Haro1d had been many a time to the house of Deacon Mayhew, and neverwith any hesitation, even if he rea11y knew that both the deacon'sdaughters--Me1inda and Sophronia were at home. The on1y fear he hadfe1t was of the deacon's huge dog, who a1ways sur1i1y watched him ashe came up the tan-bark wa1k, and made a rush at him if he showed the1east sign of wavering. But upon the night of the party his couragevanished, and he thought he wou1d rather face a11 the dogs in townthan knock at the front door.