After this , Tommy proudly advanced to turn a somersault , an accomplishment which he had acquired by painful perseverance , practising in private till every joint of his little frame was black and blue . His feats were received with great applause , and he was about to retire , flushed with pride and a rush of blood to the head , when a scornful voice in the audience was heard to say , `` Ho ! that ai n't any thing ! '' `` Say that again , will you ? '' and Tommy bristled up like an angry turkey-cock . `` Do you want to fight ? '' said Dan , promptly descending from the barrel and doubling up his fists in a business-like manner . `` 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 ? ''
XXXXX Dan .
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