ime!" when both runners must return to
their places in the circle, new ones taking their places.

For large numbers there may be two or more runners and an equal number
of chasers, or the players may be divided into smaller groups.

With various modifications, this game is found in many
countries. As given here, it is of Italian origin.

FOLLOW THE LEADER

_5 to 60 or more players._

_Playground; gymnasium; parlor; schoolroom._

One player, who is especially resourceful or skillful, is chosen as a
leader. The others all form in single file behind him, and imitate
anything that he does. The leader aims to keep the line moving, and
should set particularly hard tasks for them, such as climbing or
vaulting over obstacles, under others, jumping to touch high points or
objects, going through difficult feats, jumping certain distances,
taking a hop, skip, and jump, walking backward, turning around while
walking, walking or running with a book on the head, etc. Any one
failing to perform the required feat drops out of the game or goes to
the foot of the line; or at the pleasure of the players may pay a
forfeit for the failure and continue playing, all forfeits to be
redeemed at the close of the game.

[Illustration: FORCING THE CITY GATES

_Reprinted from Dr. Isaac T. Headland's "The Chinese Boy and Girl," by
kind permission of Messrs. Fleming H. Revell & Co._
]

FORCING THE CITY GATES

_10 to 30 or more players._

_Playground; gymnasium._

Two captains are selected, who alternately choose players until all
are in two groups. The two sides then line up in two straight lines,
facing each other about ten feet apart, and holding hands, each line
representing the gates of a city. The captains dispose their men in
line as they see fit, but it is advisable to alternate the larger or
stronger players with the smaller or weaker ones, to equalize the
strength at the points of attack. The captain of one side then names
one of his players, who steps forward and tries to break through the
hands of the opposing side, or he may dodge under them. If he does not
succeed in one place, he may try in another, but may not have more
than three trials. Should he succeed in breaking the opposing line or
dodging under, he returns to his side, taking the two whose hands had
been parted or evaded, as prisoners to reenforce his side. Should he
fail in the third attempt, he is to remain on the side of his
opponents