Some took the chessmen, others the cards, while the girls, curious about the future, chose to put questions to a _Wheel of Fortune_.
"Come, Senor Ibarra," called Capitan Basilio in merry mood, "we have a lawsuit fifteen years old, and there isn't a judge in the Audiencia who can settle it.

Let's see if we can't end it on the chess-board." "With the greatest pleasure," replied the youth.

"Just wait a moment, the alferez is leaving." Upon hearing about this match all the old men who understood chess gathered around the board, for it promised to be an interesting one, and attracted even spectators who were not familiar with the game.

The old women, however, surrounded the curate in order to converse with him about spiritual matters, but Fray Salvi apparently did not consider the place and time appropriate, for he gave vague answers and his sad, rather bored, looks wandered in all directions except toward his questioners.
The chess-match began with great solemnity.

"If this game ends in a draw, it's understood that the lawsuit is to be dropped," said Ibarra.
In the midst of the game Ibarra received a telegram which caused his eyes to shine and his face to become pale.