No. 115 Stealing Grapes
A circle of children with arms raised. Enter keeper of garden:
“What are you doing in my vineyard?”
“Stealing grapes.”
“What will you do if the black man comes?”
“Rush through if I can.”
New York.
This game is probably a recent translation from the German. It is also played in Italy in a more humorous form. The thief exclaims, as he picks each, “A delicious grape!” The guardian demands,
“What did you pick that grape for?”
“Because it’s first-rate.”
“What would you do if I took a stick and chased you?”
“Pick a bunch and run.”
Which he accordingly does.