not do to ask the partners," said Jack.

I was thunderstruck at the very idea. For Jack to entertain it for a
moment only showed how desperately in earnest he was.

We could get no light on the subject, and I had the pleasure of being
reminded by Hawkesbury's smile all day long that I was in his power, and
saw no way out.

That whole evening Jack and I sat and discussed the situation. We even
rose early, to consult Mr Smith the elder on his return to the
lodgings. He soon appreciated our difficulty; but he could suggest no
relief. For he was as poor as either of us, and had as few friends.

My uncle's letter did not come that day or the next.

Meanwhile I knew no peace. Hawkesbury's manner was more suave and
condescending than ever.

To the rest of my fellow-clerks during those two days I was the most
cross-grained and obnoxious comrade conceivable. My only relief seemed
to be in quarrelling with somebody, and as they all laid themselves out
to bait and tease me one way or another I had a pretty lively time of
it.

My chief hope was (and Jack shared in it), that if my uncle had been
determined not to help me at all he would probably have written by
return. The delay might mean he was at least considering the matter.

At last, on the third day of my waiting, the postman knocked at our
door. With beating heart I rushed to receive the letter which I knew
must be for me.

It was, but it was not from my uncle, it was from Hawkesbury.

"My Dear Batchelor," he wrote, "I am very sorry to see that I have given
you offence by settling your debt with Wallop. I really meant it for
the best, because I knew you could not pay, and I was afraid if it came
to my uncle's or Mr Barnacle's knowledge it might be awkward for you,
for I happen to know my uncle feels very strongly about clerks getting
into debt, especially through gambling. I'm afraid I can't undo what
has been done, for Wallop will hardly give me back the money. So I
write to tell you how sorry I am, and to say I hope you will forgive me.
Please do not trouble about the repayment of the loan; you must take
whatever time suits you. I trust this little matter will not make us
worse friends than before.

"Yours sincerely,--

"E. Hawkesbury.

"P.S.--I write this as I shall be away from the office the next two
days, while we are moving to our new house. When we are settled in I
hope you will come and see us."

What was I to think of it? For the la