Herbert worked for Maw and Meggins.
When the Whites wish on the mysterious monkey’s paw, they have no idea what it would lead to. Morris tells them not to. Mr. White’s son Herbert encourages his father to wish for money, as a joke. He wishes for 200 pounds, but he never would have if he had known how they would get it.
The next day, a stranger comes to the door who seems “ill at ease.”
"I--was asked to call," he said at last, and stooped and picked a piece of cotton from his trousers. "I come from Maw and Meggins."
The old lady started. "Is anything the matter?" she asked breathlessly. "Has anything happened to Herbert? What is it? What is it?
The man says that Herbert was “badly hurt” but isn’t in pain. His parents are relieved at first, until the man continues and tells them the truth. Herbert is dead.
"He was caught in the machinery," said the visitor at length, in a low voice.
"Caught in the machinery," repeated Mr. White, in a dazed fashion, "yes."
The man seems embarrassed to give the Whites the money, knowing it can’t replace their son. He tells them he is only following orders. He also tells them the company cannot be held responsible. They are shocked to find that it is the 200 pounds they wished for. How terrible the monkey’s paw turns out to be! Morris was right when he said they should leave it in the fire.
The Whites are in mourning, of course. Mrs. White even uses the paw to wish her son back to life a week later. This horrifies her husband, though, and when they hear knocking on the door he uses the paw again to reverse the wish. Who knows what kind of monster would appear at the door, since Herbert was mangled and buried?
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