"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.