Please refer to previous GO WEST stories.
Ten year old Jer was on his last legs. He hadn't eaten in days, his feet had sores on them, his only clothes consisted of a pair of heavy canvas pants, and a tattered red shirt. He was heading West. He always had to go West. Finally, with his last burst of energy, he pushed through some trees, to find himself facing a lake. No, a river. It was huge. Bigger than anything he had ever seen. A river meant the joys of water, and the dread of crossing. He knew in his present state that he could not cross the river. He did, however fall face first into it, and drink deeply of it's life giving water. Finally, he crawled back to the tree line, and fell asleep. The insects of night woke him up with their biting. He swatted them away, and rose. He staggered along the water's edge, looking for a place to cross, beyond hunger. Slowly he trod, hoping for a bridge, or something. Up ahead he saw lights. He walked toward them, and found himself on the edge of a huge city. Bigger than anything he had seen. Again, this was a remarkable day for him. He staggered on, the houses lit with lanterns, even the streets were lit by lamp posts which had some sort of light on them. He was in awe.
He could go no further. He curled up on the lawn of a church, and fell asleep. He awoke to find strangers looking into his face. "Is he alive?" he heard a voice ask. He looked into the brown eyes of a sad looking black man.
"Oh, he's alive, yes'm" said the man.
"Well, get him up here into the wagon, and we shall take him home. He looks like he is half dead."
With that, Jer was carried to the wagon, and placed gently in back. He found himself at the side entrance of a house which seemed to have a lantern or candle in every window. There were lots of voices, and soon, he was helped into the house. He was taken to an imense kitchen, and given some broth, and cornbread. He couldn't believe how wonderful it tasted. Suddenly the room grew quiet, and a tall, graying woman sweeped into their presence. "So, this is the waif, eh?" She clapped her hands. "Girls, take him and give him a bath. He smells terrible. Burn those clothes." Jer started to protest. If only she knew how hard he had to work to get those rags, to have the burned, well it was taking away his only posessions.
"Please, no, don't take my clothes, they are all I have" he said weakly. The woman simply waived her hand, and soon he was hustled off by four ladies, two of which didn't look much older than Jer's ten years. He was stripped, and lifted into a huge tub which was filled with hot water, and scented oils. He cried out as the water caught his testicles unaware. He tried to jump out, but was pushed into the water. Soon, many arms were washing, scrubbing, and washing some more. His hair was given special attention. Due to his long time on the road, it hung almost to his shoulders. No part of him was ignored, and his embarassment at the reaction of his little penis caused the ladies to laugh.
He was lifted from the tub, and vigorously rubbed until his skin was pink all over. Wrapped in a towel, he was taken to a large bedroom, and put to bed. This was the first bed he had slept in since he had left home. It was so big. It even had a roof on it! He marveled at it as his eyes shut.
He awoke to the sound of birds, and at first was frightened. He did not know where he was, then he remembered. He had thought it was a dream, but, here he was. Soon, two young ladies came into the room. They had a dress, and pair of pantaloons for him to wear. He resisted, but was told that those were the only clothes that were available, and that Madam Cloe had said he was to wear them. At least the pantaloons covered his privates, although the backside seemed to open at the middle, unless he was careful. He reluctantly put the dress on, and was ushered down to the large kitchen again, where he was given eggs and bacon, and something that they called Johnny Cake. He ate, and ate. It was the first food he had had since...well, other than last night, he couldn't remember when he had eaten last.
Madam Cloe came in to see how he was doing, and laughed at him when he stood. "There is a mighty fine looking young lady, if you ask me". They all laughed, except for Jer. He thanked her for the food, and said that he needed to be going on. Then he asked for some clothes.
"You are wearing the only spare clothes we have now, young man." She walked to him, and ran her hands through his hair. "You know, I think we might just be able to help each other out here. I have a business proposition for you."
With that, Jer learned that Madam Cloe ran a house of prostitution. Jer didn't understand what that was, but it was enough to just listen, as he was given a large glass of cool milk to drink. He had to tell Madam Cloe his story, and why he was alone on the trail. She nodded her head, and then said "Well, here is my proposition. We have several regular customers here who like young ladies. Not so much to "have" (Jer didn't know what that meant), but to punish. (Jer's ears perked up at this, having had his share of punishment recently.} I honestly think that, in their state of drunkedness, they would not know if you were a boy, or girl, as long as you have a butt. Come here." She crooked her finger at him. He stood and walked to her. She turned him sidewise, and lifted his skirt. With a practiced hand, she separated the sides of his pantaloons, exposing his little pink bottom. "Oh, yes! This will do fine." she said.
"Tell you what, young man. I have a gentleman coming in tonight. He is always looking for little girls to punish. If you can play the part of a little girl, and make him believe you are one, and, can take his spanking, I will give you a silver dollar for your efforts."
Now Jer had never owned a silver dollar. He knew that he could buy a lot of things with it, food, even some used clothes, maybe some shoes! But play a girl? Who would believe he was a girl. He told the lady this, and she clapped her hands. Soon, he was being led by the four girls to a bedroom, where his hair was combed, and braided, his eyelashes were curled, and some rouge was put on his cheeks. A bright yellow ribbon in his hair was the finishing touch. He couldn't believe it when he looked in a mirror. He did indeed look like a girl.
Madam Cleo gave her stamp of approval, and with a shiver, Jer agreed to "play" the part. The ladies told him that he would be told he was naughty, and the man would probably place him over his lap, and spank him with his hand. If he wanted to, he could place him over a steamer trunk, and thrash him with his cane, or a small whip, but that would cost him more. Jer was warned that while the pantaloons would hide his maleness in front, he had to made sure to keep his legs together to push his testicles out in front so they were not in view, or the man would find out. If he did, well not only would there be no payment, but the man might just kill him!
It was a frightened Jer who waited in the front room, listening to a man playing the piano as they waited.
Soon, a gray haired, slightly overweight man appeared. He laughed, and smailed and spoke to the girls. Madam Cleo pulled him aside, and Jer noticed them both star at him. Soon, the man smiled, and was led to him by Madam Cleo.
"This is the girl, Mister Slayton. Her name is Geraldine. She is slovenly in her habits, and has been talking back lately. I just don't know what to do with her. I wonder if you could help me? Perhaps a man's influence might turn her onto the right track."
"Why yes, indeed, Madam. Anything for an old friend. I would be happy to address this young lady's faults. Come with me girl" he said, taking Jer's hand. The walked upstairs to a part of the house Jer had never seen. He was led into a large, well lit room, looking for all the world like a schoolhouse he had seen in a magazine.
"Geraldine, it is time that you learn to mend your ways. I am going to punish you for causing Madam Cleo such grief. Come here, my dear." He patted his leg, as he sat down on an armless chair. Jer went to the man, and was lifted up and put over his lap. The man rested his hand on Jer's bottom, moving it over the silken fabric of the dress that the ladies had put him in. "Yes, I hope I can make you see the error of your ways, young lady. With that, he lifted the dress up and over Jer's shoulders, exposing his pantaloons. Pulling them aside with both hands, he exposed Jer's little bottom. His hand rubbed up and down both cheeks, over his thighs, and up and down his little crack. Soon, the man raised his hand, and Jer felt him smack his little right cheek. Then, his left cheek was smacked. The man just spanked, up and down Jer's bottom, over and over. At first, it hardly hurt. Then, as the man repeated, and repeated his smacks, Jer found himself sobbing, and finally crying out, asking for him to stop. This just seemed to cause him to spank harder, and longer. Finally, the man stood him up. He told him to stand in the corner, holding his skirt up so that he could see Jer's butt. Jer heard a groaning sort of noise, but was forbidden to turn his head. Fearing more punishment, he did as he was told. When he was allowed to turn, and put his things back in order, he was surprised to find Helen, one of the girls who had bathed him standing in the room. He had tear stains on the front of his dress, and his eyes were puffy.
"Geraldine, I want you to thank the nice man for taking the time from his busy day to punish you."
Jer shook his head, then he said "Thank you sir, for punishing me."
The man said "I hope you have learned a lesson, young lady. I would hate to have to use my crop on you."
With that Jer was lead away. The girls lifted his skirt, and opened his bloomers. His butt was bright red, from the top to the middle of his thighs. "Did it hurt? Did you cry?" He had to answer their questions, but didn't want to tell them that it really didn't hurt him.
Later, Madam Cloe gave him not one, but two bright silver dollars. "I understand that you were a very good naughty little girl. If you want to stay, I think I have two or three other men who would love to get their hands on your little butt."
Jer thanked her, but asked if she minded if he could please just leave. She nodded and wished him well.
It was evening, he was on his way again, except this time he had two silver dollars hidden in his new shoes, and a small bag with two ham sandwiches. The only clothes they had for him were the dress he had worn, and his pantaloons. He thought he could trade them later. He walked to the river. How could he get across? He wished he had asked.
Jer