"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."