What does the man from maw and meggins bring to the whites?

Answer 1

The unexpected visitor from Maw and Meggins brought the Whites the bad news of their son.

"He was caught in the machinery," said the visitor.

The firm had wished the visitor to convey their sincere sympathy with then in their great loss. He goes on to tell the Whites that Maw and Meggins disclaims all the responsibility. He continued, "...but in consideration of your son's services, they wish to present you with a certain sum as compensation."

Mr. White had gazed with a look of Horror at their visitor, and said, "How much?"

The visitor responded with, "Two hundred pounds."

Now, the 'funny' thing about that is, earlier on, Mr. White had wished for Two Hundred Pounds, but what they didn't know, and what the Sergeant-Major had tried to warn them about, was that bad things happen when you wish. And they lost their son's life, as a payment to get their Two Hundred Pounds.