"Tom, you ought to smoke," he said. "You don't know how much enjoyment you lose."
"Don't tempt the lad," said Ferguson. "It's a bad habit."
"You smoke yourself."
"That is true, but it isn't well for a growing boy. It can do him no good."
"I smoked before I was as old as Tom."
"So did I, but I wish I had not."
"Well, perhaps you're right, but it's a comfort when a man's tired or out of spirits."
"I am not troubled in that way," said Tom. "I mean with being out of spirits."
"Youth is a hopeful age," said the Scotchman. "When we are young we are always hoping for something good to befall us."
"And when one is older, how is it, Mr. Ferguson?"