Twenty-four or more players form a circle of pairs with space enough between the players (who stand closely one behind the other, facing the center of the circle) to allow the runners to turn and run in all directions. Two players on the outside of the circle and at a distance from each other begin the game. One of these is called the “tagger,” the other is “It.” She tries to tag “It” before she can secure a place in front of any of the pairs forming the circle. If she succeeds, the player who has been tagged then becomes the “tagger” and the former “tagger” tries to secure a place in front of some pair. But whenever the runner (the player pursued) has succeeded in getting in front of a pair before being tagged, then the hindmost (the last or third in the respective rank) must take to her heels and seek to evade the unsuccessful “tagger,” who now turns her attention to the runner. In trying to evade a tagger the successive player may run in any direction, either left or right, outside the circle, but not pass in front of any one rank to another rank in such a manner as to induce wrong starts. A hindmost player may also form in front of his own rank, making the second player in such rank hindmost or “third.” The play is always directed against the third or last of a rank, two players being the number limited to each place.
(When numbers of players in the beginning are too large the circle may be formed by rows or ranks of threes, instead of twos or pairs.)
Expert players may form several circles and run from circle to circle, two pairs playing simultaneously. The above play may be varied in a number of ways.
Chasing an Owl
Another good stalking game is chasing the owl. This is done in thick woods where one Scout represents the owl hooting at intervals and then moving to one side for a distance. Each pursuer when seen is called out of the game, and the owl, if a real good one, may get safely back to her stump.
Turkey and Wildcat
This is played by the turkey blindfolded “going to roost” in some place where there are plenty of twigs or dry leaves to crack and rustle. At the first sound the turkey jumps. If not then within reach of one wildcat, she is safe and another wildcat has a chance. This is sometimes very laughable for the turkey being blindfolded may jump right on the wildcat.
Walking the Plank
Lay on the ground a couple of boards edgewise with an apple or small prize on the ground at the end of the board for the Brownie who can walk the plank, squat or stoop and pick up the prize, turn round and bring it safely back again.
(This practice is most valuable in producing concentration of mind and action—the effort of body-balance develops mental balance.)