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THE HUNTSMAN

One person represents the huntsman, the other players call themselves after some part of the huntsman’s belongings; for instance, one is the cap, another the horn, others the powder-flask, gun, whip, etc.

A number of chairs are arranged in the middle of the room, and there must be one chair less than the number of players, not counting the huntsman.

The players then seat themselves round the room, while the huntsman stands in the center and calls for them one at a time, in this way:  “Powder-flask!” At once “Powder-flask” rises and takes hold of the huntsman’s coat.

“Cap,” “Gun,” “Shot,” “Belt,” the huntsman cries; each person who represents these articles must rise and take hold of the player summoned before him, until at length the huntsman has a long line behind him.  He then begins to run round the chairs, until he suddenly cries:  “Bang!” when the players must sit down.  Of course, as there are not sufficient chairs, one player will be left standing and he must pay a forfeit.  The huntsman is not changed throughout the game, unless he grows tired, when he may change places with one of the others.

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HOT BOILED BEANS AND BACON

This is a game for young children.  Some small article is hidden in the room, while the little one who has to find it is sent outside.  This finished, the players call out together:  “Hot Boiled Beans and Bacon; it’s hidden and can be taken.”  The little one enters and begins to hunt about for the hidden article.  When she comes near to its hiding-place, the company tell her that she is getting “hot”; or, if she is not near it, she is told that she is “cold.”  That she is “very hot” or “very cold,” will denote that she is very near of very far away from the object that is hidden; while if she is extremely near, she would be told that she was “burning.”  In this way the hidden object can be found, and all the children can be interested in the game by being allowed to call out whether the little one is “hot” or “cold.”

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“My master bids you do as I do.”

For all those children who are fond of a little exercise, no better game than this can be chosen.  When the chairs are placed in order round the room, the first player commences by saying:  “My master bids you do as I do,” at the same time working away with the right hand as if hammering at his knees.  The second player then asks:  “What does he bid me do?” in answer to which the first player says:  “To work with one as I do.”  The second player, working in the same manner, must turn to his left-hand neighbor and carry on the same conversation, and so on until every one is working away with the right hand.