We sha n't sit up late or make any noise , so where 's the harm ? '' `` Asia will know if we burn the lamp long , she always does . '' `` No , she wo n't , I 've got a dark lantern on purpose ; it do n't give much light , and we can shut it quick if we hear anyone coming , '' said Dan . This idea struck Nat as a fine one , and lent an air of romance to the thing . He started off to tell Tommy , but put his head in again to say , `` You want Demi , too , do n't you ? '' `` No , I do n't ; the Deacon will rollup eyes and preach if you tell him . He will be asleep , so just tip the wink to Tom and cut back again . '' Nat obeyed , and returned in a minute with Tommy half dressed , rather tousled about the head and very sleepy , but quite ready for fun as usual . `` Now , keep quiet , and I 'll show you how to play a first-rate game called ` Poker , ' '' said Dan , as the three revellers gathered round the table , on which were set forth the bottle , the cigar , and the cards . `` First we 'll all have a drink , then we 'll take a go at the ` weed , ' and then we 'll play . That 's the way men do , and it 's jolly fun . '' The beer circulated in a mug , and all three smacked their lips over it , though Nat and Tommy did not like the bitter stuff . The cigar was worse still , but they dared not say so , and each puffed away till he was dizzy or choked , when he passed the `` weed '' on to his neighbor . Dan liked it , for it seemed like old times when he now and then had a chance to imitate the low men who surrounded him . He drank , and smoked , and swaggered as much like them as he could , and , getting into the spirit of the part he assumed , he soon began to swear under his breath for fear some one should hear him . `` 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 XXXXX , much impressed by Dan 's manly ways .
Asia Dan Demi First Nat Tom Tommy burn choked rollup