> Either it's a pun on 'pert' (impossible to tell without context) or it was a typo in the original (seems more likely). Haven't read the original, but it was

> Either it's a pun on 'pert' (impossible to tell without context) or it was a typo in the original (seems more likely). Haven't read the original, but it was probably meant to add character to the way the character speaks. Either to make fun of the character for not being able to pronounce words correctly, or to make them more pitiable, or just as a matter-of-fact detail.