child about to weep. The tightly closed lips were thrust forward, there was
a dropsical swelling in the cheeks, and the eyelids too were swollen.
The session began almost on schedule, at seven minutes past ten. Today
again a mist turned to heavy rain. Then, presently, the sky was brighter
from downstream.
White 88, the sealed play, was opened. Otaké played Black 89 at forty-
eight minutes past the hour. Noon came, an hour and a half passed, and still
the Master had not decided on White 90. In great physical discomfort, he
took an extraordinary two hours and seven minutes for the play. The whole
time he sat bolt upright. The swelling seemed to leave his face. Finally it
was decided to recess for lunch.
The usual one-hour recess was extended to two hours, in the course of
which the Master was examined.
Otaké reported that he too was indisposed. His digestion was troubling
him. He was taking three stomach medicines and a medicine to prevent
fainting as well. He had been known to faint during a match.
“It usually happens when I’m playing badly, when I’m running out of
time, and when I’m not feeling well,” he said. “He insists on playing. I
would as soon not, myself.”
