`` No , I do n't ; '' and the candid Thomas retired a step , rather taken aback by the proposition . `` Fighting is n't allowed ! '' cried the others , much excited . `` You 're a nice lot , '' sneered Dan . `` Come , if you do n't behave , you sha n't stay , '' said Nat , firing up at that insult to his friends . `` I 'd like to see him do better than I did , that 's all , '' observed Tommy , with a swagger . `` Clear the way , then , '' and without the slightest preparation Dan turned three somersaults one after the other and came up on his feet . `` You ca n't beat that , Tom ; you always hit your head and tumble flat , '' said Nat , pleased at his friend 's success . Before he could say any more the audience were electrified by three more somersaults backwards , and a short promenade on the hands , head down , feet up . This brought down the house , and Tommy joined in the admiring cries which greeted the accomplished gymnast as he righted himself , and looked at them with an air of calm superiority . `` Do you think I could learn to do it without its hurting me very much ? '' Tom meekly asked , as he rubbed the elbows which still smarted after the last attempt . `` What will you give me if I 'll teach you ? '' said Dan . `` My new jack-knife ; it 's got five blades , and only one is broken . '' `` Give it here , then . '' Tommy handed it over with an affectionate look at its smooth handle . Dan examined it carefully , then putting it into his pocket , walked off , saying with a wink , `` Keep it up till you learn , that 's all . '' A howl of wrath from Tommy was followed by a general uproar , which did not subside till Dan , finding himself in a minority , proposed that they should play stick-knife , and whichever won should have the treasure . Tommy agreed , and the game was played in a circle of excited faces , which all wore an expression of satisfaction , when Tommy won and secured the knife in the depth of his safest pocket .
`` You come off with me , and I 'll show you round , '' said XXXXX , feeling that he must have a little serious conversation with his friend in private .
Dan Nat Thomas Tom Tommy gymnast jack-knife others stick-knife swagger