Some of the girls were great favorites, and were chosen frequently;
while others not so popular would perhaps not be in the middle during
the game.

"De One I Like de Bes'" was a favorite play, and the young folks kept it
up for some time, until some one suggested sending for "Uncle Sambo" and
his fiddle, and turning it into a sure-enough dance. Uncle Sambo was
very accommodating, and soon made his appearance, when partners were
taken, and an Old Virginia reel formed. The tune that they danced by was
"Cotton-eyed Joe," and, the words being familiar to all of them as they
danced they sang,

"Cotton-eyed Joe, Cotton-eyed Joe,
What did make you sarve me so,
Fur ter take my gal erway fum me,
An' cyar her plum ter Tennessee?
Ef it hadn't ben fur Cotton-eyed Joe,
I'd er been married long ergo.

"His eyes wuz crossed, an' his nose wuz flat,
An' his teef wuz out, but wat uv dat?
Fur he wuz tall, an' he wuz slim,
An' so my gal she follered him.
Ef it hadn't ben fur Cotton-eyed Joe,
I'd er ben married long ergo.

"No gal so hansum could be foun',
Not in all dis country roun',
Wid her kinky head, an' her eyes so bright;