All the children sit in a row or a circle. Any number can play. One is named"the old bachelor."He goes to each child, in turn, and says,"Have you any thing for a poor old bachelor like me?"

Each player makes some answer, offering the"bachelor"any thing, from a crying doll to an elephant. The bachelor then questions the giver about the article. The giver is only allowed to respond to the questions by repeating the name of his article. If he speaks an unnecessary word, or laughs, he must pay a forfeit. If a player has failed, or cannot by any device be made to fail, the bachelor passes on to the next player.