a pocket-handkerchief, or, if more than four want to play, with a
table-cloth or small sheet. Each person takes hold of the cloth; the
leader of the game holds it with the left hand, while with the right
he makes pretense of writing on the cloth while he says: "Here we go
round by the rule of contrary. When I say 'Hold fast,' let go; and
when I say 'Let go,' hold fast." The leader then calls out one or
other of the commands, and the rest must do the opposite, of what he
says. Any one who fails must pay a forfeit.

* * * * *

SIMON SAYS

Seat yourselves in a circle and choose one of the company to be the
leader, or Simon. His duty is to order all sorts of different things
to be done, the funnier the better, which must be obeyed only when the
order begins with "Simon says." As, for instance, "Simon says: 'Thumbs
up!'" which, of course, all obey; then perhaps comes: "Thumbs down!"
which should not be obeyed, because the order did not commence with
"Simon says."

Each time this rule is forgotten a forfeit must be paid. "Hands over
eyes," "Stamp the right foot," "Pull the left ear," etc., are the kind
of orders to be given.

* * * * *

THE BIRD-CATCHER

To play this game you must first decide which one of you is to be the