human
Ain't breaking in on an experience meeting, be I?
gpt
Oh! Uncle Josiah! Tell Father it isn't true!
human
I'd say 'twas purty likely, according to all the signs.
gpt
Please don't laugh. I can't stand it. Tell Father about----
human
There now, Beth, you and the parson set sail for a little cruise down the beach. I've something private to say to your dad.
gpt
What you have to say to me, sir, will be said in the presence of my daughter,
human
You're mistook on that p'int, Jim. I'm skipper aboard here, and them's orders.
gpt
You're all wasting good time, observed the seaman.
human
You'd best heave to, and obey orders. Mutiny won't be allowed.
gpt
I intend to remain right here till this mystery concerning me is cleared up,
human
Mystery about you? exclaimed the Captain.
gpt
Why, Mack, there ain't nothing like that about you. You're as clear as an open sky. What I've got to say is just 'twixt Jim and me. You couldn't get in on it to save your soul. Now, you and Beth clear out.
human
Josiah Pott, I recognize no right that permits you to intrude into my family affairs. If what you have to say is concerning the mortgage you had better speak at once. There is nothing about that which is confidential.
gpt
That's according to the way you look at it. I'd a heap sight rather say it in private, Jim. It may prove embarrassing----
human
Then, good night. Come, Beth.
gpt
There ain't no use of you going off mad, Jim. I only wanted a word with you about something that does consarn us both a mite. You ain't got no objection to that, have you?
human
You ain't no more anxious to get it over than I be. We'll step right in here in Mack's cabin, if you don't mind.
gpt
I prefer witnesses, he said.
human
Otherwise, you may come to my home to-morrow evening. I did not seek this unpleasant interview, and since I leave it to my lawyers to carry on my business affairs, I do not intend to hound my debtors personally.
gpt
You ain't been hounding me personally, Jim, but there's some things that you can't leave even to crooked lawyers. You'd best handle this personally. If that shyster tries to get in on this his neck won't be wuth the skin that covers it.
human
You still persist in trying to threaten me, I see.
gpt
No, Jim, this ain't a threat. If you want the witness part after I get through I'll accommodate you with plenty of 'em. But I cal'late we'd best talk it over private-like fust. I happened onto a feller the other day by the name of John Peters, and he spun me the likeliest yarn I ever heard about Australia. I thought you'd like to hear it, but I don't want to take your valuable time. Good night.
human
Hold on, Josiah! I did not catch that name. Who was it you saw?