old and
his first book was published in 1853. He also edited "The Oliver Optic
Magazine," "The Student and Schoolmate," "Our Little Ones."

Mr. Adams died at the age of seventy-five years, in Boston, March 27,
1897.

He was a prolific writer and his stories are most attractive and
unobjectionable. Most of his books were published in series. Probably
the most famous of these is "The Boat Club Series" which comprises the
following titles:

"The Boat Club," "All Aboard," "Now or Never," "Try Again," "Poor and
Proud," "Little by Little." All of these titles will be found in this
edition.

Other well-known series are his "Soldier Boy Series," "Sailor Boy
Series," "Woodville Stories." The "Woodville Stories" will also be
found in this edition.

TRY AGAIN

CHAPTER I

IN WHICH HARRY WEST AND SQUIRE WALKER DISAGREE ON AN IMPORTANT POINT

"Boy, come here!"

Squire Walker was a very pompous man; one of the most notable persons
in the little town of Redfield, which, the inquiring young reader will
need to be informed, as it is not laid down on any map of
Massachusetts that I am acquainted with, is situated thirty-one miles
southwest of Boston.

I am not aware that Redfield was noted for anything in particular,
unless it was noted for Squire Walker, as Mount Vernon was noted for
Washington, and Monticello for Jefferson. No doubt the squire thought
he was as great a man as either of these, and that the world was
strangely stupid because it did not find out how great a man he really
was. It was his misfortune that he was born in the midst of stirring
times, when great energy, great genius, and the most determined
patriotism are understood and appreciated.

Squire Walker, then, was a great man--in his own estimation. It is
true, the rest of the world, including many of the people of Redfield,
had not found it out; but, as the matter concerned himself more nearly
than any one else, he seemed to be resigned to the circumstances of
his lot. He had represented the town in the legislature of the state,
was a member of the school committee, one of the selectmen, and an
overseer of the poor. Some men would have considered all these offices
as glory enough for a lifetime; and I dare say the squire would have
been satisfied, if he had not been ambitious to become one of the
county commissioners.

The squire had a very high and proper regard for his own dignity. It
was not only his duty to be a great man, but to impress