The first stunt tried was called "Throwing Smiles," not a new
amusement but always a fun-maker.

One person starts the game by smiling broadly and then pretending to
wipe off the smile and throw it to somebody else. As soon as it lands
on the next person's face, that person must in turn wipe it off and
fling it at a third player. As soon as a smile is supposedly wiped
off, the owner of it must maintain a perfectly sober expression.

The company was in screams of laughter before this game had gone very
far.

Another amusing game for a large number which goes under various
names was called on this occasion "The Smile Factory." The company is
divided into two groups which line up opposite each other. Someone
is appointed to stand between the two lines with a man's soft hat in
hand. If upon being tossed in the air, the hat lands right side up,
one group has to laugh while the opposite one remains absolutely
sober. When the hat lands upside down, the first group remains solemn
and the other group laughs. A member of either side who fails to
follow this rule goes over to the opposite side. The side which wins
all the members of the other side is announced victorious.

The old-fashioned game of "Poor Pussy" was also played because the
point of it is trying not to smile. The younger folk will enjoy it.
You may remember that a ring is formed and the person within the ring
who is "it," kneels before someone in the circle and mews or purrs
appealingly three times successively. Each time the person confronted
must answer sternly or calmly "Poor Pussy," never smiling. In case of
a smile or a laugh, this person takes the place of "Poor Pussy."