diff --git a/plugins/markov.py b/plugins/markov.py
index 71f3c96..ae6fc53 100644
--- a/plugins/markov.py
+++ b/plugins/markov.py
@@ -104,7 +104,10 @@ class Markov(Plugin):
             self.handle_command(conn, channel, who, parts)
         elif line[0] != "!":
             # ignore other commands
-            self.chains[channel][who.nick].add(line)
+            self.add(channel, who.nick, line)
+
+    def add(self, channel: str, who: str, line: str):
+        self.chains[channel][who].add(line)
 
     def handle_command(
         self, conn: IrcProtocol, channel: str, who: Prefix, parts: Sequence[str]
diff --git a/tools/markov_import.py b/tools/markov_import.py
index 2515194..5e9a192 100644
--- a/tools/markov_import.py
+++ b/tools/markov_import.py
@@ -37,5 +37,5 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
                 if mat := LINE_RE.search(line):
                     name = mat["name"]
                     message = mat["message"]
-                    plugin.chains[channel][name].add(message)
+                    plugin.add(channel, name, message)
     plugin.save()