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by G. S. Ripley
The boys are divided into two equal groups, Pioneers, or Wagon Train, and the Indians.
The Indians start out ten minutes in advance and set an ambush over the previously agreed trail. The Pioneers follow this trail and may not leave it except for the sending out of two Scouts, one each side of the trail.
If the Pioneers, see any of the Indians before the ambush has been sprung, they are the winners, and the teams change sides. If, however, an Indian touches a Scout before the Indian is seen the Scout must sit down and not give the alarm.
In order to spring the ambush the Indian Chief utters a loud warwhoop, whereupon the Indians set upon the settlers and a battle ensues, each party trying to pull off the hats of the other. The Pioneers will wear handkerchiefs on their arms to distinguish them from the other team.
Four one minute after the warwhoop the Pioneers may not do anything to defend themselves except dodge about. They may not try to pull off the Indians' hats until this minute is up. An umpire accompanies the Pioneers to enforce this rule. This puts a premium on a prompt and effective attack. As soon as the minute is up the battle for scalps is on in earnest. It is unfair to hold on the hat with the hand, to tie it on, or to use the chin cord. The latter ruse will result in several hats being a total loss, anyway.
The battle lasts for six minutes from the time of the warwhoop; the winners being those who get the most scalps. A scalped man is out of the game, but retains his captured scalps. The Pioneers may win without a battle by seeing an Indian before the warwhoop is sounded.
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