New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-09
coarse jest of heartesmess, but mans purpose to

do the business with dispatch and well.
him. He would sight mile of stakes for fence
posts without the least variation from the true line.
For measuring tracts of pougli-land, his legs were
accurate as the tape They seemed TO be set ike
a carpenters cOmpasses TO open 10 n certain span.
But If asked TO take the tape and measure by the
figures, he at once lost confidence. with an exag,
gerated idea OF the mysteries OF book-learnlng ana
of his own Ignorance therein, he would not trust
himself to deal with letters or figures
FAITHFUL TO MAN AND BEAST.
His fidelity was entire He cared for all the in-
terests of the farm as if they were his own, ever
finding something that needed doing, and doing it.
without ORDERS when his appointed tasks were
finished. He was a disinterested economist, loving
good work and good results for their own sake.
He was man of peaceable habit. No one ever
knew of his having a quarrel, but everyone knew
that he was completely on hand whenever the occa-
sion should demand, and few men would venture to
give the necessary provocatiOn slight, cOnvinc-
ing grow and determined, bristling look, that
warned trfers of the nearness of the danger point
were always a sufficient demonstration.
He had at his shanty, rough old dog that al
WAYS seemed to me to bear a striking likeness OF
character to his master. There was the same
fidelity and unpreending sober yaor The scallest
yagabOnd would assume a respectful demeanOr In
the presence OF that determined animal He had
no ill-wIll against any well-behayed creature, but
no liberation for prowling skunks and coyotes,
nor fear of enemies OF any size or number. lie was
shot, at last, by some neghbOr, on whose premises
Ire had intruded. A serious, stay-at-home dog by
habit, he was IndulgDG in rare diversion, GER
tany doing no damage. The wrath of his master
was quiet, but deep He could not discover which
of several men had killed his faithful friend. Ii
may go hard with the culprt if he is convicted.
With gruf Outspoken contempt for humbug and
foolish pretencc, Bunting was still quite free from
censOriOus feeling toward men OF ieeber make, and
his manner, though abrupt was kindly and modest.
Among bis children he required the most complete
obedience. No trihing excuses were received for
neglect OF duty, and his rule rather rigorous.
4ne ;ley hs had sent biz hGy pete" a sly character
of ten years old, to cross the Smoky River
on the little mule on an errand 10 neighbour. The
river rather high, and though the father knew
that the crossing was SAFE III wcud iook rather
dubious to small boy When " Pete" got to the
river he didn't like the look of it, aud so contriyed
70 get the mule to throw nm OH ana run away
home. The boy followed afOOt and explained the
accident to lis father, who had caught the mule and
was waiting. Pete was put on again and started
of. with no further comment than rather decided
look from his father Arrived at the stream, he
could not make up his mind To cross and, knowing
the Danger he wa. running, nevertheless decided TO
be thrown again. Again the mule ran nome
and the boy followed. In vain he
protested that the mule wonld not eros,
the stream. Hs was started of again, and
this time with such sternness OF command from Ills
father that the mule did not throw him again. but
crossed the river and brought the errand to Its
completion. The old man, knowing himself the
value of determination and grit, would allow, no
needless 1nching on the part of his boy. He had
none of that coldness that is harder than sternness
and he took u lively interest in his chlldrens plans
for amusement as well as IN their health and pro-
gress. He anxious that they should nave the
schooling which he had lacked, and went 10 a good
deal OF trouble to this end.
Though his life has been one of unIenltting hard
labor and must be so to the end, think him hap
pier man than of those whose tasks are lighter
The habit of continually accomplishing the days
purpose is abundant source OF satisfaction, and
Buntings honest face as | see it now In clear re-
membrance, is plainly stamped with quiet, happy
confidence. When, In the evening, the rest OF our
large family of mechanics and tarIn-hands were
gathered about the long table IN the llvlng-roOm,
reading playing cards, he sat apart, shut out, as
he thought, by lack OF education, from such
amusement. lis halt-closed hands, resting palms
upward on bis knees had look of unwiillngly sus-
pended activity as if impatient for the morning
and the renewal of their usefulness. Such is the
spirit of the whole man. The influence of his faith
tut courageous and skilful work Will be felt In the
community where he lives. OF such true force as
his must the nations lasting growth be made; and
If there are more such men coming out OF Kent let
it be hoped that their brave strength may here find
room TO work,