`` If he wanted to keep 'em after he was dead , a wicked old screw , '' pursued the woman , `` why was n't he natural in his lifetime ? If he had been , he 'd have had somebody to look after him when he was struck with Death , instead of lying gasping out his last there , alone by himself . '' `` It 's the truest word that ever was spoke , '' said Mrs. Dilber , `` It 's a judgment on him . '' `` I wish it was a little heavier judgment , '' replied the woman ; `` and it should have been , you may depend upon it , if I could have laid my hands on anything else . 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 XXXXX mine , and that 's the way I ruin myself , '' said old Joe .
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