Маленькие мужчины / Little men. Уровень 4

I have often said that you were kinder to the animals than any of the other boys, and Mrs. Bhaer liked that trait in you very much. She thought it showed a good heart. But you have disappointed us in that, and we are sorry, for we hoped to make you quite one of us. Shall we try again?”

Dan’s eyes had been on the floor, but when he heard the kind voice ask that question, he looked up quickly,

“Yes, please.”

“Very well, then, we will say no more, only you will stay at home from the walk tomorrow.”

“I will.

“Now, go down to supper, and do your best, my boy.”

Dan tried for a day or two, but soon relapsed into his old wilful ways. Mr. Bhaer was called from home on business one day, and the boys had no lessons. They liked this, and played till bedtime. Dan, however, had a plan in his head, and when he and Nat were alone, he unfolded it.

“Look here!” he said, taking from under his bed a bottle, a cigar, and a pack of cards, “I’m going to have some fun. Here’s some beer, I got if of the old man at the station, and this cigar.

“The folks won’t like it,” began Nat.

“They won’t know. Daddy Bhaer is away, and Mrs. Bhaer’s busy with Ted; she can’t leave him. We shan’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 won’t, I’ve got a dark lantern[17 - dark lantern – фонарь с задвижкой]; it don’t give much light.

Nat obeyed, and returned in a minute with Tommy half dressed, but quite ready for fun as usual.

“Now, keep quiet, and I’ll show you how to play a wonderful 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 smoke, and then we’ll play.

All three drank beer, though Nat and Tommy did not like it. The cigar was worse still, but they dared not say so, and each smoked till he was dizzy or choked. Dan liked it very much. He drank, and smoked, and swaggered, and he soon began to swear.

“You mustn’t; it’s wicked to say �Damn!’” cried Tommy.

“Oh! Don’t you preach, but play. It’s part of the fun to swear.