My cousin Edward and I reached the fields and we ran off, the freedom was wonderful after London. We kicked the football wildly and headed off for the nearby trees. They were ideal for climbing so I helped Ed and we reached the first of the horizontal branches. We sat up resting our thighs over the front oft the branch and our bottoms hung over the back. The sun streamed down and we were both very happy. My small shorts slid a little down my back as we leaned forward swinging our legs back and forth but I could not reach back to adjust them as I was afraid of losing my balance.
I asked Edward about the stick his father had snapped off the hazel bush and he told me that he got a lot of whackings at home. I felt sorry for my new ''cousin'' who was not yet six years old. We could just see my uncle in the distance, sitting on a large fallen tree trunk, the fearsome stick leaning against the tree. Ed told me that sometimes his uncle, my new father, came to babysit him and that he also whacked his bottom. This made my think carefully about my new situation and ,for the second time in 24 hours , I resolved to be a good boy and do whatever I was told by either man. The next minute uncle was strding across the field towards us. Ed said we should climb down quickly and judging by the frightened look on his face I quickly led the way, hitching my shorts up at the back as we both landed on the soft lush grass.
As my uncle approached he had a fierce look on his face ''climbing trees is dangerous Peter'', he shouted at me '' I will inform your father as soon as we get you home and I expect you will be dealt with severly young man.''
''Edward you could have hurt yourself or scratched your skin..wait till I get you home''.
''Now follow me''. Ed and I walked along in front of my uncle holding hands and as we approached the fallen tree we stopped so he could retrieve the stick. As we approached my house and couple of elderly ladies passed us and, seeing the stick in my uncles hand, they smiled at us and said''look dear..two naughty boys''. My uncle laughed and replied ''yes I am afraid so'' as we turned into the gated entrance to the house and up the path. My uncle reported my behaviuor to my father who took the news seriously and then uncle and Edward left. As they did so I was told by father to thank my uncle for an enjoyable morning. I could hardly believe it but I thanked hin very much. I was sent to my room to play before lunch, after which I was sent up again but this time for a 'nap'. I had never had to nap before but decide to follow orders. It felt quite strange undressing into my underpants in the afternoon but this was the beginning of a routine with which I would become familiar over the next few years.
My father had retired to his study and my mohter to he bedroom. The house was quiet. I thought of sneeking out of bed to play but decoded not to. My mother came into my room some time later and told me to get dressed for tea, after which I was to go to the study to see my father. I sat in silence for tea which consisted of cake and orange juice whilst I contemplated what lay in store for me later. As it happened I was not to get a beating until bedtime.
At 6.00 I was sent up stairs to bath and wait for my father to come and get me out of the bath. As he dried me off in my room he told me that he and uncle would be ounishing me for being a naughty boy and encouraging Wmy younger cousin to climb up trees. I stood in silence, my fate decided and argument futile. When I was in pyjamas and slippers I had to get down on all fours again (hands and knees) facing the fire while my hair dried in the warm glow. Father sat on the chair behind me and I felt his eyes watching me and I remained in position.