Page:Devonshire Characters and Strange Events.djvu/707

Rh remained at his post. He communicated this to Dr. Rennel, rector of Drewsteignton.

The last story I shall quote is of a different character. Mr. Tuckfield, of Little Fulford by Crediton, was presumedly dead, and was laid in his shell, and men were set to watch through the night. They were plentifully supplied with candles and spirits. In the dead of the night one pulled out a pack of cards and the two began to play, and as they played they drank, till they became intoxicated.

Then said one to the other: "I say, Bill, old Squire Tuckfield he did like a drop o' spirits in his day. I reckon it won't do him a crumb o' harm to give him a drop now." And taking his glass of almost neat spirits, he poured it down the throat of the deceased. Thereat, to their dismay, the supposed corpse gasped, opened its eyes, sat up, and said: "Give me another drop and I'll take a hand of cards with you."