No. 106.
Sheep and Wolf.
This is a very ancient hiding-game. A wolf is chosen by "counting out" or otherwise, who conceals himself, and then indicates that he is ready by howling.
The rest of the party, who are supposed to be sheep, walk round the corner in a casual way, until one calls out, "I spy a wolf," whereupon all immediately take to their heels. Whoever is caught by the wolf before reaching home must take his place for the next turn. This game is nearly identical in most European countries.
New York.
No. 107.
Blank and Ladder.
A boy is selected by the following peculiar counting rhyme:
In came a little man with a white hat;
If you want a pretty girl, pray take that;
Take your choice of one, two, or three,
If you want a pretty girl, pray take she.
Lad after lad being successively excluded, the last remaining is "it," and has to hide himself, when he calls out,
Blank and ladder!