human
That's all right. Si, said Shorty coming up with his mouthful of hardtack and meat, and inspecting Si's work with critical approval.
gpt
You kin lay away over me and all the rest when it comes to writin' and composin'. And you know how to spell, too. I wish I had your education. But I never had a chance to go to school.
human
Then you think it'll do, Shorty,
gpt
Yes, it's just bully. But I think you ought to say something about Jim's good character. That's usual on tombstones. You might say of him that he had in him the makin' of the finest poker player in the Army of the Cumberland. I never see a sleepyheaded boy pick up the fine pints o' the game like he did, and he had nerve, too, along with his science.
human
No, it wouldn't do at all to put anything o' that kind on, answered Si, going to the grave, and driving the board down with a pick.
gpt
Mustn't let Jim's folks know for the world that he gambled. It'd be the last straw on his poor old mother, who's a strict Baptist. She may stand hearing that he's killed, but never could that he played cards. What in the world's become of Alf Russell, do you s'pose?
human
Who in Jeff Davis's dominions is that comin' up? said Shorty, scanning an approaching figure.
gpt
Looks as if he'd had his head busted and then tied up agin with strings.