...be more comfortable," said my host.

I did so, and was ashamed to find I had a hole in my sock. I tried to hide it when I doubled my feet under me, but to my embarrassment he pointed at it, smiled, and said: "You believe in ventilation! Good thing --- nothing like fresh air!...Black or white?" --- and he held out his closed hands with two pawns in them. When I had picked white I noticed that the other hand had held a white pawn too.

Now that I sat opposite him I saw that his dark eyes, piercing in their brilliance, were at he same time kindly and sparkling with humor. I was flustered, but in any case no fit player for him. He won easily.

"Nichevo --- no matter," he said. "I hope you will make many occasions to take your revenge." He bowed slightly, spreading his hands to indicate that I would be welcome.