The archbishop, on his return, stopped at the same town, and
could not help going in search of the chess-player, whom he found
engaged as before, when the following dialogue ensued:--
Abp. 'How has the chance stood since we met before?'
Str. 'Sometimes for me--sometimes against me. I have lost and
won.'
Abp. 'Are you at play now?'
Str. 'Yes, sir. We have played several games to-day.'
Abp. 'Who wins?'
Str. 'The advantage is on my side. The game is just over. I
have a fine stroke--check-mate-- there it is.'
Abp. 'How much have you won?'
Str. 'Five hundred guineas.'
Abp. 'That is a large sum. How are you to he paid?'
Str. 'God always sends some good rich man when I win, and YOU
are the person. He is remarkably punctual on these occasions.'
The archbishop had received a considerable sum on that day, as
the stranger knew; and so, producing a pistol by way of receipt,
he compelled the delivery of it. His Grace now discovered that
he had been the dupe of a thief; and though he had greatly
bruited his first adventure, he prudently kept his own counsel in
regard to the last.
Such is the tale. Se non e vero e ben trovato.
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