`` You must n't ; it 's wicked to say ` Damn ! ' '' cried Tommy , who had followed his leader so far . `` Oh , hang ! do n't you preach , but play away ; it 's part of the fun to swear . '' `` I 'd rather say ` thunder turtles , ' '' said Tommy , who had composed this interesting exclamation and was very proud of it . `` And I 'll say ` The Devil ; ' that sounds well , '' added Nat , much impressed by Dan 's manly ways . Dan scoffed at their `` nonsense , '' and swore stoutly as he tried to teach them the new game . But Tommy was very sleepy , and Nat 's head began to ache with the beer and the smoke , so neither of them was very quick to learn , and the game dragged . The room was nearly dark , for the lantern burned badly ; they could not laugh loud nor move about much , for Silas slept next door in the shed-chamber , and altogether the party was dull . In the middle of a deal Dan stopped suddenly , and called out , `` Who 's that ? '' in a startled tone , and at the same moment drew the slide over the light . A voice in the darkness said tremulously , `` I ca n't find Tommy , '' and then there was the quick patter of bare feet running away down the entry that led from the wing to the main house . `` It 's Demi ! he 's gone to call some one ; cut into bed , Tom , and do n't tell ! '' cried Dan , whisking all signs of the revel out of sight , and beginning to tear off his clothes , while Nat did the same . Tommy flew to his room and dived into bed , where he lay , laughing till something burned his hand , when he discovered that he was still clutching the stump of the festive cigar , which he happened to be smoking when the revel broke up . It was nearly out , and he was about to extinguish it carefully when Nursey 's voice was heard , and fearing it would betray him if he hid it in the bed , he threw it underneath , after a final pinch which he thought finished it . Nursey came in with Demi , who looked much amazed to see the red face of Tommy reposing peacefully upon his pillow . `` He was n't there just now , because I woke up and could not find him anywhere , '' said Demi , pouncing on him . `` What mischief are you at now , bad child ? ''
asked Nursey , with a good-natured shake , which made the sleeper open his eyes to say meekly , `` I only ran into XXXXX 's room to see him about something .
Dan Demi Devil Nat Nursey Silas Tom Tommy shed-chamber smoking