This game is known by so many names that to give them all would occupy a
great deal of unnecessary space, while just as much fun can be had from
it if only one is given.
A base is marked off at either end of the play-ground, leaving a space
in the middle. One of the players is chosen catcher, or "wolf," and
takes up his position in the middle, between the two bases; the others
run across from base to base while he endeavors to catch and hold them.
If he can hold one while he can count ten, it is considered a fair
catch, and the prisoner becomes wolf too, and assists in the capture of
more, all of whom, as soon as caught, go to swell the number of wolves.
Of course each passage across is more dangerous than the preceding one,
since there are more wolves to avoid. At the same time a great part of
the fun consists in "dodging." The boy that can change his course the
quickest and turn and double has the best chance. Sometimes hats and
jackets are left in the hands of the wolves, the owners having expertly
wriggled out of them, and arrived safe at the base with these articles
missing.
When a player has started from his base, he can not turn back, but must
continue to the opposite base. The fun, of course, increases as the
wolves become more numerous. Sometimes jackets even suffer in the fray.
This, however, should not be allowed. A strict rule should forbid too
much strength being used by the wolves or their captives. Anything else
only produces mischief, and spoils the fun.
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