`` 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 Nat , feeling that he must have a little serious conversation with his friend in private . What passed between them no one knew , but when they appeared again , Dan was more respectful to every one , though still gruff in his speech , and rough in his manner ; and what else could be expected of the poor lad who had been knocking about the world all his short life with no one to teach him any better ? The boys had decided that they did not like him , and so they left him to Nat , who soon felt rather oppressed by the responsibility , but too kind-hearted to desert him . Tommy , however , felt that in spite of the jack-knife transaction , there was a bond of sympathy between them , and longed to return to the interesting subject of somersaults . He soon found an opportunity , for Dan , seeing how much he admired him , grew more amiable , and by the end of the first week was quite intimate with the lively Tom . Mr. Bhaer , when he heard the story and saw Dan , shook his head , but only said quietly , `` The experiment may cost us something , but we will try it . ''
If Dan XXXXX any gratitude for his protection , he did not show it , and took without thanks all that was give him .
admired agreed beat felt finding handle hit joined tumble turned