The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WHAT TIME IS IT, MR. FOX?

THIS GAME IS PLAYED WITH AT LEAST TWO CHILDREN. ONE
CHILD IS CHOSEN AS THE FOX; AND HE STANDS WITH HIS BACK
FACING THE CHILDREN. THE REST OF THE CHILDREN STAND
AT LEAST THREE FEET AWAY FROM THE FOX. EACH OF THE
CHILDREN TAKE TURNS ASKING MR. FOX WHAT TIME IT IS.
IN REPLY, THE FOX LETS THE CHILD MOVE UP AS MANY STEPS
AS THERE IS IN THE HOUR THAT HE GIVES. AS THE GAME
CONTINUES, THE CHILDREN COME NEARER TO THE FOX.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE FOX SAYS THAT IT IS TWELVE O'CLOCK HE
CHASES AFTER THE CHILDREN UNTIL HE CATHCES ONE OF THEM.
THE CHILD WHO IS CAUGHT BECOMES THE NEXT MR. FOX. ETC.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-01-1969