Chapter 7 Summary

Kronsteen is about to win the chess game that will make him Champion of Moscow. Kronsteen's opponent only has three minutes left on his game clock and no moves that will aid him in winning the match. However, before the three minutes is up, a man comes into the room with a message for Kronsteen. The match is placed on hold for a few minutes while Kronsteen reads the message. Kronsteen knows it is his duty to leave the match at that moment and respond to the message since it is from General G, his boss at SMERSH, but he decides to allow the match to end. When the match is ended, Kronsteen humbly accepts his title and leaves the room.

When Kronsteen arrives at General G's office, he is interrogated over his decision not to leave the match. Kronsteen makes up a...