Invite the Juniors to a reception at Curlycue Castle, giving date, hour, and street address, but no other particulars. When they arrive, they are introduced to the Queen—or King—of the Curlycues. This important personage is dressed in a more or less fantastic costume, in which the most conspicuous feature is profuse ringlets made of lovely light golden shavings; and carries a sceptre or wand, which in explaining the games, etc., is waved about in a style full of curves and curls, peculiarly its own.

The Juniors are suitably welcomed, and in a brief address the habits and customs of the singular, newly discovered race of people called Curlycues are explained to them, and they are informed that for the next two or three hours they are to consider themselves as belonging to the same race. Each is furnished with a long shaving curl, which badge of honor the newly made Curlycue, whether girl or boy, is expected to wear throughout the occasion.

Tell them the Curlycues are expert in shooting at a mark—whether they always hit it or not; that they have been much troubled by certain small wild animals called “excuses” which are found in the woods about the castle; and that occasionally these animals become so bold that they make themselves great nuisances, creeping into the castle itself, and hindering the Curlycues about their work and study. Then call all the Curlycues to an excuse-hunt.

In a large unfurnished room have a target almost half covering one side of the room. Have it prepared in advance with drawings of a number of comical faces, each plainly labelled with the name of some foolish excuse, such as “I didn’t think,” “He dared me to,” “Just this once,” “No one will know,” “She did it first,” “He began it,” “I don’t want to,” “I’m afraid,” “Wait till to-morrow,” “In a minute,” “By and by,” “I forgot,” “I can’t.” Truly a formidable array! Of course it should be explained that the most of these are entire strangers to the Juniors, but as Curlycues they are privileged to hunt them out and shoot them on the spot.

Each hunter is supplied with a bow and three arrows, and is told to see how many excuses he can dispose of. Some excuses count more than others in the score. This may be arranged at the discretion of the Junior superintendent. For instance, each excuse might count five, except “I forgot” and “Wait till to-morrow,” each of which might count ten. If a hunter has shot a certain excuse, it does not debar the rest from having a try at the same one if they wish. As in real life, each excuse may have to be killed several times over. The Curlycue who scores the most with his three trials is the winner.

After all have had a chance, and the excuses are pretty well disposed of, the children will enjoy a “Curlycue drawing-contest.” Give them paper and pencils, and tell them each to draw a Curlycue; that is, it must be explained, a single line about two inches long containing one or more crooks or curves. Exchange the papers, and let each draw a picture, using in it the line already drawn. Twenty minutes, or a half-hour, if preferred, may be the time-limit. A small reward may then be given for the best drawing.

A lively piano march now calls the Curlycues to their feet. They form in single file, and follow their leader in a very whimsical and circuitous march, finally bringing up at the dining-room, where crullers or other “curly” cakes are served, with milk or lemonade. Or the cakes might be flat, with chocolate, pink, or white icing decorated with “Curlycues” in another color.