The lads came gayly back and went at their sports again with a will, chattering all the time about Tom's stupendous plan and admiring the genius of it. After a dainty egg and fish dinner, Tom said he wanted to learn to smoke, now. Joe caught at the idea and said he would like to try, too. So Huck made pipes and filled them. These novices had never smoked anything before but cigars made of grapevine, and they "bit" the tongue, and were not considered manly anyway.

     Now they stretched themselves out on their elbows and began to puff, charily, and with slender confidence. The smoke had an unpleasant taste, and they gagged a little, but Tom said:

     "Why, it's just as easy! If I'd a knowed this was all, I'd a learnt long ago."

     "So would I," said Joe. "It's just nothing."

     "Why, many a time I've looked at people smoking, and thought well I wish I could do that; but I never thought I could," said Tom.

     "That's just the way with me, hain't it, Huck? You've heard me talk just that way--haven't you, Huck? I'll leave it to Huck if I haven't."

     "Yes--heaps of times," said Huck.