Six retired Scottish labourers were playing cards in McTaggart's flat when Jock McGonagle lost £50 on a single hand, clutched his chest and fell dead at the table...
Showing respect for their fallen brother, the other five continued playing - standing up.
Eventually, Davie McWhirter looked around and asked, "Someone's got to tell Jock's wife. Who will it be?" They drew straws and Hector McWachle picked the short one. So he was told to be discreet be gentle and not make a bad situation any worse.
Hector drew himself up and responded: "MacTact is my middle name. Leave it to me."
Hector went to McGonagle's house and knocked on the door. Mrs. McGonagle answered and asked what he wanted. Hector replied, tactfully (he thought): "Your husband has just lost £50 and is afraid to come home."
"Tell him to drop dead!", said McMonagle's wife.
"I'll go tell him," said Hector, and departed.
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