Narrator: Now it is the next morning. The Whites are eating breakfast.
Mrs. White: Isn't it funny how in the light of day your night fears seem so foolish? That the paw is really silly. How could it grant wishes? Even if it could, how could wishes hurt you?
Herbert: The money could drop on your head.
Mr. White: That's not how it happens. The wishes are granted so naturally it seems the paw has nothing to do with it. It seems like a coincidence.
Herbert: Well, save some money for me. I've got to get to work. So long.
Narrator: Herbert goes off to work and the day passes as usual. Later, as it's getting dark, Mr. and Mrs. White sit down to tea.
Mrs. White: Herbert will have a laugh when he gets home. How could a monkey's paw give us 200 pounds
Mr. White: well, the paw did move in my hand, like it was alive . I felt it. What's the matter.
Narrator: Mrs. White does not answer her husband. She is watching a man who is standing at the gate. Finally he comes to the door. As Mrs. White lets him in, she thinks of the 200 pounds.
Stranger: I was asked to come here. I'm from Maw and Meggins.
Mrs. White: Maw and Meggins? That's where Herbert works! Is anything wrong? Has anything happened to him? What is it?
Mr. White: Now sit down, mother. I'm sure he hasn't brought bad news.
Stranger: I'm sorry-
Mrs. White: He's hurt! He's hurt, isn't he?
Stranger: He was badly hurt. But he's not in any pain.
Mrs. White: Thank goodness! Thank-
Narrator: She stops when she looks at the man's face. She realizes what he has said. There is an awful silence.
Mr. White: What-what happened?
Stranger:He was caught in the machinery. He was killed instantly.
Narrator: Mr. White takes his wife's hands.
Stranger: The company wanted me to give you their deep sympathy.
Narrator: There was no answer. The old woman is pale. Her husband is hardly breathing.
Stranger: Maw and Meggins wish to give you some money. Your son was a good worker for them.
Narrator: Mr. White drops his wife's hand. He stares with horror at the stranger.
Mr. White: (whispering)How much money?
Stranger: Two hundred pounds.
Narrator: Mrs. Whites screams as Mr. White faints.
