By W. W. Jacobs
format by Captivated Chat
Last night’s fancies do seem silly in the light of day.
I suppose all old soldiers are the same. But the idea of our listening to such nonsense! After all, how could wishes be granted in these days? And if they could, how could two hundred pounds hurt you, father?
Might drop on his head from the sky.
Morris said the things happened so naturally, that you might, if you so wished, attribute it to coincidence.
Well, I’m off. Don’t break into the money before I come back. I’m afraid it’ll turn you into a mean, avaricious man, and we shall have to disown you.
Ha, ha, ha. Have a good day, Herbert.
(Eight hours later.)
Herbert will have some more of his funny remarks or he’ll tell us a scary ghost story, I expect, when he comes home.
I dare say. But for all that, the thing moved in my hand; that I’ll swear to.
That is, you thought it did.
I say it did. Certainly I had no thought about it —- But what’s the matter?
A visitor
The matter? That man by our gate peering through the window just then. Appeared to be trying to make up his mind whether to come in.
He’s finally deciding to come up.
Come in, sir.
I, uh, I—was asked to call. So I came to tell you, from Maw and Meggins.
Oh, no! Is anything the matter? Has anything happened to Herbert? So what is it? What is it?
There, there, mother. Sit down, and don’t jump to conclusions. You’ve not brought bad news, I’m sure, sir.
Above all, I’m sorry— .
But, is he hurt?
Badly hurt, but he is not in any pain.
Oh, thank God! Thank God for that! Thank–
You mean?
He was caught in the machinery.
Caught in the machinery. Yes. (taking his wife’s hand between his own)
But he was the only one left to us. So it is hard.
(Coughing) Finally, the firm wished me to convey their sincere sympathy with you in your great loss. But I beg that you will understand I am only their servant and merely obeying orders.
Oh.
I was to say that Maw and Meggins disclaim all responsibility. They admit no liability at all, but in consideration of your son’s services, they wish to present you with a certain sum as compensation.
H-H-How much?
Two hundred pounds.
I-Aiii!
(The old man smiled faintly, put out his hands like a sightless man, and dropped, a senseless heap, to the floor.)