Items:
none
Directions:
Every Scout has a three figure number, pinned on the front of his hat. The number should be drawn in black and be quite decipherable at a distance of a hundred yards (the figures at least 3 in. in height). The troop is then divided up in the following manner: Two or three patrols are marched 300 yards from the camp, and instructed to advance on the camp under cover. As the work of defending is easier than attacking, only one patrol remains in camp to defend it. When the attacking party advances, their movements are watched eagerly by the defenders, who, having chosen good cover so that their hats are not visible, are waiting for the enemy to get within range. So long as the number is too indistinct to read, they are supposed to be out of range. The nearer the attackers approach, the more careful are they not to look over the top of a bush long enough for the defenders to read their number. Of course a good Scout looks round the side and not over the top of a bush or rock; and if he looks at all in this game he must be very sharp, for no hats may be removed or turned round and no hands used to conceal the number. If the defenders are able to read the numbers they call them out and the umpire writes them down. The attackers also call out the numbers of any defenders who expose themselves, and the umpire attached to the attacking party makes a note of these numbers. When only 50 yards separate the two parties the umpires call out the names of those who are shot, and those boys must not take any part in the rest of the fight. When the commander of the attackers considers that ho has advanced as near as he can under cover, he gives the order "charge" and as the attacking party sweep over the open space in front of the camp the defenders call out the numbers as fast as they can read them. If the attackers reach the camp with more men than survive in the defending side, then they have won. But if the final charge enables the defense to pick off nearly all their enemies the camp is saved.