Why for a hundred?
Would it not be sufficient to stake them for fifty ?" "No.

What would be the use of fifty?
Nevertheless, for the hundred roubles I will throw in a moderately old puppy, or else a gold seal and watch-chain." "Very well," assented Chichikov.
"Then how many moves are you going to allow me ?" "Is THAT to be part of the bargain?
Why, none, of course." "At least allow me two." "No, none.

I myself am only a poor player." "_I_ know you and your poor play," said Nozdrev, moving a chessman.
"In fact, it is a long time since last I had a chessman in my hand," replied Chichikov, also moving a piece.
"Ah! _I_ know you and your poor play," repeated Nozdrev, moving a second chessman.
"I say again that it is a long time since last I had a chessman in my hand." And Chichikov, in his turn, moved.
"Ah! _I_ know you and your poor play," repeated Nozdrev, for the third time as he made a third move.

At the same moment the cuff of one of his sleeves happened to dislodge another chessman from its position.
"Again, I say," said Chichikov, "that 'tis a long time since last--But hi! look here! Put that piece back in its place!" "What piece ?" "This one." And almost as Chichikov spoke he saw a third chessman coming into view between the queens.

God only knows whence that chessman had materialised.
"No, no!" shouted Chichikov as he rose from the table.