Should the ride be more than a mile or two, the way may be beguiled with gay songs and choruses, or games in which all may join while sitting quietly in their places. Such a game is the old one
"Simon Says."
It is played with the hands only; each person doubles up his right hand, resting it on his lap and allowing his thumb to stand erect ([Fig. 562]). When all are in position the leader calls out: "Simon says 'Thumbs down,'" at the same time turning his thumb downward ([Fig. 563]). All follow his example; then comes the bidding "Thumbs up," and many will resume the first position before they realize that the leader omitted to prefix the order with "Simon says." Therein lies the catch, for no command must be obeyed unless it comes from Simon.
Fig. [563].—Simon says "Thumbs down."
Fig. [564].—Simon says "Wiggle waggle."
The leader proceeds with "Simon says, 'Thumbs up,'" then up must go all thumbs, and when "Simon says 'Wiggle waggle,'" all move their thumbs from side to side while the hand rests in position ([Fig. 564])—dotted lines show the swing of the thumb. If any neglect to do so it counts one against him; next comes the order "Stop"; the thumbs continuing to wag, the leader calls "Simon says 'Thumbs stop.'" The leader may command a change in the position and movement of the hand and thumb according to his fancy, but the hand cannot be unclasped nor the thumb folded down during the game. Three failures count the player out, and he must then content himself with watching the others until the play ends. The leader, being privileged, follows all directions in order to confuse the others. The game is short, consisting of ten commands from the leader. It may be played with sides, the group dividing into two parties; the young people at one end of the wagon form one side, while those at the other end constitute the other side. The party losing fewest players wins the game.
Another interesting amusement, easily played as the wagon rolls along, is the