Open that bundle , old Joe , and let me know the value of it . Speak out plain . I 'm not afraid to be the first , nor afraid for them to see it . We knew pretty well that we were helping ourselves before we met here , I believe . It 's no sin . Open the bundle , Joe . '' But the gallantry of her friends would not allow of this ; and the man in faded black , mounting the breach first , produced his plunder . It was not extensive . A seal or two , a pencil-case , a pair of sleeve-buttons , and a brooch of no great value , were all . They were severally examined and appraised by old Joe , who chalked the sums he was disposed to give for each upon the wall , and added them up into a total when he found that there was nothing more to come . `` That 's your account , '' said Joe , `` and I would n't give another sixpence , if I was to be boiled for not doing it . Who 's next ? '' Mrs. Dilber was next . Sheets and towels , a little wearing apparel , two old-fashioned silver tea-spoons , a pair of sugar-tongs , and a few boots . Her account was stated on the wall in the same manner . `` I always give too much to ladies . It 's a weakness of mine , and that 's the way I ruin myself , '' said old Joe . `` That 's your account . If you asked me for another penny , and made it an open question , I 'd repent of being so liberal , and knock off half-a-crown . '' `` And now undo my bundle , Joe , '' said the first woman .
XXXXX went down on his knees for the greater convenience of opening it , and , having unfastened a great many knots , dragged out a large heavy roll of some dark stuff .
Dilber Joe brooch first liberal pencil-case sixpence sleeve-buttons sugar-tongs tea-spoons