CHAPTER XIII.
IN THE PLAYING FIELDS
Nickie, Nickie, Night.—Before the period when lucifer matches came into general usage and were manufactured at a moderate price, our grandparents relied on the flint, the steel, and the tinder-box to produce fire. These implements have been very completely dealt with by various writers and illustrators, who have given us some idea of the importance they were to every household.
To the student, and to the curious who desire a more tangible acquaintance, we may remark that a very fine collection of tinder-boxes, flints, and steels can be seen both at the British Museum and at the Guildhall Museum of the City of London.
A very favourite boys’ game, in the earlier part of the nineteenth century, which necessitated the possession of at least a flint and steel, the game being played in the after-dark of evening, was somewhat similar to the modern game of “Touch.” The game was called “Nickie, Nickie, Night,” and admitted any number of players. A boy was elected to the position of “Nickie,” and he could only retain this position by fleetness of foot and dexterity in avoiding his pursuers, the pursuers being formed by the remaining number of players. The game was played in any open locality, and “Nickie” being allowed a start of perhaps thirty to forty seconds, disappeared into the darkness, shouts of “Nickie! Nickie! Night! show your light! show your light!” resounding from the waiting boys, whereupon Nickie struck a few sparks from his flint and steel, indicating to the others his position; these at once tore off in his direction; while he, as quickly and silently as possible, changed his locality to elude capture. Having baffled his pursuers, Nickie would, if a good player, again quickly chink flint and steel, drawing off the boys in a new direction; and so the game would continue amidst the greatest excitement, fun, and laughter; Nickie, like a Will-o’-the-Wisp, darting here, there, and everywhere, greeted with shouts of “Nickie! Nickie! Night! show your light!” until, being ultimately captured, he gave way to a new Nickie, and took his place amongst the pursuers.
Our illustrations of flint and tinder-box are selected from numerous patterns; in many cases—older readers will probably remember the immense variety of these—the tinder-box was round, and the steel consisted of an old file stuck in a wooden handle, the flint being frequently picked up from among the stones in the roadway.
How to make a Kite.—Take a lath, A, B, which should be three feet long and about an inch wide. One of the ordinary laths used by builders will be quite suitable if one of the lighter ones is selected, and if care is taken to choose a straight one. Next take a cane or other piece of light flexible wood, and bind the centre of it tightly at the point G an inch below A. Bend the cane into a semi-circle and connect C and D with string. If this has been done properly the distance from C to D will be two feet. Now connect D B C with string and the frame will be ready.
Many years ago it was possible to cover a kite with ordinary newspaper, but the paper that is used now is not strong enough, and it is better to use calico. Place the frame upon the calico and cut round the frame with scissors, not close to the frame, but leaving a margin of calico. Turn this over string and cane and stitch it in position. This may be done with a sewing machine. At E midway between H G bore a hole with a pricker, and another at F, which is the same distance from H as E is. String a foot long should connect E and F, and this is kept in position by having knotted ends so that the ends cannot pass through the holes at E and F. This string will not be tight, but will hang loosely. At C and D tassels about eight inches long may be fixed.