and his eyes twinkled merrily, " I want the gas lighting because my opponent can't see his move." The laugh that followed completely routed the Onlcnonian.and for the rest of the con( e»t play went along at a moderate pace.-'- Leeds Meroury.