The leader holds a pebble between the palms of his hands. The others are grouped about him, each with hands extended, palm to palm. The leader then passes his hands between those of the players. No one can tell where he leaves the pebble, until some one guesses where it is. Each player has a turn. The one receiving the pebble is chased by the others. If he succeeds in getting to the leader and giving the pebble to him before he is caught, he can return to his place; otherwise he changes place with the leader.
HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON?
The players, being divided into two lines, stand facing each other, with a distance of about twelve feet between them. The lines pair off, and take hold of hands all along the line.
A dialogue takes place between the lines, the players in a line speaking in unison. As this is done, they swing their arms and rock backward and forward from one foot to another, keeping time to the rhythm of the words, as follows:
"How many miles to Babylon?"
"Three score and ten."
"Will we be there by candle light?"
"Yes, and back again."
"Open your gates and let us through."
"Not without a beck (courtesy) and a boo (bow)."