Death Comes Knocking

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We read W. W. Jacobs’ The Monkey’s Paw in a calm, sleepy style, following one family as a strange talisman turns a harmless wish into a chain of consequences. The story tests how far we will go to fight fate once grief and guilt move into the house. 
• a cold night and a warm parlor framed by a chess game 
• Sergeant-Major Morris arriving with a warning and a “magic” monkey’s paw 
• the rules of the wishes and the fear behind the soldier’s caution 
• the first wish for two hundred pounds and the paw’s unsettling movement 
• the money arriving through tragedy and “natural” coincidence 
• grief, silence, and the temptation to use the remaining wishes 
• the second wish to bring Herbert back and the dread of what returns 
• the knocking at the door and the final wish that ends it 
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Transcript

Welcome To A Sleepy Story

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Hello. Are you tired? You will be. This is Ron Reed's Boring Books. With another short story for you. This is The Monkey's Paw. A short story found in the book The Lady of the Barge and other stories by W. W. Jacobs. The Monkey's Paw. Without the night was cold and wet. But in the small parlor of Luburnham Villa, the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess. The former who possessed ideas about the game involving radical changes, putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the white haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire. Hawk at the wind, said Mr. White, who, having seen a fatal mistake after it was too late, was amiably desirous of preventing his son from seeing it. I'm listening, said the latter, grimly surveying the board as he stretched out his hand. Check. I should hardly think that he'd come tonight, said his father, with his hand poised over the board. Mate, replied the son. That's the worst of living so far out, bawled Mr White, with sudden and looked for, unlooked for violence.

SPEAKER_00 1:56

Of all the beastly, slushy, out of the way places to live in, this is the worst. Pathways a bog, the road's a torrent.

SPEAKER_01 2:04

I don't know what people are thinking about. I suppose because only two houses on the road are lit, they think it doesn't matter. Never mind, dear, said his wife soothingly.

SPEAKER_02 2:17

Perhaps you'll win the next one.

A Visitor Brings A Talisman

SPEAKER_01 2:20

Mr White looked up sharply just in time to intercept a knowing glance between mother and son. The words died away on his lips, and he hid a guilty grin in his thin grey beard. There he is, said Herbert White, as the gate banged loudly and heavy footsteps came forward, came toward the door. The old man rose with hospitable haste, and opening the door was heard condoling with the new arrival. The new arrival also condoled with himself, so that mister White said and coughed gently as her husband entered the room, followed by a tall burly man, beady of eye, and rubicund of visage. Sergeant Major Morris, he said, introducing him. The sergeant major shook hands and taking the proffered seat by the fire, watched contently while he got while his host got out whiskey and tumblers and a good and stood a small copper kettle on the fire. At the third glass his eyes got brighter, and he began to talk. The little family circle, regarding with eager interest this visitor from distant parts, as he squared his broad shoulders in the chair and spoke of wild scenes and dowdy deeds of wars and plagues and strange peoples. Twenty one years of it, said mister White. Twenty one years of it, said Mr White, nodding at his wife and son. When he went away he was a slip of a youth in a warehouse. Now look at him.

SPEAKER_02 4:12

He don't look to have taken much harm, said Mrs.

SPEAKER_01 4:16

White politely. I'd like to go to India myself, said the old man, just to look around a bit, you know. Better where you are, said the sergeant major, shaking his head. He put down the empty glass and sighing softly shook it again. I should like to see the old temples and facers, fakers and jugglers, said the old man. What was it that you started telling me the other day about a monkey's paw or something, Morris? Nothing, said the soldier hastily. Least a ways. Nothing worth hearing. Monkey's paw, said Mrs. White curiously. Well, it's just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps, said the Sergeant Major offhandedly. His three listeners leaned forward eagerly. The visitor absentmindedly put his empty glass to his lips and then set it down again. The host filled it for him. To look at it, said the Sergeant Major, fumbling in his pocket. It's just an ordinary little paw, dried into a mummy. He took something out of his pocket and proffered it. Mrs. White drew back with a grimace, but her son, taking it, examined it curiously. And what is there special about it? inquired Mr White as he took it from his son and having examined it placed it on the table. It had a spell on it by an old faker, said the sergeant major. A very holy man he wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. He put a spell on it, so that three separate men could each have three wishes from it. His manner was so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter jarred somewhat. Well, why don't you have three, sir? said Herbert White cleverly. The soldier regarded him in a way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth. I have, he said quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.

SPEAKER_02 6:28

And did you really have the three wishes granted?

SPEAKER_01 6:31

asked Mrs. White. I did, said the sergeant major and his glass tapped against his strong teeth.

SPEAKER_02 6:38

Has anybody else wished?

The Rules And The Warning

SPEAKER_01 6:40

persists the old lady. The first man had his three wishes, yes, was the reply. I don't know what the first two were, but third was for death. That's how I got the pall. His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group. If you had your three wishes, it's no good for you now. Then, Morris, said the old man at last, what do you keep it for? The soldier shook his head. Fancy, I suppose, he said slowly. I have some idea of selling it, but I don't think I will. It caused enough mischief already. Besides, people won't buy. They think it's a fairy tale, some of them, and those who do think anything of it want to try it first and pay me afterward. If you could have another three wishes, said the old man, eyeing him keenly. Would you have them? I don't know, said the other. I don't know. He took the paw, and dangling it between his forefinger and thumb, suddenly threw it upon the fire. White, with a slight cry, stooped down and snatched it off. Better let it burn, said the soldier solemnly. If you don't want it, Morris, said the other, give it to me. I won't, said his friend doggedly. I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don't blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire again like a sensible man. The other shook his head and examined his new possession closely. How do you do it? he inquired. Hold it up in your right hand and wish aloud, said the sergeant major. But I warn you of the consequences.

SPEAKER_02 8:19

Sounds like the Arabian Knights, said Mrs.

SPEAKER_01 8:22

White, as she rose and began to set the supper.

SPEAKER_02 8:25

Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me?

SPEAKER_01 8:30

Her husband threw the talisman from pocket. Husband drew the talisman from pocket, then all three burst into laughter as a sergeant major with an alarm on a look of alarm on his face caught him by the arm. If you must wish, he said gruffly, wish for something sensible. Mr White dropped it back in his pocket, and placing chairs, mentioned his friend, motioned his friend to the table. In the business of supper the talisman was partly forgotten, and afterward the three sat listening in an enthralled fashion to a second installment of the soldier's adventures in India. If the tale of the monkey's paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us, said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time for him to catch the last train. We shan't make much out of it.

SPEAKER_02 9:23

Did you give him anything for it, father?

SPEAKER_01 9:26

inquired Mrs. White, regarding her husband closely. A trifle, he said, colouring slightly. He didn't want it. But I made him take it. He pressed me again to throw it away. Likely, said Herbert, with pretended horror. Likely. Why were why we're going to be rich and famous and happy. Wish to be an emperor, father, to begin with? Then you can't be henpecked. He darted around the table pursued by the maligned Mrs. White, armed with an anti macasser Antimnacusser. Mr White took the paw from his pocket and eyed it dubiously. I don't know what to wish for, and that's a fact, he said slowly. It seems to me I've got all I want.

SPEAKER_02 10:24

If you only cleared the house, you would be quite happy, wouldn't you?

The First Wish Is Made

SPEAKER_01 10:28

said Herbert with his hand on his shoulder. Well, I wish for two hundred pounds, then. That'll just do it. His father smiling shamefacedly at his own credulity, held up the talisman as his son, with a solemn face, somewhat marred by a wink at his mother, sat down at the piano and struck a few impressive chords. I wish for two hundred pounds, said the old man distinctly. A fine crash from the piano greeted the words, interrupted by a shuddering cry from the old man. His wife and son ran toward him. It moved, he cried with a glance of disgust at the object as it lay on the floor. As I wished, it twisted in my hand like a snake. Well, I don't see any money, said his son as he picked it up and placed it on the table. And I bet I never shall. It must have seemed been your fancy father. It must have been your fancy father, said his wife, regarding him anxiously. He shook his head. Never mind though, there's no harm done, but it gave me a shock all the same. They sat down by the fire again while the two men finished their pipes. Outside the wind was higher than ever, and the old man started nervously at the sound of the door bagging upstairs. A silence unusual and depressing settled upon all three, which lasted until the old couple rose to retire for the night.

SPEAKER_02 11:56

I expect you'll find the cash tied up in a big bag in the middle of your bed, said Herbert as he bade them goodnight. And something horrible squatted on top of the wardrobe, watching you as you pocket your ill-gotten gains.

SPEAKER_01 12:07

He sat all alone in the darkness, gazing at the dying fire and seeing faces in it. The last face was so horrible and so simian that he gazed at it in amazement. It got so vivid that with a little uneasy laugh, he felt on the table for a glass containing a little water to throw over it. His hand grasped the monkey's paw, and with a shiver he wiped his hands on his coat and went to bed. In the brightness of the wintry sun next morning, as it streamed over the breakfast table, he laughed at his fears. There was an air of prosaic wholesomeness about the room, which had it had lacked on the previous night, and the dirty, shriveled little Paul was pitched on the sideboard with a carelessness which betokened no great belief in its virtues.

SPEAKER_02 13:02

I suppose all old soldiers are the same, said Mrs.

SPEAKER_01 13:06

White.

SPEAKER_02 13:06

The idea of our listening to such nonsense, how could wishes be granted in these days? And if they could, how could two hundred pounds hurt you, father?

SPEAKER_01 13:16

Mike drop on his head from the sky, said Frivolous Herbert. Morris Comet Morris said that things happen so naturally, said his father. You might, if you so wished, attribute it to coincidence. Well don't bring into the money before I come back, said Herbert as he rushed from the table.

SPEAKER_02 13:48

I'm afraid I'll turn you into a it'll turn you into a mean, voracious Man, and we shall have to disown you.

SPEAKER_01 13:59

His mother laughed, and following him to the door, watched him down the road, and returning to the breakfast table, was very happy at the expense of her husband's credulity. All of which did not prevent her from scurrying to the door at the postman's knock, nor prevent her from referring somewhat shortly to retired sergeant majors of bibulous habits when she found that the post brought a tailor's bill.

SPEAKER_02 14:25

Herbert will have some more of his funny remarks, I expect when he comes home, she said as they sat at dinner.

Two Hundred Pounds Arrives

SPEAKER_01 14:35

I dare say, said Mr White, pouring himself out some beer. But for all that the thing moved in my hand. That I'll swear to. You thought it did, said the old lady soothingly. I say it did, replied the other. There was no thought about it. I had just what's the matter? His wife made no reply. She was watching the mysterious movements of a man outside who, peering in an undecided fashion at the house, appeared to be trying to make up his mind to enter. In mental connection with the two hundred pounds, she noticed that the stranger was well dressed and wore a silk hat of gauzy newness. Three times he paused at the gate and then walked on again. The fourth time he stood with his hand upon it, and then with sudden resolution flung it open and walked up the path. Mrs. White at the same moment placed her hands behind her and hurriedly unfastened the strings of her apron, but that useful article of apparel put that useful article of apparel beneath the cushion of her chair. She brought the stranger who seemed ill at ease into the room. He gazed at her furtively and listened in a preoccupied fashion as the old lady apologized for the appearance of the room and her husband's coat, a garment which he usually reserved for the garden. Then she waited as patiently as her sex would permit for him to broach his business, but he was at first strangely silent. I was asked to call, he said at last, and stooped and picked up a piece of cotton from his trousers. I came from Ma and Megan's. The old lady started.

SPEAKER_02 16:29

Is anything the matter?

SPEAKER_01 16:31

she asked breathlessly.

SPEAKER_02 16:32

Has anything happened to Herbert? What is it? What is it?

Grief Settles Into The House

SPEAKER_01 16:36

Her husband interposed. There, mother, he said hastily. Sit down and don't jump to conclusions. You've not brought bad news, I'm sure, sir. He eyed the other wistfully. I'm sorry, began the visitor. Is he hurt? demanded the mother wildly. The visitor bowed in it sent ascent. Badly hurt, he said quietly. But he's not in any pain. Oh, thank God, said the woman, clasping her hands. Thank God for that, thank she broke off suddenly as the sinister meaning of the assurance dawned upon her, and she saw the awful confirmation of her fears in the other's averted face. She caught her breath, and turning to her slower witted husband, laid her trembling old hand upon his. There was a long silence. He was caught in the machinery, said the visitor at length in a low voice. Caught in the machinery, repeated mister White in a dazed fashion. Yes. He sat staring blankly out the window and his wife's hand between his own, pressed it as he had been wont to do in their old courting days nearly forty years before. He was the only one left to us, he said, gently, turning gently to the visitor. It is hard. The other coughed, ri and rising slowly, walked slowly to the window. The firm wished me to convey their sincere sympathy with you and your great loss, he said, without looking around. I beg that you will understand I am only their servant and merely obeying orders. There was no reply. The old woman's face was white, her eyes staring, her breath inaudible. On the husband's face was a look of look such as his friend the sergeant might have carried into his first action. I was to say that Ma and Megan's disclaim all responsibility, continued the other. 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. Mr. White dropped his wife's hand and rising to his feet, gazed with horror of look at his visitor, with a look of horror at his visitor. His dry lips shaped the words How much? Two hundred pounds, was the answer. Unconscious of his wife's shriek, the old man smiled faintly, put his hands like a slightless, sightless man, and dropped a senseless heap to the floor. In the huge new cemetery, some two miles distant, the old people buried their dead and came back to a house steeped in shadow and silence. It was all over so quickly that at first they could hardly realize it and remained in a state of expectation as though something else to happen, as though of something else to happen, something else which was to lighten this load, too heavy for old hearts to bear. But as the days passed, an expectation gave place to resignation, the hopeless resignation of the old, sometimes miscalled apathy. Sometimes they hardly exchanged a word, for now they had nothing to talk about, and their days were long to weariness. It was about a week after that the old man, walking suddenly in the night, stretched out his hand and found himself alone. The room was in darkness, and the sound of subdued weeping came from the window. He raised himself in bed and listened. Come back, he said tenderly, you will be cold.

SPEAKER_02 20:53

It's colder for my son, said the old woman and wept afresh.

The Second Wish And Dread

SPEAKER_01 20:59

The sound of her sobs died away in his ears. The bed was warm and his eyes heavy with sleep. He dozed fitfully then slept until a sudden wild cry from his wife woke him awoke him with a start. The paw she cried wildly. The monkey's paw He started up in alarm. Where? Where is it? What's the matter? She came stumbling across the room toward him. I want it, she said quietly.

SPEAKER_02 21:28

You've not destroyed it.

SPEAKER_01 21:31

It's in the parlor, on the bracket, he replied marvellingly. Why? She cried and laughed together. Bending over, kissed his cheek. I only thought of it, she said hysterically.

SPEAKER_02 21:44

Why didn't I think of it before? Why didn't you think of it?

SPEAKER_01 21:47

Think of what? he questioned.

SPEAKER_02 21:50

The two other wishes, she replied rapidly.

SPEAKER_01 21:52

We only had one. Wasn't that enough? he demanded fiercely. No, she cried triumphally.

unknown 21:59

Well I

SPEAKER_02 22:00

One more. Go down and get it quickly and wish our boy alive again.

SPEAKER_01 22:04

The man sat up in bed and flung the bedclothes from his quaking limbs.

SPEAKER_02 22:09

Good God, you're mad he cried aghap. Get it, she panted. Get it quickly. And wish. Oh my boy, my boy.

SPEAKER_01 22:20

Her husband struck a match and lit the candle. Go back to bed, he said unsteadily. You don't know what you're saying. We had the first wish granted, said the old woman feverishly.

SPEAKER_02 22:33

Why not the second?

SPEAKER_01 22:34

A coincidence, stammered the old man. Poke get it and wish, cried his wife, quivering with excitement. The old man turned and regarded her, and his voice shook.

SPEAKER_00 22:50

He has been dead ten days, and besides, he I would not tell you else, but I could only recognize him by his clothing. If he was too terrible for you to see then, how now?

SPEAKER_01 23:06

Bring him back cried the old woman and dragged him toward the door.

SPEAKER_02 23:12

Do you think I fear the child I have nursed?

Knocking At The Door

SPEAKER_01 23:16

He went down in the darkness and felt his way to the parlor and then to the mantelpiece. The talisman was in his place in a horrible fear that the unspoken wish might bring his mutilated son before him ere he could escape from the room seized upon him, and he caught his breath as he found that he had lost the direction of the door. His brow cold with sweat, he felt his way around the table and groped along the wall until he found himself in the small passage with the unwholesome thing in his hand. Even his wife's face seemed changed as he entered the room. It was white and expectant, and to his fear seemed to have an unnatural look upon it. He was afraid of her. Then he sank trembling into a chair as the old woman with burning eyes walked to the window and raised the blind. He sat until he was chilled with cold, glancing occasionally at the figure of the old woman peering through the window. The candle end which had burned below the rim of the china candlestick was throwing pulsating shadows in the ceiling, on the ceiling and walls, until with a flicker larger than the rest it expired. The old man with an unspeakable sense of relief, the failure of the talisman crept back into his bed, and a minute or two afterward the old woman came silently and apathetically beside him. Neither spoke but lay silently listening to the ticking of the clock. The stair creaked and a squeaky mouse scurried noisily through the wall. The darkness was oppressive, and after lying for some time, screwing up his courage, he took the box of matches and striking one went downstairs for a candle. At the foot of the stairs, the match went out, and he paused to strike another. At the same moment a knock, so quiet and stealthily stealthy as to be scarcely audible sounded at on the front door. The matches fell from his hand and spilled in the passage. He stood motionless, his breath suspended until the knock was repeated. Then he turned and fled swiftly back to his room and closed the door behind him. A third knock sounded through the house.

SPEAKER_02 26:25

What's that?

SPEAKER_01 26:26

cried the old woman, starting up. A rat, said the old man in shaking tones. A rat. It passed me on the stairs. His wife sat up in bed listening. A loud knock resounded through the house.

SPEAKER_02 26:40

It's Herbert she screamed. It's Herbert.

SPEAKER_01 26:46

She ran to the door, but her husband was before her, and catching her by the arm, held her tightly. What are you going to do? he whispered hoarsely.

SPEAKER_02 26:57

It's my boy.

SPEAKER_01 26:58

It's Herbert, she cried, struggling mechanically.

SPEAKER_02 27:02

I forgot it was two miles away. What are you holding me for? Let me go. I must open the door.

SPEAKER_01 27:08

For God's sake, don't let it in, cried the old man, trembling.

SPEAKER_02 27:13

You're afraid of your own son, she cried, struggling. Let me go. I'm coming. Herbert, I'm coming.

SPEAKER_01 27:18

There was another knock and another. The old woman with a sudden wrench broke free and ran from the room. Her husband followed to the landing and called after her appealingly as she hurried downstairs. He heard the chain rattle back at the and the bottom bolt drawn slowly and stiffly from the socket. Then the old woman's voice strained and panting.

SPEAKER_02 27:44

The bolt, she cried loudly. Come down, I can't reach it.

The Last Wish And Goodbye

SPEAKER_01 27:49

But her husband was on his hands and knees groping wildly on the floor in search of the paw. But if he could only find it before the thing outside got in, a perfect fuselade of knocks reverberated through the house, and he heard the scraping of a chair as his wife put it down in the passage against the door. He heard the creaking of the bolt as it came slowly back, and at the same moment he found the monkey's paw and frantically breathed his third and last wish. The knocking ceased suddenly, although the echoes of it were still in the house. He heard the chair drawn back and the door opened. A cold wind rushed up the staircase, and a long, loud wail of disappointment and misery from his wife gave them courage, gave him courage to run down to her side. Then to the gate beyond, the street lamp flickering opposite shone on a quiet and deserted road. This has been The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs. If you've enjoyed this reading, please give us a like, rate us five stars, write a review, send us a message, make a comment, share. Thank you. Goodbye.