Jason was a fine young man. He was 16 years old, blond and was the envy of all his friends. He excelled in school sports and outdoor activities and was n active member of the school swimming team, spending every spare moment he could find in either strenuous sessions in the school gymnasium or regular training in the pool.
As a result of these regular training programmes and his generally active life style, Jason possessed a lithe young body with a very strong physique. He was extremely fit and well tanned. His muscles rippled in the sunlight – and he knew it!
Combined with his athletic build which was capable of speeding him through the pool, the boy possessed a very able mind and when he applied himself to hi studies he was able to achieve quite outstanding results. But his vanity was the cause of his current problem as he concentrated more and more on his body building and less and less on his studies. However, time and a hard lesson in obedience that Jason would long remember, were soon to correct this.
This term Jason realised he had not kept his activities in balance and was concerned and fearful of his coming end-of-school examinations. Due to the frequent training sessions to maintain his position in the school swimming team his studies had suffered badly and he knew it. This concerned him greatly, not only because of the repercussions that he well knew would occur at home should he not do well with his schoolwork, but also because he had high goals for the future and he knew he must succeed at school with his academic studies if he were to achieve his ambitions.
His father, whilst praising him regularly for his sporting achievements had repeatedly warned him not to let his studies slip or he would be flogged. The boy was full of anxiety for the day when he had to take home his school report. He feared it would be a report that pleased neither his father nor himself.
Jason had an extremely sound and good relationship with his father who admired him greatly for his many qualities, but at the same time he held extremely high expectations for his son. Since his early years he had been expected to present a model image to his 14 year old twin brothers, Tim and Byron and his father offered no mercy should he stray from this path. At the same time Jason wanted to be a model brother to the twins. He also realised that when the time came for correction, it was for his own ultimate benefit.
His dad was a strict disciplinarian and liberal doses of the strap across the bare buttocks was meted out at even the slightest provocation to ensure strict obedience. He believed that if it were necessary to use the strap then a solid thrashing was of far more lasting benefit than a mild punishment. Fortunately for the boys this did not occur too frequently as the mere thought of a flogging ensured that they kept themselves out of trouble. In addition, as a constant reminder, the strap hung behind the bathroom door visible and read for use whenever the boys erred. The sight and thought of the pain that would be inflicted was enough to keep the boys in order.
It was a thick leather strap about a metre in length and four or five centimetres wide. The end of the strap was split into four thin strips so that when administered each stroke had the effect of four separate lashes. On the rare occasions when the boys were treated to such punishment the pain was excruciating. To even flinch during punishment instantly brought an additional few lashes. However, the results were long lasting and, as far as the boys were concerned it was very beneficial and did them a lot of good by keeping them in line and out of trouble for some considerable time, even if only for fear of another dose.
Unless a miracle was going to occur before examination time, Jason knew what lay in store for him. His dad had constantly warned the three boys that any examination result of less than 70% would instantly result in severe punishment. Punishments were in proportion to the marks gained in school exams. A mark in the sixties resulted in two strokes of the strap; in the fifties four strokes; the forties six strokes and so on. With six subjects to study for and the exams just two weeks away Jason knew he had a mammoth task ahead of him if he were to avoid the consequences of his neglect throughout the term.
Although extremely tired after his physically exhausting days at school, he spent the last two weeks prior to the exams with study until the early hours of the morning. Frustration soon set in as he quickly realised just how difficult a task he had and this did not help him at all.
To overcome his casual approach to his studies throughout the term seemed an interminable task. Alas, when the results of the examinations were put on the school notice board on the morning of the last day of term, Jason's heart sank. His brothers had done well in their examinations and he was pleased for them but he, himself, had not done well at all. He knew that not only was he in for a severe punishment from his father but equally importantly he was distressed that he had so badly let down his parents who had such high expectations of him.
Only two of his subjects resulted in marks of 70% or greater, whilst his others brought him one result in the sixties, two in the fifties and one in the forties. Never before had he actually failed a subject and he knew that his father would not be pleased, to say the least. He quickly calculated that he was due for no less than sixteen solid strokes of the strap, a punishment he dreaded but at the same time knew was thoroughly deserved in light of his tardiness with his studies throughout the term.
The boy recognised that punishment was given for his own good and he knew he would learn a great deal from it when the time came.
It seemed a long day for Jason as the minutes ticked slowly by; all the time with only one thought in his mind. He had to face his father that evening with the dreaded news. He was not prepared to wait until the report was posted home. That would only delay the inevitable for a further few days. Best to get it over with, he decided wisely, so that he could get on with his life and learn from his mistake.
Jason was unusually quiet on the way home and his brothers wondered what was concerning him. They had not seen his results but had presumed that, as usual, they would have been more than satisfactory. When told the reason for his anxiety they fully understood his reaction and felt for him. Byron, particularly, was most sympathetic to his brother as he himself still remembered the recent beating his father had given him when the Headmaster had informed his parents that he had been caught smoking. What made the matter worse was that he didn't even enjoy the cigarette. Like so many young people, he was only smoking when dared by his peers, so that he could be part of the crowd.
Jason explained to his brothers that he had realised for some time that he was neglecting his studies but, like many boys of his age, he had got caught up with his sporting prowess. He already realised the error of his ways, he told them, and assured them that their father would, without doubt, make him even more aware. However, he told hem he deserved every bit of the punishment he would inevitably receive and that it would do him good. At the same time he apologised to his brothers for the bad example he had set them. Jason's long day dragged on further as he ha another four hours before his father arrived home from work. He was going over the situation in his mind and the right moment to break the news. Regardless of the moment he knew he was in for a bad time, both physically and mentally.
Dad was tired when he arrived home late but seemed in good spirits as he heard of Tim and Byron's fine end of term results. He duly congratulated them, told them how proud he was of them and gave them each a twenty dollar note to spend during the holidays. He was a very fair man and although he punished his children severely when they transgressed, he equally rewarded them generously whenever deserved. This was why all of the boys held their father in such high respect. Now it was the turn of the eldest son! Dad's face fell as Jason detailed his marks one by one and Jason realised just how disappointed an angry his father was.
"What happened?" he asked. "You are a bright boy. How can you get results like this? Were your exams particularly difficult? Did your friends have the same degree of difficulty?"
"No, Sir," the boy replied. Most of my friends did extremely well."
"Well . . . .?" said his father, anxiously awaiting the reason.
"I devoted too much time to my training for body building and swimming," he replied, "and did not make the appropriate effort with my studies. I have been lazy. It won't happen again, I promise."
"Not half as sorry as you're going to be," added his father, "and we are going to have to make sure it won't happen again, aren't we?"
"Yes, Sir," whimpered the boy, already almost in tears.
"Go and get me the strap, Jason," his father instructed in a stern voice.
To Jason, the punishment had already begun. To be asked to retrieve the strap from its resting place behind the bathroom door and to take it to his father sent shivers down his spine. In his mind he could already feel the welts as they lashed across his body. Yet, he knew he must take his punishment as a man and learn from it.
He had brought this situation upon himself by weeks of continual neglect throughout the past term and now must face up to his responsibilities and obligations without any signs of weakness. Particularly, he must be an example to his brothers by accepting the consequences without complaint.
He handed the strap to his father, who then instructed the boy to fetch the linseed oil and a cloth. On his return he handed the articles to his dad and stood at attention in front of him whilst his father carefully oiled the strap to maintain its flexibility and to keep it in peak condition for its coming use.
"Just as you boys need the strap every now and then to keep you in peak condition," said his father addressing his errant son, "so the strap needs oiling to keep it in peak condition. Then it will do you a lot more good, won't it, son?"
A well oiled strap, his father constantly told them, made certain that its benefits would be well and truly appreciated by the boys in helping them to understand the errors of their ways. Jason could see that he was about to well and truly understand and appreciate the errors of his ways! He also knew that a freshly oiled strap was twice as painful when the four moistened strips of leather at the end made contact with the skin. Nevertheless, it was his own fault and he was fully prepared to face up to his responsibilities.
"Tim. Byron," his father called – as the twins had long since retreated to the safety of their own rooms, knowing well what was in store for Jason. "You are to witness punishment," he told them when they arrived, "in the hope that you might also learn from it, so that you do not go the same way with your studies."
The boys shuddered. Apart from not wishing to see their brother, whom they idolised, punished, they knew from past experience that when serious punishments had to be witnessed, they were often concluded not only with an additional strapping for the offender but also with a good strapping for the witnesses to emphasise the seriousness of the situation.
"Jason," he said in the presence of the twins, "I will not accept laziness. If any of you have made a sound effort with your work and you do not achieve, then that is very disappointing but understandable. I do not blame you in any way when you have made your best efforts, as you have obviously done with your sport and I particularly congratulate you for all you have achieved with your swimming. But you have failed your studies, not because you are not capable but because of a lack of application on your part. That is completely intolerable and I will not put up with it. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sir," replied Jason, now quietly sobbing as he anticipated the approaching punishment.
"Take the strap. Go up to the study and get ready for punishment. I shall be there shortly."
Jason took the strap from his father and left for the study. Although only three rooms away, the walk upstairs to the study felt so far away. Already he was strongly regretting his lack of effort throughout the term, and realised the time had now come to be fully accountable. He slowly opened the door, entered the study, closed the door behind him and placed the strap across the back of the chair.
He removed his jeans and underpants but did not seem aware of the fact that his long shirt hung down to his knees. He figured that he would roll his shirt up when the time came so that his buttocks would be completely uncovered and ready to receive his due punishment.
For what seemed like an indefinite length of time, he stood there contemplating his father's arrival. Suddenly, the door opened and in came his brothers, Tim and Byron, followed immediately by their father. Tim and Byron were instructed to stand at attention against the wall, facing the desk in the centre of the room.
"Jason," he thundered. "You were told to prepare for punishment. I can't even see your backside. Get that shirt off immediately."
"Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir," replied Jason as he removed his shirt and stood there completely naked, his body shaking with fear and anxiety.
"Tim. Byron. You have done well with your studies this term and I am proud of you. I wish I could be as proud of your brother. Hopefully, we will all be next term if he learns from this punishment and makes a better effort in the future. You are to observe this punishment and hopefully it will serve as a good warning to you that laziness will not be accepted in this household."
"Jason," he said, turning his attention to his elder son. "I presume you realise the extent of the punishment you are to receive for your laziness? I warn you now, it will be severe and I hope you and your brothers learn a good lesson from it. We will not tolerate laziness in this household. I'm sure you know that, don't you?"
"Yes, Sir," replied his son, now sobbing uncontrollably, and added, "I understand I have done wrong, I am very sorry and I deserve to be punished. I promise it will teach me a good lesson and that next term you will be as proud of my results as you are of Tim's and Byron's."
"Then, assume the punishment position, son."
Jason handed the strap to his father and approached the desk in the centre of the room. He spread his legs apart so that as much as possible of his buttocks were exposed for punishment and bent down low across the desk. He grasped the other side of the desk to hold himself steady, for he knew if he dared flinch he was in for even more.
"I'm ready," he sobbed, "not only do I hope to learn from this but I hope it will help Tim and Byron also to realise what I have done wrong so they don't do the same thing."
"Tim, Byron, both your brother and I hope you will learn a valuable lesson. Observe carefully and treat your brother's punishment as a warning to you. Your first punishment, Jason, is for your Mathematics result. 42%. That will cost you six strokes. Count each stroke, aloud, as usual."
His father drew the strap back high over his shoulders in readiness for the first stroke. Before the strap even reached the boy, young Tim had turned away, anxious not to see his brother receive his deserved punishment. He did, however, hear the thwack as the four supple thongs of well oiled leather were laid to rest across his brother's naked bottom. As it flayed across Jason's buttocks he heard his brother's anguished, "One, Sir."
"Tim," he said in a stern voice. I told you to witness the punishment, not to turn away. Strip and take your brother's place at the desk. Jason, stand up!"
Tim removed his shorts and underpants, rolled up his shirt and assumed the punishment position. Immediately followed four of the hardest lashes with the strap that one could possibly imagine.
"Now," said his father, "Do as you are told and face your brother while he takes the rest of his beating or you'll get some more."
Young Byron was by this stage petrified, as he was the only one of the three who hadn't been whipped as yet. He guessed it was coming!
The lad resumed his position at attention against the wall and this time obeyed the instructions of his father. Jason resumed his position at the desk and continued to count aloud as the strokes whipped across his bottom.
"Two, Sir . . . . Three, Sir . . . . Four, Sir . . . . Five, Sir . . . . Six, Sir."
With each stroke, a severe sensation of pain shot through his entire body.
After the sixth stroke, the punishment paused temporarily with Jason still spreadeagled across the desk. His father checked that the twins were still observing the punishment and then continued, "History, 55%. Four strokes."
The strap flew through the air, landing on Jason's bottom like a crack of thunder. He flinched! Not only was the stroke not to be counted as part of his punishment, but he was advised that the next three were the "reward" for not taking his punishment as instructed. He then laid on three particularly hard cuts of the strap.
By this time, both the twins were in tears as they witnessed their elder brother being flogged for his laziness. They had already learnt an extremely valuable lesson, but they were forced to stand there as the punishment continued. Both realised they dare not turn away.
"History, 55%. Four strokes. We'll try again."
This time Jason wept openly but did not move a muscle for fear of more additional punishment. He merely counted the punishment.
"One, Sir . . . . Two, Sir . . . . Three, Sir . . . . Four, Sir ."
"English, 63%. Two strokes."
"One, Sir . . . . Two, Sir."
"Science, 58%. Four strokes," added his father.
Jason didn't know how much more he could take. Already, between the punishment for Maths, History and English, plus the stroke that wasn't counted when he flinched, combined with the additional three he then received, he had taken a total of sixteen strokes, and his Science mark of 58% for which he was to receive four more strokes, had still to come. However, he was determined not to move, for fear he would again receive even further punishment.
" "One, Sir . . . . Two, Sir . . . . Three, Sir . . . . Four, Sir"
Jason, by this stage, was crying uncontrollably but hadn't moved a muscle. He waited anxiously for his father's advice that the punishment was complete, for he knew from past experience that it was not unusual for additional strokes to be given at this stage, if his father either considered that some of the punishment was too light or if he considered that the boys hadn't yet learned their lesson and would benefit from a further thrashing. This was especially the case with serious misdemeanours, with Jason anticipating additional strokes.
"Get up," ordered the boys' father, "and stand at attention."
The boy slowly rose to an erect position, his buttocks visibly raw in various shades of red, blue and black as a result of his punishment.
"Thank you, Sir, for correcting me," he said to his father and shook his hand firmly. "That was a good whipping. I thoroughly deserved it." He knew that even a failure of such acknowledgment at this stage could still result in an additional whipping.
"And what have you learned from this punishment, son?" demanded his father. "Is there any chance that we are going to see a repetition of this type of behaviour?" he asked.
Still crying, Jason managed to tell his father that he had learnt a very valuable lesson that he would never forget. He had learnt to apply himself to his studies and to keep both his sport and academic work in proportion. He assured his dad that the problem would never occur again. He was instructed to stand to the side and remain at attention. His father now turned to the twins.
Addressing the twins, his father asked both of them if they, too had learned a lesson. They assured him they had, but in order to emphasise the gravity of the situation, he told them that they would both now get a dose of what Jason had just received. One by one, Byron first, they were told to take the punishment position and he laid four of the best across their buttocks.
He saved the hardest four for Tim who had already disobeyed him earlier during Jason's turn at the desk. Tim screamed in agony at every stroke, but knew that he dare not even think about flinching. Indeed, neither of the twins flinched a muscle during their strapping. Jason felt ashamed that he had done so. Both of them then thanked their dad for giving them a good lesson; Tim also apologising for his earlier disobedience.
Jason, still trembling, again approached the desk in readiness for his additional share. There was an audible sigh of relief as his father said, "Jason, I think you've had enough for now. I am going to save your additional punishment until the end of the holidays, so it will be fresh in your mind when you return to school. That way there will be even less chance you will forget the need to keep your sport and studies properly balanced."
Whilst Jason was pleased there was not to be given more at the moment, he was concerned that he had another fortnight to contemplate the additional punishment. Normally, the boys would prefer to get their punishment over and done with as soon as possible, but after the beating he had already received, Jason was quite appreciative of the delay. In his heart, he agreed it would probably do him a lot more good just before school went back than it would now.
"Thank you, Sir," he said to his father. His dad told him that he would speak further with him in the morning and handed the strap to his son to return it to the bathroom.
Jason had a restless night, yet knew it was entirely of his own making. He did not for one moment condemn his father. He apologised to his brothers for their thrashings and told them it was his fault. If he hadn't been in so much trouble, the two of them would not have had to witness the punishment with the consequences that resulted.
Jason immediately went to his own room to calm down. His buttocks were so sore that he went straight to bed and lay naked on his stomach for the night. He could not bear to even have his pyjamas rub against him. Indeed, he did not sleep well at all, not only because of the pain from his beating, but the anticipation of yet another dose lay heavily on his mind.
In the morning, realising his dad was already in the study working, Jason, dressed only in his underpants, knocked gently on the study door.
"Enter!" commanded his dad.
"Good morning, Dad," he said to his father who was seated at the desk. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Jason. Stand in front of the desk, please."
"Dad, I am so sorry I neglected my studies this term and I am sorry I have let you down so much. I will do my best that it never happens again," the boy said.
"I am proud of you, son," said his father. "You have faced your punishment last night like a man. I do not like these situations at all, anymore than you do, but I am determined that you boys will grow up to obedient and responsible young men."
He continued: "You are a very able young boy and when you put your mind to it, you can achieve a great deal. But you must learn to keep your sport and studies in balance. Hopefully, you have now learnt that lesson but if ever again you realise you are losing that balance you are to tell me before it's too late. A good strapping early in the piece can correct the situation and put you back on track before it's too late. I would far rather see you punished as soon as the problem starts to show up, so we can correct the situation early, rather than waiting for the exams. Do you understand?"
"I don't think it will ever happen again, dad," Jason told his father, "but if it does, I will tell you immediately I notice it and ask you to repeat the punishment you've given me this time. Not only do I not ever want the same type of report again, but I don't want to disappoint you again, or to set a bad example to the twins. I hope my punishment has been a good lesson to them as well."
"Jason, I have delayed your additional punishment for two reasons. First, I believe you had sufficient last night and secondly, by delaying it until just before school returns, it will keep the punishment fresh in your mind and hopefully you will learn more from it and start the new term correctly. Also, and I hope you realise that as your brothers have had punishment to emphasise the seriousness of the situation, it is not fair to them if you do not receive additional punishment. Can you understand that?"
"Yes, Sir," the boy replied.
"Between them, the twins got twelve strokes last night that they wouldn't have received if it were not for you. I am told you have already apologised to them, and I admire you for that. I am sure you can understand the reason, then, that when the time comes for your additional punishment, I am going to have to give you twelve extra strokes as well and they will be very hard."
"That's fair, Sir," he said. "May I make a request, please, Sir?" the boy asked.
"Certainly."
"I would like to ask that the twins don't have to witness the additional punishment. Apart from the fact that I know they've already learnt a good lesson from having to observe my beating last night, I don't want them to get any more. I don't think they deserve it, as it was all my fault, not theirs."
"Fair enough," replied his father. "I quite agree. I think they've already been well warned. Now, son, I want you to enjoy your holidays. But there is a need for some study to catch up on the work you are behind with. Otherwise, you are going to have difficulties next term, aren't you? I shall leave it to you to decide how much study is appropriate. You are quite mature and sensible enough for that," his father added. "Now, I want you to put this punishment behind you and make a fresh start."
Jason had an enjoyable holiday, sharing it with his friends, his brothers and his father, who took them all to the coast for a few days' holiday. It was also an excuse for his father to get the boy away from his studies for a few days to keep his mind fresh. He understood the boy's anguish, but nevertheless, knew well, as the boys themselves did, of the need for chastisement when his sons erred.
But the end of the holidays were approaching and Jason had not forgotten that he had yet another reminder of his tardiness to face up to before he went back to school. He guessed that his additional punishment would be given the night before school went back, but neither he nor his father had referred to the matter.
After dinner on the last evening of the holidays, Jason's father turned to the boy and said, "Well, Son. I think the time has come for your additional punishment so that we can impress the importance of study on you. Then, hopefully you'll have a good term."
"Thank you, dad. I'll get the strap ready."
Jason retrieved the strap from the bathroom door and oiled it thoroughly, carefully lubricating the end thongs, as he knew he was expected to do. Although a freshly oiled strap was a great deal more painful when it was inflicted, he also knew that whilst stinging much more, any bruising was more superficial and faded in a few days, rather than taking much longer. He wanted to rejoin the swimming team as soon as possible, without the fear of embarrassment because of his bruised buttocks.
When he completed the task, his father advised him that he would meet him in the study in a few moments. Jason took those fateful steps to the study, cleared his father's desk and prepared for punishment. This time he stripped completely and awaited his dad's arrival. He was anxious to get the flogging over and done with and to prove to his father that he had well and truly learnt his lesson.
It wasn't a long wait. His father soon arrived and without a word, Jason handed him the strap and bent low over the desk, feet apart, in order to take the full force. Despite the fact that he possessed such a strong and well developed physique, the lad only lasted four strokes before breaking into tears as he counted each of the lashes. It was a very hard strapping and he could feel it doing him good as the strap slowly and forcefully whipped across his bottom. He flinched once and remained at the desk awaiting the additional blows, but, on this occasion his dad gave him no additional punishment.
"All right, son. You may get up, now."
"Thank you, dad. And thank you, also, for not giving me any additional flogging when I flinched."
"There was no need, Jason. I know you've learnt your lesson and learnt it hard. I'm sure it's done you good. You may put the strap back where it belongs. Now, let that be the end of it."
Jason pulled his shorts back on and returned the strap to the bathroom. Here, it would remain in sight and again serve as an ever constant reminder of the need for strict obedience and discipline.
The experience of that particular lesson in obedience was one of a number of valuable learning experiences for the three boys and none of them would forget it in a hurry. Indeed, whilst fearing the strap, all three boys recognised that at times it was very necessary for their own good and kept them, not only obedient, but on their toes and at their peak performance.
Although in the next few years, they were all to experience further floggings, never once did the boys complain that their punishments were undeserved. Only once, some months later, did Jason find it necessary to request a good flogging from his father to help keep himself on track. Otherwise, the boys were never again in trouble for being slack with their studies.
Dad and the three boys considered, despite the painful and unpleasant experience of that night, that it was a lesson in obedience well learnt and that it stood them in good stead for the remainder of their school days.