human
Gawd, sir, that part there--I mean----
gpt
What part, Joey Mills? Shawn asked that not loudly, and he spread the paper against the bulk of the mainmast, his left hand restraining it against the breeze. Manuel stood by him holding an inkstand and goose quill from the cabin. So much, Ben thought, for the fireside legends that such documents were signed with the heart's blood. Or maybe they were.
human
Some article you wished to question, Joey Mills?
gpt
Oh no, sir, nothing like that, sir. I only thought--that there part about forswearing allegiance--well, sir----
human
You wished it more strongly expressed, belike?
gpt
Well, sir, you see, sir----
human
Ah, I have it! Shawn beamed in a great glow of generous satisfaction.
gpt
You're not the big man, Joey Mills, though sure it's the heart of a gamecock under your old hide, so do you make yourself the greater by coming forward now and being first to sign, ha? Come, Joey! Let me behold your handwrite plain and large!
human
There, sir! And now, sir----
gpt
Whisht, man!--time to speak of all things, but now you've signed, and happy am I to have your pledged word in writing, but now, man dear, you must step aside for others.