"What is the population?"
"Montgomery," the other returned, "is typical of both the Old and the New South. Though it may be called a modern model city, its wealth of history and tradition are preserved with loving care by its myriad inhabitants."
"How many inhabitants?"
"Roses and other flowers are in bloom here throughout the year," said he. "Also there are six hundred miles of macadamized and picturesque highways in Montgomery County. Indeed, this region is a motorist's paradise."
"How many people did you say?"
"Montgomery," he answered, "is the trading center for a million prosperous souls."
At this my companion, who had been reading up Montgomery in a guidebook, began to bristle with hidden knowledge.
"You say there are a million people here?" he demanded.
"Not right here," admitted the secretary.
"Well, how many do you claim?"