A young fellow with a squint, the smallest of the men, poured the bran into the coffin and spread it out.

The tall and thin one spread the winding sheet over the bran.

Then, two at the feet and two at the head, all four took hold of the body and lifted it.

Mother Coupeau was in the box, but it was a tight fit.

She touched on every side.
The undertaker's helpers were now standing up and waiting; the little one with the squint took the coffin lid, by way of inviting the family to bid their last farewell, whilst Bazouge had filled his mouth with nails and was holding the hammer in readiness.