Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 1887.djvu/67

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A game of a very different character, which pleases young children. The child stands before a hassock, and as if he were going up stairs; he puts on it first his right and then his left foot, gradually quickening his steps, keeping time to the words:—

This ends the games in which children of both sexes join. I must next give those exclusively for boys. I will begin by a very old one.

Is a game usually played with marbles; one boy puts his hand into his trousers pocket and takes out as many marbles as he feels inclined; he closes his fingers over them, and holds out his hand with the palm down to the opposite player, saying, "Ship sail, sail fast. How many men on board?" A guess is made by his opponent; if less he has to give as many marbles as will make up the true number; if more, as many as he said over. But should the guess be correct he takes them, and then in his turn says "Ship sail," &c.

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Is another game of chance, and is generally played by three boys in the following way. One stands with his back to a wall, the second stoops down with his head agamst the stomach of the first boy, "forming a back," the third jumps on it, and holds up his hand with the fingers distended, saying,—

Should the stooper guess correctly, they all change places and the jumper forms the back. Another and not such a rough way of playing this game is for the guesser to stand with his face towards a wall, keeping his eyes shut.