The Huntsman
One person represents the huntsman, the other players call themselves after some part of a 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, whilst 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.
“HE CAN DO LITTLE WHO CAN’T DO THIS.”
One of the players takes a stick in his left hand and thumps the floor with it, saying, “He can do little who can’t do this.” Then he hands the stick to another player, who will most probably use his right hand when holding the stick and thumping the ground. If he does he is told he has failed in the simple task, and the stick is handed to another. The game goes on until someone discovers that the secret of the trick is to copy the leader exactly, and therefore the stick must be held in the left hand.