Philips bottom was still a little sore the next day when he was woken by a loud tapping at his bedroom door. Today was the day he was to be taken to his new school. He got out of bed and trotted to the bathroom where he washed his face and brushed his teeth. Then he returned to his bedroom, took off the underpants in which he had slept, put them into the laundry basket along with his ankle socks which he had put there last night, and went to his cupboard and withdrew his clean clothes for today. He pulled on his clean briefs and socks. Then he put on his white school shirt followed by the grey regulation school shorts. Finally he pulled on the thin grey jumper which completed his attire. He took his school shoes from the cupboard and made his way downstairs before placing the shoes by the front door ready to put on when they were to leave. He made his way to the dining room to eat his breakfast where he was met by Miss Brown. "Have you brought down your used clothing?" she enquired. Philip had forgotten to bring down the laundry basket. "No Miss, sorry Miss" he said and rushed back upstairs to his room, picked up the basket and placed it on top of the washing machine in the kitchen. He re entered the dining room. "I think I should tell Sir you forgot to bring your clothes down AND I think I should tell him you ran in the house instead of walking properly."
"Oh please Miss, No Miss" Philip had sobbed, remembering all too clearly his first meeting with Sirs cane last night.
"Very well. I wont say anything this time, but be more careful in future" she scolded. She then brought Philip a glass of orange juice, two slices of toast and a boiled egg. Philip ate his breakfast and then took his plate and glass to the kitchen where he washed them and placed them in the rack to dry. Miss Brown inspected his efforts and appeared satisfied as she said nothing. "Go and put your shoes on and wait for Sir by the door" she then instructed the boy.
Arthur appeared just as Philip was putting on his shoes. He wished the boy good morning and told him that they would go in the car to the school today but in future Philip would walk the half mile or so to the school. They left the house and Philip got into the back of the car. They drove out onto the road and headed towards the school. Philip had been enrolled as soon as Arthur knew the adoption had been approved and Philip was to meet the Headmistress and be taken to meet his new classmates. They were early for their meeting and Arthur decided to use he time they had together to impress on Philip the need for good behaviour at school. "When you are at school Philip I expect you to behave as you would at home. Do what the teachers tell you and pay attention to your lessons. I will give you little tests from time to time to make sure you are doing your best. If you misbehave I will find out about it and I think you know now what will happen. Dont you?" Philip had nodded that he understood and instinctively rubbed his bottom with his hand.
The Headmistress came into the room and greeted man and boy. She prepared to take the boy to his classroom but before they went Arthur said he wanted to say a few things to her. "I have told Philip I expect him to work hard and also that he must behave himself. I would like you to keep me informed should he step out of line. I realise schools are not allowed to use proper discipline these days but I can assure you I will deal with any misbehaviour if I hear about it. Tell the Headmistress what happened last night Philip".
"I was late home" Philip said timidly. Arthur noticed he was looking down at his feet.
"What have I told you about looking at people when you talk to them" he had sternly said. "I think we may need to discuss your behaviour again tonight. Now tell your Headmistress what happened when you were late home. And look at her, not your feet".
"I got the cane Miss" the boy had whispered.
"I promise you I will keep you informed of the boys progress, Mr Morrow" said the Head. "We issue reports at the end of each term and parents and guardians are informed by phone call if the child is involved in serious misbehaviour. We welcome parents and guardians checking their childs schoolwork as well to ensure the work meets their expectations".
"Good" said Arthur. "So Philip I hope you have been listening. Best behaviour please and come straight home after school. School finishes at 3.40 so I expect you home by no later than 4. oclock. I will not be home when you return but Miss Brown will tell me if you are late. In the meanwhile I will decide if we need to discuss your rudeness by not looking at the Headmistress when you were talking to her Now off you go. Work hard".
Philip was whisked away by the Head to his classroom where he would be introduced to his new friends.