PREFACE.
“Risen from the Ranks”
contains the further history of Harry Walton, who
was first introduced to the public in the pages of
“Bound to Rise.” Those who are interested
in learning how far he made good the promise of his
boyhood, may here find their curiosity gratified.
For the benefit of those who may only read the present
volume, a synopsis of Harry’s previous life
is given in the first chapter.
In describing Harry’s rise from
the ranks I have studiously avoided the extraordinary
incidents and pieces of good luck, which the story
writer has always at command, being desirous of presenting
my hero’s career as one which may be imitated
by the thousands of boys similarly placed, who, like
him, are anxious to rise from the ranks. It
is my hope that this story, suggested in part by the
career of an eminent American editor, may afford encouragement
to such boys, and teach them that “where there
is a will there is always a way.”
New York, October 1874.
|