keeps one constantly on the alert. Any number may join in this game, and all, except one, must be provided with hoops and sticks. Decide who shall be “It” by some counting-out rhyme—such as
High peg, low peg,
Mary and Ann,
Tom, Dick and Harry,
Jim and Dan,
Roly Poly, cod and trout,
Stingelium, Stangelium,
You are out!—
This important person has a stick, but no hoop. From some particular starting-point determine the distance the players may roll their hoops before “It” is permitted to follow. The distance is optional—eight yards or so would do, the place being designated by a house, tree or fence, as the case may be, and made plain to all by “It” saying, “I'll stand here and give you all a chance to reach that tree”—or whatever the object may be—“before I follow.” At the signal, “Are you ready? Go!” from “It,” all except “It” start rolling their hoops in the same direction. As soon as the first player reaches the tree “It” calls out, “Coming!” and immediately follows. The other players hearing the word “coming” scatter in all directions while “It” endeavors to strike someone’s hoop with her stick. When she succeeds the captive surrenders the hoop to “It,” who scampers away with her prize to join the others. The loser, instantly becoming “It,” starts in pursuit of the nearest hoop. She cannot, however, strike the hoop she has just lost until the player has had time to run several yards beyond her reach. The game continues until each player has been “It.”
When at the circus, has not everyone seen the clown and other members of the sawdust ring jump boldly through a hoop held in the air? They perform the feat with such skill that it looks very simple, but it is less easy than it appears.