Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 17, 1906.djvu/388

 172

Collectanea,

crossing strings which conceal the procedure. The other trick in its simple form does not seem to be a trick at all, but only a hitch for a slip-knot. That it has some connection with Kebe mokeis is probable enough. If it is called " Mouse " the connection becomes almost certain. But looked on as hitches or figures of any description, I should imagine them different to this extent at least, that a person might continue to use one without ever thinking of the other.

The Mended Ends.

Make a figure of 8 with the loop by crossing the strings. Lay it down. Take up the under string close on either side of the crossing, so as to lift the upper string with it. Bring

Fig. 26.

the two limbs of the under string together in the hand and lift the whole loop. With the thumb and index of one hand conceal the link in the strings by holding them at this point (Fig. 26). With the other thumb and index grasp the strings half a centimetre distant. Invite another person to cut the strings in the short part between the points where they are

Fig. 27.

held. When cut show the four free ends and put them to the mouth (Fig. 27). With the mouth detach the small piece of