human
Ah! do not read it now, Roswell,
gpt
And why not read it now, Miss Mary! cried the Widow Martin.
human
Methinks _now_ is the proper time to read it. If I'm to be codicilled out of that will, I want to know it.
gpt
It is better, in every respect, that the company present should know all that is to be known, at once, observed Mr. Job Pratt.
human
Before the will is read, if that be the will, Captain Gar'ner--
gpt
It is the will of the late Deacon Pratt, duly signed, sealed, and witnessed, I believe, sir.
human
One word more, then, before it is read. I think you said, Josy, that the deceased was _frightened_ when he signed that will? I do not express any opinion until I hear the will; perhaps a'ter it is read, I shall think or say nothin' about this fright; though the instrument that a man signs because he is frightened, if the fright be what I call a legal fright, is no instrument at all.
gpt
But such was not the deacon's case, Squire Job, put in Baiting Joe, at once.
human
He did not sign the insterment because he was frightened, but was frightened because he signed the insterment. Let the boat go right eend foremost, squire.
gpt
Read the will, Captain Gar'ner, if you have it, said Mr. Job Pratt, with decision.
human
It is proper that we should know who is executor. Friends, will you be silent for a moment?