THE WILLET WHIPPER-IN. 135 



was well nigh worn out. After a while, finding 

 himself becoming weak, and feeling that his end 

 was approaching, he expressed a desire to see his 

 old master, who at once gratified the wish of the 

 sufferer, and, without thinking that his end was so 

 near, inquired what he wanted. " I have," said 

 Tom, " one request to make, and it is the last favour 

 I shall crave." " Well," said the Squire, " what is 

 it, Tom?" " My time here won't be long," Tom 

 added ; " and when I am dead I wish to be buried 

 at Barrow, under the yew tree, in the churchyard 

 there, and to be carried to the grave by six earth- 

 stoppers ; my old horse, with my whip, boots, spurs, 

 and cap, slung on each side of the saddle, and the 

 brush of the last fox when I was up at the death, at 

 the side of the forelock, and two couples of old 

 hounds to follow me to the grave as mourners. 

 When I am laid in the grave let three halloos be 

 given over me ; and then, if I don't lift up my head, 

 you may fairly conclude that Tom Moody's dead." 

 The old whipper-in expired shortly afterwards, and 

 his request was carried out to the letter, as the 

 following characteristic letter from the Squire to his 

 friend Chambers, describing the circumstances, will 

 show : — 



