Маленькие мужчины / Little men. Уровень 4

“Clear the way, then,” and without the slightest preparation Dan turned three somersaults one after the other and came up on his feet.

The audience were shocked by three more somersaults backwards, and a short promenade on the hands, head down, feet up. Even Tommy joined in the admiring cries which greeted the gymnast. Dan looked at them with an air of calm superiority.

“What will you give me if I’ll teach you?” said Dan.

“My new jack-knife[13 - jack-knife – перочинный ножик]; it’s got five blades, and only one is broken.

”

“Give it here, then.”

Tommy handed it over. Dan examined it carefully, then putting it into his pocket, walked off,

saying with a wink,

“Just learn, that’s all.”

A howl of wrath from Tommy was followed by a general uproar. Dan, finding himself in a minority, proposed to play stick-knife[14 - to play stick-knife – поиграть в ножички]. Whichever wins will have the treasure. Tommy agreed, and the game was played in a circle of excited faces.

Tommy won and secured the knife in the depth of his safest pocket.

“Let’s have a walk, 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 the boys, though still gruff in his speech, and rough in his manner. The boys had decided that they did not like him, and so they left him to Nat.

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 felt any gratitude for his protection, he did not show it. He was ignorant, but very quick to learn. He had sharp eyes to watch what went on about him; a saucy tongue, rough manners, and a temper that was fierce and sullen. He played with all his might, and played well at almost all the games. He was silent and gruff.

Few really liked him, but they admired his courage and strength, for nothing daunted him. He knocked tall Franz with an ease that caused all the others to keep at a respectful distance from his fists. Mr. Bhaer watched him silently, and did his best to tame the

“Wild Boy,” as they called him, but in private the worthy man shook his head, and said soberly,

“I hope the experiment will turn out well, but I am a little afraid it may cost too much.”

Mrs.