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You guess you shouldn't be surprise that this was the reeve's ploy all along. It always seems to come down to silver with him. Yes, you agree that a man living on borrowed bread is a slave to charity, but your uncle is merely paying off a debt he owes your father. The boat will run better with two pairs of hands and seeing your a man short now, and your uncle has some experience, it seemed the most expedient choice. The reeve's eyes are on the board for most of your speech. Finally, he makes a move and waits for your response. It's a blunder, as far as you can tell, and you capture the piece he has just moved, not having any choice.
However, after a sequence of captures on both sides, you realize that it was a sacrifice in order to jump several pieces, clear the way, and make a king. The game seems lost but before it can fully conclude you arrive at your destination. The reeve does not say anything regarding the game, merely giving you that meaningful look again and passing the checker he had sacrificed through his fingers over and over. He says he will take you at your word and let the rents remain as they are, but come end of season, he expects you to "do better". He'll even help you find someone new if need be. And if any damage does come to the boat on account of your uncle's indiscretion, "be it on your head". And he taps his newly made king upon the board.
What did not see, however, is what would have been your next move: a simple diagonal move by one of your normal pieces that would have trapped his king and left him with no good alternative. You don't make it. It is enough to know that you could have.
You walk the rest of the way home and midway on the road you are accosted by two little boys, twins, urchins, orphans, that are something like wards to Mabel. In exchange for food, lodging, and the occasional word of affection, they serve as her henchmen,. They come now to summon you to their lady's house. She has a bone to pick with you.
You decide to:
>Head home, it's been a long day and you are weary
>Get this over with and meet with her
>Have them take your message to her in your stead
>Write-in
