A short, quiet time with jack-stones, played with small stones found on the ground, will allow of sufficient rest before participating in the exhilarating sport of
"Menagerie."
In this choose a keeper, whose duty it is to give the name of a different animal to each player. Then all must form in line for the grand march. Headed by the keeper, the procession twists and winds through the trees, this way and that, returning soon to the starting-point, when all join hands, forming a circle around the keeper who is then blindfolded. The circle spins merrily around until the keeper calls out "Jungle," the signal for all the players to shout in chorus, each one giving the cry of the animal he represents. After that they stand perfectly still. The keeper next calls to one of the animals to enter the cage. The player named must break from the circle and, standing within the ring, gently give the cry peculiar to the animal represented, at the same time changing his position so that the keeper may not be able to catch him, as the latter tries to do, guided by the cry. If the keeper succeeds at the first trial, the two change places, and the game commences over again, but without the march. Should the keeper not be able to catch the animal in his first attempt, the bandage must be removed from his eyes, and the circle standing clasping hands and elevating them high in air, give space for the animal to dart out of the cage, followed by the keeper. In and out of the circle they run, going not more than three times around the ring; if in that time the keeper does not succeed in capturing his game, he must again be blindfolded and stand in the middle of the ring while the game continues. If captured, the animal becomes the keeper and the keeper the animal.
Only a short while will remain before it will be time for returning home, a few moments more for tumbling about close to Nature; then comes the ride back home in the big wagon filled with gay and happy girls and boys.
CHAPTER XXX
A PAPER CHASE
FUN! Why what can compare with it? The clear frosty air is full of life, the blood is rushing tumultuously through your veins and your feet are tingling to be off on the chase. It is healthful, it is inspiring, it is glorious fun. You must think, too, in order to be successful either as hare or hound, for the object of each is to outwit the other, and Paper Chase is a game that requires the use of brains as well as muscle.