Both runner and chaser may dash through the circle, but may not pause for a moment within the circle, except when the runner claims refuge in front of some couple. When players are inclined to confuse the play by hesitating while running through the circle, this privilege of running through is sometimes forbidden, all the chasing being confined to the outside of the circle.
VARIATION.—This game may be varied by having the players who form the circle stand face to face, with a distance of one long step between each two, instead of all facing toward the center of the circle. In this form of the game the runner takes refuge between the two forming the couple, the one toward whom his back is turned being the third man. Both runner and chaser may run between the two circles of players.
This may be made one of the jolliest games possible, and also one of the best for making slow and dull players alert and active. The author has seen many a class of slow-minded children waken to much quicker mental action as well as greater physical agility by this game. For adult players it may be thoroughly delightful. The writer recalls a class of adult business men in a Y. M. C. A. gymnasium who resorted even to leapfrog tactics in the strenuous sport they put into this game.
TOMMY TIDDLER'S GROUND
5 to 30 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium.
The ground is divided by a line into two equal parts. One of these belongs to Tommy Tiddler, who stands on his side of the line and may not cross it. All of the other players are on the other side of the line, and venture across the line into Tommy Tiddler's ground, taunting him with the remark,—
"I'm on Tommy Tiddler's ground,
Picking up gold and silver!"
Tommy may tag any one on his ground, and any one so tagged changes places with him. The players will learn to add to the interest of the game by venturing as near Tommy Tiddler as possible and being very tantalizing in inducing him to run after them. Tommy Tiddler, on his part, will find opportunity for considerable finesse, such as in appearing to give his attention entirely to one player, then suddenly turning and dashing for another.