To be pinched for every cowrie, to be in great distress, to be reduced to a beggary.

worth two cowries, worthless

mean or worthless person

worthless, good-for-nothing, cheap

worthless stuff

worthless, having no real value or use

be disgraced

free of charge, valueless

be good-for-nothing, be of no use or worthless

observe the rules

be reduced to abject poverty

human being

wages for odd days or for a break in work

The chain of events

chatter, brag, bother much

be humbled, face the music, be set right, come to one's senses