Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1882-07-22

spectful demeanor in the presence of
that determined animal He had no
ill-will against any well-behaved crea-
, ture, but no federation for prowling
skunks and coyotes, nor fear of enemies
i of any size or number. He was shot,
Mt last, by some neighbor, on whose
premises he had intruded. A serious,
stay-at-home dog by habit, he was in
duiging in rare diversion, certainly
doing 40 damage. The wrath Of his
master was quiet, but deep. He could
not discover which of several men had
killed his faithful friend. 1t may go
hard with the cnlprit if he is ever con-
victed.
With gruff, outspoken contempt for
humbug and foolish pretence, Bunting
was still quite free from censorious feel
ing toward men of feeble make, and his
manner, though abrupt. was kindly and
modest. Among his children he re-
quired the most complete obedience.
No trifiing excuses were received for
neglect of duty, and his rule was rather
rigorous. One day he sent his boy
''Pete, sly character of ten or eleven
years old, to cross the Smoky River on
the little mule on an errand to neigh
Dor. The river was rather high, and
though the father knew that the cross
ing was safe, it would look rather
dubious to small boy. When "pete"
got to the river he didn't like the look
of it, and so contrived to get the mule
to throw him off and run away home.
The boy followed afoot and explained
the accident to his father, who had
caught the mule and was waiting.
''Pete" was put on again and started
off, with no further comment than a
rather decided look from his father.
Arrived at the stream, he could not
ing the danger he was running, never
theless decided to be thrown again.
Again the mule ran home and the boy
followed. In vain he protested that the
mnie would not cross the stream. He
was started off again, and this tiIne
with such sternness of command from
his father that the mule did not throw
him again, but crossed the river AMI
brought the errand to its completion.
The old man, knowing himself the
value of determination and grit, would
allow no needless flinching on the part
of his boy. He had none of that cold
ness that is harder than sternness, and
he took lively interest in his children's
plans for amusement as well as in their
health and progress. He was anxious
that they should have the schooling
which he had lacked, and went to a
good deal Of trouble to this end.
Though his life had been one OF un-
remitting hard labor and must be so to
the end, I think him a happier man
than most of those whose tasks are
lighter. The habit of continually ac-
complishing the days purpose is an
abundant source of satisfaction, and
Buntings honest face, as see it now i'll
dear remembrance, is plainly stamped
with quiet, happy confidence. When,
in the evening, the rest of our large
family of mechanics and farm-hands
were gathered about the long table in
the hving-room, reading or playing
cards, he sat apart, shut ont, as he
thought, by lack of education, from
such amusement. His half closed hands,
resting palms upward, on his knees, had
a look of unwillingly suspended activity,
as if impatient for the morning and the
AShSWM vi tIcit uSSiulHcoS. ouSh 40
the spirit of the whole man. The in
tluence of his faithful, courageous and
skillful work will he felt in the commu-
nifty where he lives. OF such true force
as his must the nations lasting growth
be made; and il there are more such
men coming ont of Kent, let it be hoped
that their brave strength may here find
room to work.