* *
THE HUNTSMAN
One person represents the huntsman, the other players call themselves
after some part of the huntsman's belongings; for instance, one is the
cap, another the horn, others the powder-flask, gun, whip, etc.
A number of chairs are arranged in the middle of the room, and there
must be one chair less than the number of players, not counting the
huntsman.
The players then seat themselves round the room, while the huntsman
stands in the center and calls for them one at a time, in this way:
"Powder-flask!" At once "Powder-flask" rises and takes hold of the
huntsman's coat.
"Cap," "Gun," "Shot," "Belt," the huntsman cries; each person who
represents these articles must rise and take hold of the player
summoned before him, until at length the huntsman has a long line
behind him. He then begins to run round the chairs, until he suddenly
cries: "Bang!" when the players must sit down. Of course, as there are
not sufficient chairs, one player will be left standing and he must
pay a forfeit. The huntsman is not changed throughout the game, unless
he grows tired, when he may change places with one of the others.
* * * * *
HOT BOILED BEANS AND BACON
This is a game for young children. Some small article is hidden in the
room, while the little one who has to find it is sent outside. This
finished, the players call out together: "Hot Boiled Beans and Bacon;
it's hidden and can be taken." The little one enters and begins
to hunt about for the hidden article. When she comes near to its
hiding-place, the company tell her that she is getting "hot"; or, if
she is not near it, she is told that she is "cold." That she is "very
hot" or "very cold," will denote that she is very near of very far
away from the object that is hidden; while if she is extremely near,
she would be told that she was "burning." In this way the hidden
object can be found, and all the children can be interested in the
game by being allowed to call out whether the little one is "hot" or
"cold."
* * * * *
"MY MASTER BIDS YOU DO AS I DO."
For all those children who are fond of a little exercise, no better
game than this can be chosen. When the chairs are placed in order
round the room, the first player commences by saying: "My master bids
you do as I do," at the same time working away with the right hand as
if hammering at his knees. The second player then asks: "W
|