The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1898-06-30
HERE'S A NEW GAME.

There is sport popular among the
lumbermen Of New England and Can
ada which, with little modification,
would make timely and highly anus
ing game for boys. The best way to
show its possibilities will be first to
describe 1t as played in the lumber
camps and then to suggest the necessary
changes. Only remember that the un-
adulterated form of the game ism t what
is recommended. That wouldn't do at
all among civilized folk.
They call this curious game "Jack,
Where Be Ye?'-the name being taken
from the catch all-and it is played as
follows:
The time selected is us 8 y at night
when the men come into Imp after q
hard days work in the cold and snow
OF the northern woods. After supper,
when the gang is gathered around the
fire and in mood for sport, an open
space is cleared and two contestants are
chosen, usually volunteers, also an UNI
pire.
A ring is then formed. The combat
ants kneel on the floor facing each
other, and are securely blindfolded.
Each holds in his right hand stout
leather strap-commonly his own belt
with heavy iron buckle at the end,
making "a striking instrument almost as
formidable as slung shot. The left
hand, which may slide about freely, but
must be kept on or near the floor, grasps
one end of another strap. This is drawn
taut between the players and must never
be dropped or slackened.
When all is ready. one-the fellow
who has been so lucky as to win the
toss-calls out, "Jack, where be YEP"
The other must answer at once, "Here
l be-" The first then strikes at the
point where he imagines his opponent
to be with the buckle end of his strap,
swinging it with all his force. If he
hits, he may strike again, and so on till
he misses, but as soon as he fails to
score his adversary is entitled to call on
him with the same grim challenge,
"Jack, where be YEP" and let fly with
his strap in turn. The umpire of course
must keep close track of the play and
give the word after each stroke.
This goes on through series Of
rounds, ordinarily until one or the 9TH
er is disabled or cries enough. In most
cases the game is played with great
vigor and resolution, and it sometimes
happens that one of the men is knocked
insensible by q vicious blow from the
weighted strap. Old grudges are occa-
sionally paid off in this manner.
Such is the sport of the callous, hard
headed lumbermen, but it has in it the
elements Of an entirely innocent and
extremely interesting game for any
youngsters who enjoy little harmless
rough and tumble. All that is necessary
to adapt it to civilized use is TO modify
the striking tool. A heavy stocking
well stuffed with paper makes an excel
lent weapon, with which the most en-
thusiastic and satisfying thumps may
be administered without the least posi-
bility of injuring any one. To connect
the two players handkerchief may be
used-or better yet, n stout cord about
two feet long with knot at each end.
For an arena any open floor space will
iluSWSI, Dub lllS luIlllNLO oiiCul't bN
we'll cleared away, as the contestants
VIII jump about in the liveliest fash
ion There is no reason why the per-
Torrance should not be held in the open
air onthe smooth sod III pleasant sum
mer we2ther. L have seen the game
played iii New York clubroom by
grown men-in this same modified form
the suggestion originating with q
young fellow who had often visited the
lumber camps in the forests Of Maine.
All sorts of ingenious tactics may be
used to avoid being hit. The most OBJ
vious consists simply in lodging either
to right or left an instant after answer
ing the call. If, however, this is likely
! to be counted ON by the wielder of the
stocking, it may be wise to remain mo-