TEWWG pg 84

Text:  "He stands in his high house that overlooks the world. Stands watchful and motionless all day with is sword drawn back, waiting for the messenger to bid him come."

This seems like a very dark idea giving the impression that death is sitting around hopping on every chance he gets to kill someone. "With his sword drawn back" makes it sound like death is looking forward to it and ready to strike. However this fits with what Janie is wanting. She is tired of having Joe around and the sooner he is gone the better for her.