"When we were finished, our host's manner changed. He was again the Professor. In clear-cut sarcastic words he stated that in five minutes he would be in the algebra room, and would expect particularly well prepared papers.
"The remembrance of that feast thrills me yet. Oh, how we recoiled before him!" and the boy seemed to tremble and shrink while he talked. "Yes, that feast will keenly and uncomfortably thrill me always."
The boy having ended, looked gayly up at the driver, and was surprised to see how pained he looked. The man had believed every word, and could scarcely understand what was meant when he was told that the story was all imagination, that it never really happened, but was only made up to tell while his twig burned.
However, the man soon heartily laughed, and then asked, "Wha'd ye play next?" And so interested was he in hearing the merry games that he did his best to delay his horses so as not to miss too many of them.
The first that the boy explained was "The Fortunate Apple." On several pieces of wood, thin as paper, write in ink or paint girls' names. Use only first names, and, after including all the girls to be invited, make up others. Slip each name into an apple. This set will do for the boys; make similar ones for the girls. Fill three portable tubs with water, and set an even number of apples floating in each tub. Fasten the arms of three boys securely back, and cover them entirely with water-proof cloaks. Lead each boy to a tub and ask him to repeat distinctly,
"Witches and wizards and birds of the air,
Goblins and brownies, all lend me your care,
Now to choose wisely for once and for all,
And ever your names in praise loudly I'll call."
Then each boy must put his head down and try to catch in his teeth an apple. In it he'll find the name of one of the girls present, and she will be his fate. If the name is a strange one, there will even then be teasing enough for him. After the boys have all tried the game, then it is time for the girls.
Lead a girl up to a tub and blindfold her; lead her around while she repeats the rhyme, and with the words "loudly I call," she must bend down and try to catch in one hand an apple, or, if she prefers, she may try to spear an apple with a fork. If the latter way, only one drop of the fork will be allowed. If it sticks far enough in an apple not to fall altogether, her fate is sure.
