"Good evening, Martin." Tlingel turned away from the board. "Theplace looks a little better. Could use some music... ."

Martin stepped behind the bar and switched on the transistor radiohe had brought along. The sounds of a string quartet filled the air.Tlingel winced.

"Hardly in keeping with the atmosphere of the place."

He changed stations, locating a country and western show.

"I think not," Tlingel said. "It loses something intransmission."

He turned it off.

"Have we a good supply of beverage?"

Martin drew a gallon stein of beer—the largest mug that he couldlocate, from a novelty store—and set it upon the bar. He filled amuch smaller one for himself. He was determined to get the beastdrunk if it were at all possible.

"Ah! Much better than those little cans," said Tlingel, whosemuzzle dipped for but a moment. "Very good."

The mug was empty. Martin refilled it.

"Will you move it to the table for me?"

"Certainly."

"Have an interesting month?"

"I suppose I did."

"You've decided upon your next move?"

"Yes."

"Then let's get on with it."

Martin seated himself and captured the Pawn.

"Hm. Interesting."

Tlingel stared at the board for a long while, then raised a clovenhoof which parted in reaching for the piece.

"I'll just take that Bishop with this little Knight. Now Isupposed you'll be wanting another month to make up your mind what todo next."

Tlingel leaned to the side and drained the mug.

"Let me consider it," Martin said, "while I get you a refill."

Martin sat and stared at the board through three more refills.Actually, he was not planning. He was waiting. His response to Grendhad been Knight takes Bishop, and he had Grend's next move ready.

"Well?" Tlingel finally said. "What do you think?"

Martin took a small sip of beer.