Charles Dickens? The Lazy Tour Of Two Idle Apprentices: "I do not know the American gentleman, God forgive me for putting two such words together."

Set in September 1857, this novella features two idle apprentices who escape their work for a trip to Cumberland, reflecting the authors' own personas. The characters, Thomas Idle and Francis Goodchild, serve as caricatures of Dickens and Collins, engaging in humorous discussions about their misadventures. The narrative satirizes their personalities while exploring themes of idleness, social issues, and class differences. Originally serialized in Dickens's periodical, the work combines wit and social commentary, showcasing the authors' unique collaboration.