Educating Roger - 06 - Roger Meets a School Tradition


by Mentor <John.mentor7@ntlworld.com>

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In case you are new to these stories, here is a brief recap.

Roger Livingstone had cheated at university and submitted an essay which was not his. His tutor had given him the choice between official action, which would mean his immediate expulsion from university or getting himself thrashed by a relative or friend and returning to prove that it had been done. He had tried to find his uncle but had discovered that he was away. On the way back home, he accepted the offer of help from an older man, Peter Hill, who gave him his caning but also required that he went back for a second instalment. That occasion had rounded off his earliest encounter with corporal punishment with a heavy strap, a tawse and a final few with a cane.

Later he used the same story again, this time to get a caning from Harold Furness, who had been in the Royal Navy and had both experienced and dished out canings there. Things developed even further when he met Russell Omerod who introduced Roger to his old headmaster who birched him. Russell also uncovered Roger's desire for caning when he realised that his story was not true. This enabled him to lead him on to other experiences as well.

Russell had also introduced Roger to his cousin, Basil Chapman. He had set up a visit for Roger to his own old school where he had had a very effective caning from Mr Lovell, the Gym Master. Now he is was to go for more. He did not know exactly what.

Now read on.

Just over a week later they returned to school. It was the day before the start of term. Basil explained that the prefects had assembled. They were always a day early so that they were organised and in place when the first boy appeared next day.

They faced the headmaster, this time sitting at his desk and ignoring a young man sitting to one side. He said, "Have you said anything about this visit, Chapman?"

"No, sir. You told me not to."

"Good. Livingstone, if your tutor had not been so generous, not only would your academic career have been at an end, but you would also have brought disgrace on your family and school. The formal offence was dealt with last time you were here. We have a tradition of dealing with the other side informally. For example, if a boy behaves in such a way that he brings disgrace on his house, as well as the official caning, it may well happen that an appropriate number of his house make their disapproval clear. Possibly with a gym shoe across his seat. It is unofficial and I pretend not to know, of course, but it is valuable. It enables them to express their feelings. It brings peer pressure to encourage conformity and it often reduces the danger of less satisfactory responses, like sending a boy to Coventry. The reason that I am explaining this is that you can help solve a problem we have. If something of that sort is required for a sixth former, then the prefects would deal with it. They have a long established, traditional way, carefully controlled but as effective as the gym shoe lower down the school. We have been fortunate in a way but it as an unfortunate side effect. We have had no need for such action for three years. That means that we have no-one in the sixth form who has experienced or even witnessed this tradition at first hand, not even those in their third year. Last year's Head Prefect drew my attention to it just before he left. If you agree, then he will guide them through the tradition. There will be a fair number of people who see you and I will understand if you decline."

Roger said, "You've helped me enormously, sir. If any of them come to Bristol, it'll be at least a year from now. I should think there's a fair chance that they won't recognise me. Besides, if they don't know what I did, there wouldn't be much they can do about it."

The Headmaster said, "Chapman said that you would say that. Thank you. Are you clear why I feel that the second session is needed?"

"Yes, sir. The first was the straight punishment for what I did. This is on behalf of my family, old school and any others who have been let down by what I did, even though I've been lucky and they haven't found out."

"That's right. Now, can I introduce Rudman? He's sitting over there and he is last year's Head Prefect. He won't embarrass you by meeting you in Bristol. He's got a place at King's College, London."

The ex-Head Prefect stood and came across to them. Roger offered him his hand and said, "It's good of you to put yourself out for me."

"It's good of you to agree to keep the tradition alive. It has certainly been going since my grandfather's time here, although there have been some changes in how it's carried out."

The Headmaster said, "Livingstone knows nothing of this apart from what you've heard me tell him. You can tell him as you tell the others. The Head Prefect will be down in a few minutes and he's made arrangements for a room for Livingstone to change in."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

A young man entered.

"Beautiful timing, Beech. Can you take them up, please? You know Rudman. He'll introduce the others on the way up."

They left the Head's study. Beech grinned and said, "I remember you, Chapman. I got through almost the whole year you were a prefect without any trouble and then you caught me with some booze a couple of days before the end of term. You were bloody decent about it as well. You gave me a good whacking but you didn't pass me on and you could have done. If you had, I couldn't have played in the school orchestra when they went on tour."

Basil said, "I gave you extra and set up a form whacking when your backside didn't have a chance to cool down from my cane, didn't I?"

"I know, but it was fair and you gave me the choice."

Rudman said, "The other fellow is Livingstone."

The Head Prefect said, "Pleased to meet you. You need somewhere to change, don't you?"

"Yes please."

"I've thought about it. I don't know what it's there for. There's the old Head Prefect's study. I suppose it was when they were so important that they didn't really mix with the others. It's right away from where everybody goes. You'll be OK, there. You remember where it is, don't you, Chapman?"

"Yes."

"If you take him down there, you can wait with him and bring him to the library when he's ready. When it's over, you can take him back there to get changed and so on. There's no rush, so if you want to help him get over it, it'll be fine by us. You can just find your way to the car when you're ready. There's no point in going back to tell the Head that you're going. He's got an invitation to some dinner or other. He'll be on his way now, I think."

When they were alone in the old head prefect's study and Roger was changing, he said, "Did the Head Prefect mean what I thought he meant?"

"Sure. I thought you knew. We often got up to things in our studies which, as prefects, we weren't allowed to know!"

A few minutes later Basil took Roger to the library.

Rudman had taken charge.

"Come and sit over here. I was just waiting for you before I explained."

They took their reserved seats and he said, "Right, gentlemen, pay very careful attention please. Last year, you lot and your mates were a pain. Not in the normal sense. You were too good. Most years, there's somebody, at some level in the Sixth Form, who does something so gross that we need to show the form's displeasure after they've had their formal whacking. You all know that we used dormitory, house or form wallopings to do this lower down in the school. In fact, we were reminded on the way up here that Chapman arranged one for your present Head Prefect."

Basil said, "Be fair. That was cheating slightly. It was officially showing disapproval for letting the orchestra down by drinking and risking getting banned from the trip. It was actually to give me cover for not reporting him higher."

Rudman said, "Nevertheless, you all know the form. In the Sixth Form we have a related tradition. However, as I was saying, we have gone through two complete years without it having to happen. That means that none of you have experienced it. We've got a chance to put that right, now. The Headmaster has been helping this visitor to the school. Please accept this as completely confidential and to be forgotten completely should you meet and recognise him in the future. He did something very foolish which could have ended his career. A few days ago, he willingly accepted a full dozen of the very best that Mr Lovell could give him as punishment, thus enabling the person in charge to overlook the offence. However, just as with school offences, there are some where we have an extra response. This is parallel for what he did, had it been dealt with officially, would have brought disgrace on his school and his family. We will use the traditional way the prefects express peer disapproval as you stand in for school, family and others who might have been ashamed of him. Is everyone clear so far?"

Silence was taken as indicating understanding.

"Right. Even though he has changed, this happens with bare backside. Changing simply means that it can be exposed without delay when it is due and that he is wearing a jockstrap for privacy. Livingstone, will you come out please, and lie over that table?"

He indicated a long, comparatively narrow table. Roger moved forward, slipped his shorts down and took them off, placed them on a chair and lay across the table.

"It's only fair to warn you that an attempt to rise before the entire procedure is complete will result in your being held down. I've heard that you needed no help in taking your previous beating and so I only warn you for form's sake."

"We have a variety of ways in which we proceed now. The Head Prefect will call a name. I will indicate what that person is to do. You will all have some task. It's the luck of the draw what you get, apart from the final allocation which traditionally is the Head Prefect's right. Just one final thing. The Head Prefect, Chapman and I will be watching carefully and assessing how well you do it. Anyone who fails to do it properly will have a caning from one of us."

He looked towards the Head Prefect who pulled a name from the bag he was holding.

"Sampson."

Rudman said, "You just warm him up. Six on each cheek with the flat of your hand. I think you'll find you can get more power if you stand with one hand resting in the small of his back and then lay the other one as hard as you can."

He moved across. Roger felt his hand resting as he had been advised. He heard him say quietly, "Stand by, mate. Here goes!"

Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! That was his left cheek. It started again. Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! His right cheek had also had its share.

Roger was squirming already and his bottom was warming nicely!

"Horner next." The Head Prefect made his announcement.

Rudman picked up a small gym shoe and threw it to him. Six on each cheek with this seemed to make little difference.

Beech said, "That was pathetic, Horner. I'll see you afterwards. Livingstone deserves to be punished. He has accepted it and it's only fair to him that it's done properly. Presumably Rudman and Chapman don't get a turn because the tradition will only have enough for the prefects. Out of fairness to Livingstone, would one of you like to do that for him?"

Rudman looked at Basil. He said, "I did have a try when I was here. You were deprived."

Rudman went over to Horner and said, "Give it to me, please."

Horner said, "It's stupid. I don't see how you can have any effect with that!"

Rudman said, "Sampson did better with his hand and he didn't complain about not having a weapon. Just watch."

Roger simply lay there and waited. Rudman took a position similar to the one Sampson had adopted.

ZAP! The first swipe hit his left cheek hard. He went into a rhythm, left and right cheeks alternatively. As he finished, he said, "Did you feel that, Livingstone?"

"Yes, thank you."

Rudman put the shoe back and the Head Prefect pulled another name out.

"Baxter."

Rudman said, "This paddle is important." Roger looked round and saw a piece of wood about the size of a table tennis bat.

"There are bigger paddles around. We've got one someone will use later. There are paddles which are better designed as well, but this is the Montgomery paddle. It is named after a Head Prefect of that name back in 1937. It had been used in his home and he brought it in and presented it. He's the same Montgomery whose name is on the school war memorial. Sorry, Baxter. You don't get much of a go. Three on each cheek."

Baxter accepted the weapon and said, "Well, that's the way it goes. I'll do what I can in six bats."

He came to his position, again, rested his left hand on Roger's back and started. It might have been a small paddle but he intended that it should be felt. He took it right back and then drove it hard and flat across Roger's right cheek. Thwwackk! Roger jumped and waited. Thwwackk! The second stroke warmed his left cheek. Four more followed and Roger knew that it had been effective! His cheeks were hot and he knew they would be red. Yet he had hardly started.

As Baxter went away, the Head Prefect drew another name from his bag.

"Sainsbury."

Rudman extracted a leather belt and said, "Nine with this."

As he handed it over, he said, "Use it as you like, but you'll probably have more control and do a better job if you fold it over and use it double."

Horner said, "Why couldn't I have had something like that?"

The Head Prefect replied, "Because your name came out at the wrong time, but you've just given me an idea. You've let us all down. I think you can have something like that and all the others. Go and change into your gym kit."

"You aren't serious, are you?"

"Very serious unless you're arguing. If you are, I'll see if Mr Lovell wants any practice before term starts properly."

Roger heard the door close as Horner went out. Sainsbury said, "The others are all right handed so you've had it all from one side. I'm ambidextrous and so we can balance things up a bit. I'll have a go from both sides, but more with my left hand." Spplatt! Roger felt the strap strike his rear end. He knew that he was being punished again. It was nothing like the cane, driven by Mr Lovell, but it still hurt and it had a different effect. Spplatt! Spplatt! There was a pause while the prefect walked to the other side. Spplatt! Spplatt! Spplatt! Roger was forcing himself to remain in place. Spplatt! Spplatt! Spplatt! Another pause followed as the prefect returned to his original position. Spplatt! Spplatt! Spplatt! Roger could well understand as well how this would affect someone in the group as it seemed that it was going to affect Horner soon.

As he finished, the Head Prefect was ready again.

"Holgate."

Rudman said, "This is the Yale paddle. It was brought to us by an old boy who had been a prefect. He went to Yale in America and he says that these are used in some ceremonies over there as well as being used in many homes and schools. It's big enough to get both cheeks at the same time if you aim properly and you've got a better turn than Baxter had. Twelve."

Roger realised that this was becoming serious. Holgate came over the him and prepared. Roger adjusted his position slightly, and reached from the narrow table to its legs, grasping them to ensure that he did not jump up as a reaction to what might follow.

He knew that Holgate must be getting ready to strike. Then it happened.

SPPLATT!

The paddle struck firmly across both cheeks, just as it had been intended to do. Roger knew that this was only the first of twelve and his cheeks were sensitive from the previous treatment.

SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! Roger was hanging on as the regular fall of the paddle built the pain up. He was determined not to cry out of hold the proceedings up. At last he had had his twelve whacks. Holgate stepped back and the Head Prefect announced, "Batty."

Rudman said, "It's this tawse. There's another one later. Six swipes and make them count, Batty. None of your feeble performances. I had to tell you about caning last year. You know what will happen if you fail and it won't help Livingstone. Chapman will be able to have a turn."

Batty took the tawse and said, "I'll do my best. I can balance him up a bit as well. I'm left handed." He went over to Roger and he took the warning he had been given well and truly to heart. Six times he drove the tawse into Roger's seat.

He was followed by Rushton delivering nine strokes with a leather paddle. By then, Roger was feeling very tender and was beginning to wonder whether he would be able to stay in place. As he thought about it, he heard Beech, the Head Prefect again.

"Bacon."

Rudman said, "You've got a heavier belt. Let's see if you can disturb him with six. It's like the other belt. I think you'll find it better if it's folded over."

Bacon said, "I know. My Dad uses one like this. It hurts."

Once again, Roger braced himself. This was not a case where the person delivering the punishment stood with a hand on his back. Bacon placed himself where he could get a good swing. Roger tightened his grip on the table legs and waited. Then it happened!

SPPLATT!

Roger knew that this was a good one. It hit hard and he was almost overtaken by the surge of pain that flooded from the tremendous impact.

SPPLATT!

The second one was as good as the first. On an already well reddened backside, this seemed to be as much as he could take.

SPPLATT!

This time, he was unable to prevent the gasp which was forced from his lips.

SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT!

He had survived. What was due next? All Roger knew was that there were a fair number of prefects left and he had the impression that they were all to have a turn. He prayed that he would be able to manage.

"Barrett." The name meant nothing to Roger, of course, but it was the trigger for the next stage.

"Nine strokes this time. The three tailed tawse."

Once again, Roger knew that he would have a struggle. Barrett entered into the spirit of the tradition well, landing heavy blows and further warming Roger's rear end. It was with great relief that he counted the ninth. That was another stage over. Who and what would be next?

To his surprise, Rudman said, "Now there is an option. If you think back to group wallopings lower down in the school, some of them were to help the group get the spleen out of their system, when someone had really got up everybody's nose and was thoroughly repulsive. Others were a way of letting somebody who had slipped badly come back into civilised society. At this point, if we were dealing with the former, we would simply press on regardless and drive the message home. If it is the latter, we have a coffee break now. The offender has a break and can rub his backside if he wants to. It doesn't mean he won't get the remainder. This isn't quite typical. Livingstone isn't one of you, but I understand that he took his earlier caning well. He's taking this well and he came voluntarily to have it. I suggest a break. Livingstone, you can get up and put your shorts on. I imagine that you'll be ready for a rub after that."

Roger assumed that the instruction was to avoid his rubbing his bruised cheeks until he had dressed. He took the hint, got into his shorts and then grasped his seat.

Bacon came over to him. "Here's a coffee for you. We use this as a base and we've got an urn here so it didn't take long."

"Thanks. I didn't really sort you all out but I think you're Bacon. You used that strap well, if I'm right."

"Yes. Sorry about that."

"Don't apologise. It's all fair. I deserve it and I can understand what Rudman said about clearing the books for people here."

Bacon said, "Sorry about that fool, Horner, as well."

Roger said, "It seems a bit unfair that he's going to get it just because I'm here."

"He's not getting it because of this, really. Something was bound to happen. He resents Beech getting the job of Head Prefect. He's second year sixth and Horner's third. I'm third as well. Neither of us is really Head Prefect material. The difference between us is that I know I'm not and I can see that Beech is. He didn't want to take orders from Beech and then he was sulking because he only got a small gym shoe. He seemed to think that Beech did it deliberately. He let us all down arguing with the Head Prefect in public and it's not as though Beech is unreasonable. If he thought he'd got a gripe, he could have seen him afterwards and privately. Instead, he went on and on until Beech either took drastic action or lost authority."

Rudman joined then and Bacon said, "I was just saying that Livingstone shouldn't blame himself because of that fool, Horner, landing himself. He'd have done something anyway. He's jealous because he's not Head Prefect."

"And you aren't?"

"Of course I'm not. I was saying that neither Horner nor I are Head Prefect material. OK, if there'd been nobody better, I think I could have had a stab at it, but Beech leaves me in the shade even if he is only second year sixth. If Horner had got the job, we'd have had a shambles within a month. He won't take it like Livingstone is, either."

Rudman said, "I'll be surprised if he gets the coffee break when it's his turn."

Bacon said, "If you asked most of us who know him, we wouldn't want him to have one. He's always been a creep and he still is."

Roger said, "I'm grateful for the break. Each one seems to be worse than the last. I was beginning to be afraid that I wasn't going to last out."

"Do you want to stop now?"

"That's not a fair question, Rudman. Of course I want to stop now. It hurts and my arse is sore. The trouble is that I assume that there's more to come. You did say this was a break not the end. I know that by tomorrow or even earlier, I'd regret stopping. I'm due for a punishment and it's only right that I have it. In a way, it's even better doing this part like this. You were talking about how some lads feel that they are being accepted again. I can understand that. With a group working for me and with me like most of these people are, it's a bit like being readmitted to the human race after doing something completely unacceptable. It's effect is more complete is everybody has his chance to have a go. Are the numbers of each one part of the tradition as well? I've noticed that they vary."

"The number for the Montgomery paddle are fixed. The others are random within a framework. It's a bit complicated and so I worked them out in advance. I'm afraid it's time to start again, now."

He made a general announcement to this effect. Once again, Roger took his shorts off and placed them on a chair. He returned to the table which had been his support for so long and lay across it again. He knew that his rump was tender and, even with the break and rest he might have a struggle. He reached out and grasped the table legs. He heard Bacon say, "If you've got any sense, Horner, you'll hang on like that when it's your turn."

Beech, the Head Prefect said, "I hope everybody's ready now. Bedford next."

Rudman said, "You've got another gym shoe. This one is bigger than the one Horner made his fuss about. It's a size twelve. Six on each cheek like it was with the other."

Roger braced himself again. He felt the prefect's hand rest in the small of his back and then, SPLATT! SPLATT! SPLATT! SPLATT! The prefect moved into a rhythm. Alternate cheeks. He had a brief pause and then, again, SPLATT! SPLATT! SPLATT! SPLATT! Another pause and SPLATT! SPLATT! SPLATT! SPLATT!

Roger's cheeks were back where they had been before the break.

"Ruddick."

"Another paddle. This one's got small holes in it. I don't know why but it hurts more like that. The same number as the Yale paddle. Twelve."

Roger looked round. Like the Yale paddle, this was big enough to cover both cheeks at a go and he was getting twelve. He tightened his grip on the table legs and waited.

SPPLATT! Roger found it difficult to remember how much the Yale paddle had hurt but decided, at that first encounter, that Rudman was right. This hurt more.

SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! Ruddick was not rushing, but was applying them well. Roger was unable to think of anything other than the pain at his rear end.

SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT! SPPLATT!

The twelve were completed. He relaxed slightly and then, SPPLATT! Another stroke arrived. It took Roger by surprise and he found himself saying "Ouch!"

Beech said, "What are you playing at Ruddick? That's thirteen, now."

Ruddick said, "I'm sorry, Livingstone. I really am. I miscounted. You can give me a walloping when it's over, to remind me to be more careful."

Roger looked round. "Forget it. It was a mistake and you've apologised. It's only a small fraction of everything."

Beech said, "Banks."

Rudman said, "If you're shaving, Banks, I suppose it'll be a safety razor or an electric one. This is a good quality razor strop. Original purpose was sharpening cut throat razors but it's ideal for warming backsides as well. Nine."

Roger knew it would be ideal. Once again, he braced himself, recognising that the tradition was keeping the "best" until last.

Banks was willing to play his part. The tradition required that it was done well. Livingstone clearly accepted that this was the case and would want it that way, just as he knew that if he were in that position he would. He looked at the bright red, bruised cheeks with sympathy and then aimed. He took the strop well back and then crashed it squarely across those cheeks, the end covering the far one, but not allowing any spare.

SPPLATT! He saw Roger jump, noticed a tremor through his body and heard, with satisfaction, a slight gasp as he appreciated the effect. He allowed his to settle down and then took the weapon back again. He aimed and brought it back.

SPPLATT! That was the second. He knew that he was doing a good job. His task was to try to get Roger to break while being fair to him. Another pause and the third was driven across those cheeks. Then the fourth. He went on. Finally, he reached the ninth and Roger was still taking it. Before he left, he said, "Bloody well done, Livingstone. Keep it up. There aren't many of us left now." He returned his weapon to Rudman.

Beech said, "Rowlands."

Rudman said, "You've drawn the short straw, Rowlands. It's an old leather strap from a railway carriage window. It's the best, of course. You can see GWR stamped on it. You've got to make it work. It's too thick to double over and only a real expert could control it using the complete length."

Rowlands said, "I suppose it's the short straw because I'll be at the receiving end if I don't do it hard enough or if I give him wild bashes with the whole length and miss his bum?"

"Got it in one! It wasn't a fix. These conditions apply right the way through, of course, and you happened to be drawn for this one."

"There's no need to explain. I can see that it's fair. I'm not called Horner. How many?"

"Six."

He collected the long, thick leather strap and tested various lengths in the air. When he thought he had the balance between control and power right he went over to Roger and said quietly, "Here goes. I'll do my best and there's only one other apart from the Head Prefect, after me."

He drove it across Roger's well bruised seat and watched the reaction. He thought that he had done well. He let him settle down again and then struck a second time. Four more followed.

He returned the weapon to Rudman and said, "How did I do?"

"The Head Prefect decides and he'll tell you at the end."

"Fair enough. Livingstone's the important one now."

The Head Prefect said, "Hicks, you'll have worked out that you're next."

Rudman said, "Completing the main circle, Hicks, it's your bare hand."

"Six on each cheek again?"

"That's right."

After his previous adventures, Roger was able to take what was a comparatively mild discomfort. After this there was only the Head Prefect. What would he be doing? He was soon to discover.

As Hicks went away, Rudman said, "The Head Prefect uses a cane."

Beech collected it and asked, "How many?"

"I don't know this time. I've got a set of numbers in this box. Livingstone has to suggest how many he thinks would round the proceedings off. If his number is more than the one he will draw, then he'll get what he said. If the one he draws is bigger, he'll get that together with a bonus of six."

Beech went to Roger's head. "Did you understand that?"

"Yes."

"How many?"

Roger thought frantically. Rudman said, "Probably the best way is just to do what I said and say what you think is needed to round things off."

"OK. I think a dozen would do it."

Beech said, "Here's the box. Take one."

Roger took a paper out, unfolded it and said, "I get my twelve." He passed it to Beech. He looked at it and said, "It's three."

Rudman said, "Horner, I suggest that you don't rely on getting on as low as that when it's your turn."

Roger gripped the table legs. Rowlands said, "It's not fair to expect him even to try to stay for twelve from the cane with a rump like that. Is it OK if I give him a hand and hold his shoulders down. He's doing really great and if he's helped like that he can concentrate on not yelping too badly."

Rudman said, "Of course you can. In this case, it's welcoming him back and you're trying to help him. You can count as well, if you like. It helps. There's something else as well. We don't cane in this school on bare backsides. Livingstone, you can get your shorts on and there's no objection to giving you backside a bit of a rub."

Roger got up, collected his shorts and put them on again. He rubbed his seat to try to bring a little comfort and then, so as not to abuse the privilege he thought he had been given, he returned to the table. He grasped the table legs again. Rowlands stood at his head and pressed his shoulders down. He said quietly, "We're all with you."

CRRACKK! Roger felt the familiar surge of the pain the arrival of the cane produced. He clamped his teeth together and gripped tighter. He was grateful for the restraining pressure of the youth at his head.

"One."

CRRACKK! The same sensation. Rowlands said, "Two."

Beech was working in the school tradition. It was not being unduly extended but Roger was getting time to recover between each stroke.

"Three." Another satisfying surge of pain. One by one the strokes were applied. Rudman made each one count.

"Eleven."

Roger now knew that there was only one left but Beech had a final card concealed up his sleeve. He had carefully avoided the sensitive area were buttock becomes thigh. Now he aimed carefully for that very region. He took the cane right back for the final stroke, almost flexed his whole body like a wound up clock spring and then released the entire power as the cane crashed into Roger for the last time. It was a fresh area which had not become deadened by previous applications. A final surge of pain flooded through Roger's entire being and he gasped.

The Head Prefect said, "Well done. That's it. You've come through with honour."

Roger took that as an invitation to stand. He rose to his feet and grasped his stricken rump. Gently he massaged it.

The Head Prefect said, "Chapman, would you like to take Livingstone to get changed. There's no rush. We'll have a council of war to decide what happens to Horner. That reminds me. The sod should be back by now. Perhaps one of you would got and collect him please."

Sampson said, "What about the council of war while he's missing? I'm not sure he deserves a ceremonial walloping like that."

Bacon said, "Of course he deserves it, and more."

Sampson replied, "I know he deserves something. It ought to be bloody serious as well, but that is for somebody who's part of the community I think and he's put himself outside."

Basil said, "Come on, Roger. We'll let them sort themselves out."

Roger turned to the Head Prefect and said, "Thanks for everything. I am grateful. I probably won't see you again."

Beech replied, "Don't rush but I'd appreciate it if you'd come back. Horner let himself and us down in front of you. Whatever we decide for him, it would be better for him if he realises that you've seen at least some of his treatment. Don't rush though. He's probably gone into hiding and will have to be rooted out."

Basil and Roger went out and returned to the study they had been loaned. We draw a veil over the comfort Basil was able to extend to Roger, but eventually, clothed and ready, they emerged and returned to the library. As they went along the corridor, Horner was being led by two prefects.

They went in together. As the door closed, Horner almost sneered, "I suppose you're going to have your fun now."

Beech replied, "On the contrary, it's an unfortunate business when a prefect lets us down in front on a visitor. To be honest, while you were out there was a long discussion about what we should do and there was considerable support for passing you to the headmaster in the hope that someone else takes your place as prefect."

Horner said, "If that's what you want, you can have my _f_u_c_k_ing resignation. I don't feel comfortable with a set of creeps like you lot. Why don't you just get the whacking or whatever you want to do over and done with?"

The head prefect said, "Your resignation is simple enough. You can write a letter or explain to the headmaster personally. We have actually decided that you can have the choice between a caning from me that you will notice or being referred to the headmaster. As you are no longer concerned about losing the job as prefect you may prefer to go to him."

"Not _f_u_c_k_ing likely. I'd be massacred if _f_u_c_k_ing Lovell gets the chance to drive his cane into my arse again."

Beech said, "Your language is making things worse. I was proposing six. Now it'll be twelve. You'd better get across the table before it goes too far and the option of my dealing with it is withdrawn."

Horner moved into the required position, one which he knew well after his years in the school. Beech ran his hands across his rump, smoothing out the odd crease in his gym shorts.

Roger watched as Beech took the cane as far back as he could, twisting his trunk as well, so that he was rather like a taut spring, ready to be released. Then it was released and the cane rushed through the air, crashing into Horner's rump and almost burying itself in the tight flesh. Ccrakkk! Horner's entire body went rigid. His head shot back and he cried out, "For pity's sake! Not that hard.!

Beech's reply was to wait in silence for about fifteen seconds as he offender savoured the waves of anguish. Then the cane was taken back again and driven in for a second time.

Ccrakkk!

Horner gasped. Indeed it was almost a shriek. Four further strokes followed and Horner whimpered, "Please! No more!"

Beech replied, "I said a dozen. However, I don't think you're really worth the effort. If you're serious about resigning, we'll leave it at that."

Horner replied, "I'm serious, honestly."

"Very well. Get up and get out. You can rub you arse when you're clear of the room but don't touch it in here."

Horner got to his feet. Almost by instinct moved his hands towards his tortured rump and then withdrew them. He went out.

After thanking the remaining assembled prefects again, Roger was on his way.


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