CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.
HOW I TOOK PART IN A NOT VERY SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY PARTY.
Several weeks elapsed, and I was beginning to doubt whether Hawkesbury's advice, after all, was good, when a general holiday occurred to break the monotony of my life both at Hawk Street and Beadle Square.
I had for some time meditated, if I had the funds, taking advantage of my next holiday to run down to my uncle's.

Not that I expected any particular welcome from him, but I longed to see the old familiar haunts of my childhood after my long imprisonment in London; and, even if there were no more congenial friend than Cad Prog to hail me, it would at least be a change from this dreary city, with its noise and bustle, and disappointed hopes and lost friendships.
But my intention in this direction was upset by a double reason.

One was that I had no money.

Indeed, my debts had got so far ahead of my means that it was clear a crisis in my financial affairs must soon come.
The other reason was an invitation to join in a grand day's excursion by road to Windsor.
It came from Hawkesbury.
"Are you doing anything particular on Monday ?" he asked me, a day or two before the holiday.
"No; I half thought of going home, but I can't afford that, so I may go to the British Museum." "Not a very cheerful place to spend a holiday," laughed Hawkesbury.
"What do you say to coming a quiet drive with me ?" Had the invitation come from Crow or Daly, or even Doubleday, I should have regarded it shyly.

But Hawkesbury was a steady fellow, I thought, and not likely to lead one into mischief.
"I should like it awfully!" I said, "only--that is--I don't think I can afford it." "Oh!" said he, smiling affably, "you shan't be at any expense at all.
It's my affair, and I should like to take you with me." Of course my gratitude was as profuse as it was sincere.
"My idea was," continued Hawkesbury, "to get a dogcart for the day and go somewhere in the direction of Windsor, taking our own provender with us, and having a jolly healthy day in the open air." Nothing could be more delightful or more in accordance with my own wishes.
"Will it be just you and I ?" I asked.
"Well, these traps generally hold four.