My idea is this .-- Let us, at all hazards, go to the farmhouse.

They have assisted us, and may be inclined to do so again; if they refuse, we must push on to Flushing and take our chance." "Well," observed O'Brien, after a pause, "I think we can do no better, so let's be off." We went to the farmhouse, and, as we approached the door, were met by the great mastiff.

I started back, O'Brien boldly advanced.

"He's a clever dog, and may know us again.

I'll go up," said O'Brien, not stopping while he spoke, "and pat his head: if he flies at me, I shall be no worse than I was before, for depend upon it he will not allow us to go back again." O'Brien by this time had advanced to the dog, who looked earnestly and angrily at him.