A HEAD AT STAKE.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 32, 12 January 1884, Page 7

A HEAD AT STAKE.

Among the most sanguinary j£men whd ruled France during the hrst great French Revolution was Maximilian Robespierre* whose mere name made everybody shudder. Very jjroud, not only in public, but in private affairs, he was always boasting that iiobody could beat him at chess-playing. Nobody could, indeed, because his adversaries knew that his winning ttf a game might be the loss df their head. One evening, after he had won several games at his favourite pursuit, the door was opened} and a very delicate youth came in, who sat down in the cafe* over dg*inst the always unbeaten player. Without renioving his broad hat, the new adversary operied with a Kuy Lop6z. Robespierre", with a scornful and cruel smile, accepted the 1 challenge. But, after a few moves, he* perceived tHat his oppdrient was no despicable one j and he tried to bewilder him by some unusual play. But a"ll was no use. Scarcely half-an-hour had elapsed befotfd the, young champion said gently, with a smild : " Checkmate !" '* Robespierre" looked wild atid threatening. In a vefy low voice, he hissed i "Revenge i" ,- They re'sitm'ed the game 1 * faut with the same result; There fell an awful sildncp in the roota, while Robespierre gnawed his t fingers till the blood ran^ dnd choking With

rage, gasped? " Well • you are the Wimer; what wua the stake, by thy way?" "The head 'of Young Count— -Me is to r> "sent 10 the guillotine to-morrow, but now L require -you giVe me a cerlific ilo of citiMiship for him, so as I can go And liberate him," . "Not I! liberate an arldlo., indeed ! pai) • ' " if yc\i do riot, all the world will kriow from me that Eobespierre has been beaten | at ciiess ana will ,not pay the stuko." The eyes of the winner was sparkling with defiance ; those of the defeated man flashing with spite. ••Here is what you exact," muttered the tyrant. " But who are Citizen ?" '• You should more properly say ! Citizeness !" The broad hat was put off and long curly hair was seen undulating around a lovely young maiden's face. "I am bethrothed to my stake ! Thanks—farewell I"