"No." "I did." "You think he was lying to us?" "I am sure of it. Farley probably paid him to put us off the track." "Allston, you are a smart young fellow, but there is such a thing as being too smart. It may be that by going to New York you will lose them." "I don't think so, Mr. Wattles; I am sure I am right. At any rate, I will take the chances." Twenty minutes later Al was on his way to the metropolis. CHAPTER XXVI. "DR. FERGUSON." As may be imagined, Al was very tired when he boarded the train for New York. It had been a hard day for him; yet, though physically fatigued, he was mentally alert. Next him sat a clerical-looking man of about fifty, who presently remarked: "You got on at Rockton, young gentleman, did you not?" Al, glad of the chance to speak to anyone, replied in the affirmative. "I once had a charge there," went on the old man. Al did not understand him. "A charge?" he said, interrogatively. "Yes; I am a minister of the Gospel." "Indeed, sir?" "Yes; I was pastor of the wealthiest church in Rockton. I left it to accept a call to New York." As this statement possessed no especial interest to the boy, he made no reply. There was a silence of some minutes' duration. Then the old gentleman broke out with: "May I offer you my card?" At the same time he thrust a bit of pasteboard into Al's hand. Upon it was inscribed the name, David Ferguson, D. D. "I haven't a card with me, Dr. Ferguson," said the boy; "but my name is Allen Allston." His traveling companion grasped his hand, and shook it with a remarkable exhibition of warmth, considering their short acquaintance. "I am delighted to meet you, my young friend," he said. "Are you going far?" "To New York, sir." "Indeed! Then we shall be traveling companions for nearly three hours. How delightful!" The prospect did not seem quite so delightful to Al; for, although he was glad to have some one to talk to, he began to fear that the Rev. Dr. Ferguson might not prove a wholly congenial companion. "Are you a resident of Rockton?" went on the doctor. "No, sir." "Only a visitor there?" "That's all." "Rockton is a beautiful place." Al acquiesced. "And you don't live there?" continued Dr. Ferguson. "I do not." "You were visiting friends?" questioned the old man, whose bump of curiosity seemed to be well developed. "I was not, sir; I was there on business." "On business! Really? You are quite young to be actively engaged in business." As this was a point upon which Al was a little sore, he made no reply. He was now quite willing to let the conversation end right there and then. But Dr. Ferguson would not have it so. "What was the nature of your business, if I may ask?" he resumed. "Pardon me, if I seem inquisitive." "Well," said Al, with a sigh, "I don't know that I have any reason to be ashamed of my business." "I trust not, my dear young friend--I most sincerely trust that you have not." "I am connected with Wattles' New York Comedy Company."