They would sometimes, in the summer, bring as a present
the strong, intoxicating KOUMYSS in big quartern bottles, while at
Bairam they would invite him to eat a suckling colt with them. No
matter how improbable it may seem, still, Soloviev at critical
moments gave away for safe-keeping certain books and brochures to
the Tartars. He would say at this with the most simple and
significant air: "That which I am giving you is a Great Book. It
telleth, that Allah Akbar, and that Mahomet is his prophet, that
there is much evil and poverty on earth, and that men must be
merciful and just to each other."
He also had two other abilities: he read aloud very well; and
played at chess amazingly, like a master, like a downright genius,
defeating first-class players in jest. His attack was always
impetuous and rigorous; his defense wise and cautious, preferably
in an oblique direction; his concessions to his opponent full of
refined, far-sighted calculation and murderous craftiness. With
this, he made moves as though under the influence of some inner
instinct, or inspiration; not pondering for more than four or five
seconds and resolutely despising the respected traditions.
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