The profession he had set up in was that of a breeder and trainer of horses for riding and carriage purposes. It was a business which he believed to be capable of considerable extension, and, just then, he was looking out for a partner who was prepared to invest a certain number of dollars in the concern. The opportunity seemed to me one which I should have been foolish to let pass me, more especially as I happen to know something about horseflesh; and, not to bore you with details, I will merely add that, after due investigation, I became Frank Travis’s partner. That happened two months ago.” “From what you have just told me,” said Boyd, “I conclude that you have no present intention of returning to England.” “None whatever,” answered Alec drily. “And have you never regretted your self-imposed expatriation?” Alec shook his head. “So far I have had no cause whatever for doing so.” At this juncture they were all but run down by a man who was coming full tilt out of the refreshment buffet. “Ah, Mr. Alexander, glad to see you,” he exclaimed. “Have only time to say that the pair of chestnuts you and your partner sold me a fortnight ago have turned out perfect rippers—yes, sir, rippers. My wife—ah-ha!—hasn’t once been out of temper with me since I bought ’em. By-bye.” And with that he was gone. Denis Boyd looked at Alec, and the latter read a certain question in his eyes. “When I came out to the States I chose to drop my surname. I am known to everybody here simply as John Alexander,” he said quietly. “And look here, Boyd,” he added, “I shall be glad if, when you get back home, you will make no mention of having met me. I have certain reasons for asking this of you.” “My dear fellow, not a word more is needed,” replied the other heartily. “You may rely upon my silence.” A minute or two before, Boyd had been on the point of asking Alec whether he was still a bachelor, but it now seemed to him that such a question might savour, if not exactly of impertinence, yet of a desire to pry into a matter which was really no concern of his. It was evident there were incidents in his friend’s career which he did not wish to have touched on. He would leave his question unasked. A few minutes later Boyd’s train steamed into the station.