nsult. His
cheeks reddened, and he looked about him for the means of inflicting
summary vengeance upon the poltroon who so wantonly trifled with his
glowing aspirations.

"Move on, boy; we don't want you," added the man.

"You are a ----"

I will not write what Harry said. It was a vulgar epithet, coupled
with a monstrous oath for so small a boy to utter. The shopkeeper
sprang out from his counter; but Harry retreated, and escaped him,
though not till he had repeated the vulgar and profane expression.

But he was sorry for what he had said before he had gone ten paces.

"What would the little angel say, if she had heard that?" Harry asked
himself. "'Twon't do; I must try again."

CHAPTER XII

IN WHICH HARRY SUDDENLY GETS RICH AND HAS A CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER
HARRY

By the time he reached the stable, Harry would have given almost
anything to have recalled the hasty expressions he had used. He had
acquired the low and vulgar habit of using profane language at the
poorhouse. He was conscious that it was not only wicked to do so, but
that it was very offensive to many persons who did not make much
pretension to piety, or even morality; and, in summing up his faults
in the woods, he had included this habit as one of the worst.

She hoped he was a good boy--Julia Bryant, the little angel, hoped so.
Her blood would have frozen in her veins if she had listened to the
irreverent words he had uttered in the shop. He had broken his
resolution, broken his promise to the little angel, on the first day
he had been in the city. It was a bad beginning; but instead of
permitting this first failure to do right to discourage him, he
determined to persevere--to try again.

A good life, a lofty character, with all the trials and sacrifices
which it demands, is worth working for; and those who mean to grow
better than they are will often be obliged to "try again." The spirit
may be willing to do well, but the flesh is weak, and we are all
exposed to temptation. We may make our good resolutions--and it is
very easy to make them, but when we fail to keep them--it is sometimes
very hard to keep them--we must not be discouraged, but do as Harry
did--TRY AGAIN. The strong Spirit may conquer the weak Flesh.

"Well, Harry, how did you make out?" asked John Lane, when Harry
joined him at the stable.

"I didn't make out at all. Nobody seems to want a boy like me."

"O, well, you will find a place. Don't be discouraged."