Should a circle player fail to discover that the handkerchief has been dropped behind him until the one who has dropped it has walked or run entirely around the circle, he must yield his place in the circle to the handkerchief man, changing places with him.
One player is chosen as leader. He repeats or sings the following formula, at the same time going through the motions indicated. The other players must repeat the formula and the motions with him. They may be either seated or standing. The rhythm should be very rapid:--
One finger, one thumb (etc.) keep moving, One finger, one thumb (etc.) keep moving, One finger, one thumb (etc.) keep moving, Tra la! la, la! la, la! ]
One finger one thumb keep moving, One finger one thumb keep moving, One finger one thumb keep moving. Tra-la! la-la! la-la!
(The thumb and index finger of one hand are separated and brought together, as when a bird's beak is being imitated with the fingers.)
Two fingers two thumbs keep moving, Two fingers two thumbs keep moving, Two fingers two thumbs keep moving. Tra-la! la-la! la-la!
(The thumb and index finger of both hands are moved in similar manner.)
Four fingers two thumbs keep moving, Four ---- Four ---- Tra-la! ----
(The thumb, index, and middle fingers on each hand.)
Six fingers two thumbs keep moving, Six ---- Six ---- Tra-la! ----
Eight fingers two thumbs keep moving, Eight ----, etc.
Eight fingers two thumbs one hand keep moving, Eight fingers two thumbs one hand keep moving, Eight fingers two thumbs one hand keep moving. Tra-la! la-la! la-la!
(The finger motion is continued, and to it is added an up-and-down shaking of one hand.)
Eight fingers two thumbs two hands keep moving, Eight ---- Eight ---- Tra-la! ----
(A similar movement of the other hand is added.)
Eight fingers two thumbs two hands one arm keep moving, etc.
(One arm is moved up and down with the shoulder, elbow, and wrist all active, while the movement of the fingers and of the opposite hand continues.)
Eight fingers two thumbs two hands two arms keep moving, etc.
Eight fingers two thumbs two hands two arms one foot keep moving, etc.
(The toes of one foot are lifted (bending the ankle) and tapped on the floor as in beating time.)
Eight fingers two thumbs two hands two arms two feet keep moving, etc.