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.