AUTHORS NOTE: The author is indebted to Jim Piston, another MMSA Stories writer, for his time in proof reading and for his suggestions for improvement with this story. His help has been greatly appreciated.
A well-trained and disciplined house-boy is a valuable asset to any master. However, the training regime in order for him to reach the desired standard can sometimes be a slow and arduous process. Consequently, the training process can be a specialised task and is often left to an expert in the field.
Jack Matthews was such an expert and ran The Training School for HouseBoys. It was here that new recruits would be taught how to be a good servant, to be obedient, respectful and to serve their masters wishes without hesitation. On other occasions, masters would send their current boys for a refreshment course. The training regime was invariably quite brutal but the students learnt quickly the importance of obedience and consequently the schools graduates were in great demand.
There were four such recruits for the latest weeklong course. On this occasion there were three new young boys who had enrolled as novices. The fourth, however, was Josh, 20 year-old house-boy who had originally been trained by the school but had now been sent back by his current master who considered that the boy needed a good tune up. His master felt the lad still had a great deal to learn and another week at the school would do him no harm. Jack also felt that the 20 year-old could serve as a good example to his three new recruits.
Jack Matthews belief was to ensure that his charges were very quickly whipped into good shape in both mind and body. He believed that to get the best out of a boy, then not only should he be solidly thrashed on a regular basis but that also he should attend to some sound physical training to keep the lad in the peak of condition.
To ensure that his recruits maintained their peak physical condition, Jack would have them work out each morning for an hour in the gym training room. He firmly believed that a heavy exercise regime was essential to keep houseboys at the peak of their physical performance. Consequently he maintained a well-equipped gym with weights and training equipment (apart from punishment instruments). In addition a swimming pool was also located on his property in Palm Beach, Florida.
The 20 year-old had arrived an hour before the other three and was promptly directed to the training room. Knowing the procedure that was expected of him, the boy immediately stripped and with hands clasped behind his back awaited his trainers arrival.
As Jack entered, he addressed his charge. Well, young man. I am surprised to see you back here. Obviously I didnt do a good enough job in training you when you were last here. Just why have you been sent back? he asked of the boy.
Sir, my master thought I could do with a good refresher.
And why would he think you need a refresher if I had done my job properly when you were last here? he enquired.
Sir thought I was a bit slow in attending to my chores, the lad replied, and when I didnt do my work properly he didnt really punish me as severely as you did. So I guess I just slipped even further. I guess a good houseboy needs some fairly regular floggings to keep him on his toes. Sir thought that another week with you should make a big difference.
And how do you think we should go about getting that difference young man? Jack enquired.
I guess it means a few more good beatings, Sir, so you can impress upon me the need to give total satisfaction to my master.
Youre so right, boy. During the next week you are not only going to be retrained but also you are also going to be the example to three new boys that are here for the week. Do you understand what that means?
Im not quite sure, Sir.
What it means is that not only do you get your own punishments but there are going to be times when your butt is used as a demonstration to the new boys. Now do you understand?
Yes, Sir.
And we might as well start straight away. First, your punishment.
Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.
Right. Then fetch me the cane from the wall and get yourself over the horse.
Josh did as instructed. He handed his trainer the cane and took up position over the horse. He knew from experience exactly how he was to position himself. His body stretched well over the horse, hands touching the floor. His feet were spread wide apart, those twin orbs of his butt ready to accept their fate.
Jack took up position behind the boy, lightly placing the tip of the cane across Joshs butt. He gently tapped the cane several times across the cheeks as the boy flinched in anticipation.
Fifteen strokes, Jack announced. I presume you remember how to accept your punishment, Josh?
Yes, Sir. I remember.
Jack drew back his arm and the cane flew across the lads butt.
One, Sir, the boy called. Thank you, Sir.
Jack waited for the welt to rise and for the pain to intensify. With all the force he could muster, he then landed the second stroke.
Two, Sir. Thank you, Sir.
Again he paused whilst the welt rose. Two parallel stripes were now visible across both cheeks. And so the caning continued with a good thirty-second pause between each stroke. This timing not only allowed the welts to rise but also permitted Josh sufficient time to regain his breath and to anticipate the next stroke. Jack was a master with his positioning of the cane. Each successive stroke landed parallel to the previous stroke until Joshs backside was striped like a griller. When no more space presented itself Jack lay the cane diagonally across the existing welts.
The boy writhed and cried in agony but dared not forget to count each stroke and to thank his trainer. After the fifteenth stroke he awaited the command before standing.
Get up Josh.
Thank you, Sir, Josh acknowledged as he rose from his prone position. I deserved that.
Yes, well theres more coming yet but I think we might get the new boys in here to witness your next thrashing. In the meantime, you can have some corner time. Go and stand in the corner there, Jack instructed, pointing to the far side of the room. Face the wall. Hands on your head. Feet apart and dont move until I tell you. Do you understand?
Yes, Sir. Thank you Sir.
Jack left the boy and returned to the homestead where he found his three new recruits waiting. All three were just eighteen years of age, all gay young boys, anxious to be trained as houseboys. He quickly herded the three lads out to the training room. As the boys entered, their faces paled as they saw Josh, stripped naked and facing the corner with the fiery welts on his butt now raised and on public display.
Master Jack, with a three pronged leather tawse in his hand, addressed his charges who were now standing in a line facing him.
Boys, you have come here to learn the art of obedience and how to be good houseboys. You have one week to learn all I am going to teach you. Once you graduate from this course and are assigned to a master you must please him at all times. You cannot afford to fail in any manner. Every instruction you are ever given is to be followed immediately without hesitation. Otherwise you are likely to find yourself back here like Josh over there in the corner.
The three lads shifted uneasily on their feet, observing Josh and wondering just what lay in store for them.
Right, boys. I want the three of you to strip completely and put your clothes neatly on the table, he instructed.
Anxious not to displease in any way the boys quickly did as instructed. The fine strapping young bodies of his new recruits were now lined up ready to begin their training regime. Two of the boys had previously been subjected to some sound spankings but the youngest had yet to experience the fire of a good beating across his buttocks. That was soon to change!
You, young man, step forward. Jack instructed pointing to one of the boys.
The lad stepped forward.
Hands on your head. Jack commanded. Jack walked around the lad eyeing him up and down. He was in excellent shape, a fine specimen of a boy with well developed pecs and a firm six pack stomach.
Your name?
Daniel.
The tawse flayed across the boys butt and the lad jumped as Jack said, Daniel, Sir!
Shall we try that again? Jack suggested. Your name, boy?
Daniel, Sir, the youth replied.
Thats better. A good houseboy shows respect by always addressing his master as Sir. Do you understand?
Yes, Sir.
Right. Step back.
As instructed, Daniel resumed his position in line, his butt still stinging from the tawse.
Next. Jack commanded.
His next recruit stepped forward with his hands on his head. Determined not to be caught out and remembering what had just happened to Daniel, without waiting to be asked instantly said, Troy, Sir.
The tawse slammed across his butt.
You speak only when you are spoken to young man, he was instructed.
Yes, Sir. Im sorry, Sir.
Not half as sorry as you are going to be if that happens again. Jack admonished the teenager at the same time admiring yet another fine body before him.
Step back.
Troy resumed his position alongside the other two lads.
I think there are going to be a few good beatings coming up to get you boys into line, Jack intoned. Which of you are used to some solid spankings?
Jack and Troy both raised their hands.
And what about you, young man? Jack asked of the obvious youngest boy before him.
Ive never had a spanking before, the boy replied.
Step forward. Hands on your head.
The boy did as instructed. The youngest of the new trainees had barely turned eighteen, yet his appearance was that of a fifteen or sixteen year old. He had a well-tanned body, very smooth and virtually hairless. Two well-rounded orbs just begged for some discipline.
Your name?
Nick, Sir.
Well, Nick. Youre going to be a real challenge, arent you? Never been spanked! By the time you leave here you are going to be a different boy. But for the moment, step back now.
Nick resumed his position in line and Jack outlined the weeks routine to the boys.
For the next week you will be taught obedience and respect. You will be taught to follow instructions instantly and without question. You will work both inside the house and outside in the yard. A healthy body is essential for any houseboy so you will train in the gymnasium each day for an hour. Any disobedience will result in punishment. Any sign of slackness will result in punishment. Any sign of disrespect will result in punishment. Do you understand, boys?
Yes, Sir, the boys replied in unison.
And to make sure you stay on your toes, each morning and each evening you will be given a reminder – and that reminder will be 20 strokes with the tawse. Other punishments will be more severe. In front of you on the wall you will see a number of implements for training young houseboys. You will see some leather straps, some paddles, a razor strop, two canes, three riding crops and a whip. They are on display as a permanent reminder of what is in store for you whenever you displease me. By the time the week is out I suspect you will each have had a taste of each of these.
Rules will be told to you once only. Young Josh here is about to tell you the rules. You will learn the rules by heart. If you fail to follow the rules, punishment is the automatic result. No questions asked.
Josh!
Yes, Sir.
Turn around and face the three new boys.
Josh did as instructed.
Hands behind your back, Josh.
Again, Josh did as instructed.
Josh. Youve already learnt the ten basic rules. I want you to tell the boys.
Now, boys, do you remember what I said? Jack turned to his three new naked charges before him. Rules will be told to you once only. You will learn the rules by heart. If you fail to follow the rules, punishment is the automatic result. No questions asked.
Right, Josh. Start now, please.
And Josh went through the rules for the benefit of the three trainees.
These are the rules for all houseboys:
1. A houseboy may not touch anything used to punish, discipline, or restrain him unless ordered to. 2. Whenever instructed and without hesitation a houseboy will immediately position himself for punishment. 3. A houseboy will count each stroke of punishment and thank his Master. 4. A houseboy will execute all instructions immediately without hesitation or question. 5. A houseboy will instantly acknowledge the calling of his name with Sir! 6. A houseboy must always be naked in his Master's household, unless specifically instructed otherwise. When outside he may wear brief shorts only with no underwear. 7. A houseboy will always address his Master as Sir. 8. A house-boy speaks only on command, but may speak to ask a question or request permission to use the restroom, etc. 9. A houseboy will answer questions directed to him with Yes, Sir, No, Sir. 10. Any disobedience will result in punishment. Any sign of slackness will result in punishment. Any sign of disrespect will result in punishment.
Failure to follow these rules will result in punishment, Josh concluded.
Now, Josh, Master Jack commanded. Explain to the boys why you are here and why you are being punished today.
I graduated from Houseboy School two months ago. But my master has sent me back for retraining, Jack explained.
And why do you need retraining? Jack asked.
Because I broke one of the rules, Sir.
Tell the boys which rule you broke, Josh.
I broke the last rule. Because of the lack of discipline by my Master, I became slack and now I have to be punished for my slackness and to get back in shape.
I hope you boys are listening. As you can Joshs backside has already had a good warm up today. Now he is about to be severely flogged and you boys are to witness the punishment in the hope that you might learn from it. Then to make sure you do I am going to give each of you a good dose of the strap, Jack advised.
Josh!
Yes, Sir.
Bring me the wrist restraints.
Yes, Sir.
The leather wrist restraints hung on the wall next to the variety of punishment implements. Josh handed them to his trainer who then strapped them to the boys wrist. A rope was then threaded through the restraint and fastened to a metal ring hanging from the ceiling. Josh was now standing in the centre of the training room with his hands stretched above him.
Feet apart, Jack snapped.
As the boy obeyed, Jack reached for the whip. Eight thin strands of leather each about fifteen inches long were about to be flayed across the boys already welted backside. Nick, Troy and Daniel looked on, frozen with fear.
Jack drew the whip back as far as he could and slammed it across Joshs backside. The lad jerked but bravely called, One, Sir. Thank you, Sir.
After pausing for effect he again lashed the whip across the boys cheeks. Two, Sir. Thank you, Sir.
And the whipping continued. Josh tried hard to set an example and to avoid breaking down in front of the three new boys, but he was unable to do so. By the tenth lash, his words of thanks were interrupted by his regular screams as those leather strands cut across his butt. However, Jack administered a full fifty strokes and by this stage Josh was crying continuously. His backside was a mass of colour – red, black and purple.
Turning to the three boys who now stood petrified Jack stated, And you had better get used to punishments for the next week boys. Because that is how we are going to train you to be good house-boys.
He then lowered Joshs hands from above him and released the wrist restraints.
Thank you, Sir, for punishing me, Josh acknowledged.
And now its your turn boys, Jack stated as he faced his three new charges. Daniel. Step forward.
Daniel did as instructed.
Josh, show Daniel how to take up position over the horse.
Josh approached the horse and as before stretched his body well over the horse, hands touching the floor. His feet were spread wide apart, his butt facing upwards ready for a beating.
Right. Now do you know what to do, boy? asked Jack, addressing Daniel.
Yes, Sir.
Then assume the punishment position.
Daniels mind was racing. Did he remember all the previous rules? Would he remember to count each stroke and to thank his trainer? How long would he be able to last before screaming in pain? Was he also to get 50 strokes with the whip?
Josh. Go and get me the prison strap and then resume your position for some more corner time.
Josh retrieved the strap and handed it to Jack. It was a lethal looking strap, the heaviest of the three straps that were hanging on the wall. Made of a thick cowhide four inches wide and two feet long it was guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on any lads buttocks. Daniel was given a total of just two dozen hard lashes, a light punishment he was told as this was his first day. Nevertheless, despite the fact that the boy had acknowledged previous spankings, he had never felt anything quite like this.
He remembered to count each stroke and to say, Thank you, Sir after each stroke. However, when told to rise from his prone position he neglected to again thank his trainer for disciplining him. And that brought swift retribution.
What have you forgotten, boy?
Sir?
Jack looked at the other two. What did he forget Nick?
Nick thought furiously. To thank you for his punishment, Sir?
Thats right. I think youd better bring me the cane, Daniel.
Oh, Sir! Daniel said in shock.
Is that how you respond to a command?
No, Sir, Daniel said fearfully. Im sorry, Sir.
You certainly will be. When you are told to do something, you say Yes, Sir and immediately execute the command. Understand?
Yes, Sir. Im sorry, Sir. I forgot, Sir.
Now, go get the cane on the wall.
Yes, Sir.
Daniel ran to the wall and picked up a thin cane. This one, Sir?
That will do just fine. Bring it to me and resume your position.
Jack landed six strokes of the cane across the lads butt – master strokes as usual. Six parallel welts were raised on Daniels backside. This time Daniel remembered the appropriate thanks.
That was for forgetting to thank me for your earlier punishment. What do you think you deserve for your additional forgetfulness in being slow to execute my command?
Daniel looked at him fearfully. Another six strokes, Sir?
You think that will be enough to cure you of forgetfulness? I rather think Id better give you another dozen.
Oh, Sir! Daniel remonstrated. Beginning to sob. Oh, please not so much, Sir.
My, you ARE asking for it boy. He looked at Nick again. What should he have said?
He should have just said Yes, Sir, Nick responded.
Thats right. I think youd better take that cane back, Daniel. Bring me a heavier one.
No! Daniel whispered to himself.
I beg your pardon? Jack smiled.
Yes, Sir, Daniel sobbed. He went to the wall and picked up a thicker cane. This one, Sir?
No, the one below it.
That one was even heavier. Daniel brought it back, sobbing in terror as he handed it to Jack.
Get back in position. Youre getting eighteen with this.
He resumed his position, shivering with fear as Jack took up his position and reached back.
Daniel screamed in terror as Jack swung. But he remembered to thank Jack for each stroke, and for the seventeen that followed. He remembered to thank him afterwards as well. He never forgot that again.
Put the cane back on the wall, Jack ordered. Then stand beside the others.
Yes, Sir. Daniel did as he was told.
Whos next? Jack asked facing Troy and Nick.
Troy stepped forward.
Assume the position, he was instructed and the lad positioned himself over the horse. Two dozen lashes cant be all that bad, he thought to himself. But he was soon to change his mind. He lasted only three strokes before he was crying continuously. Never had he experienced a strapping of this severity. He was already learning from it and learning well. Not once did he forget to count the strokes and to thank his punisher. He was not going to risk any additional beating. Hed learnt that from seeing what Daniel got.
Right, young man. Youre next, Jack addressed young Nick.
Nick was already in tears. Never having experienced a spanking before he was about to get his first experience and, judging from what he had so far witnessed, it would not be something he would soon forget.
You dont take long to be in tears, boy, Jack commented. I havent even started yet.
But, Sir. Ive never been spanked before.
Well this is going to be a new experience for you and I can assure you, young man, it is going to be an experience that will no doubt be a regular feature over the next week. Now, over the horse.
Yes, Sir.
Nick bent over, sobbing in terror as he watched Jack reach back. He screamed and sobbed as each blow landed but, like Troy, had learnt from Daniels experience. He counted and thanked Jack for each blow as two dozen strokes of the leather prison strap lashes across his backside.
Nick remembered to offer his thanks when he stood up aftrwards. This was going to be a week that they would all remember for a long long time.
Right, boys. The four of you face me. One straight line. Hands behind your head, Jack commanded.
The four handsome young boys did as instructed. Their trainer outlined what lay ahead for the boys for the next week. He told them of the chores to be done in the house and around the yard. He told me that if their work was satisfactory they would be allowed time at the beach each day for some fun. But he also told them that their buttocks would be flogged not only for any sign of variance from the basic rules that had been outlined to them but also for the slightest transgression.
It was at that point of the instructions that Jack paused and directed a fixed stare at Troy. The lad had just lowered his hands to rub his butt.
Troy, he snapped. Where were you told to put your hands? he barked.
Behind my head, Sir, Troy replied.
And has your head now moved to your backside because thats where your hands just went?
Sorry, Sir. It was automatic. My backsides hurting.
And its about to hurt some more young man. What did I just say about disobedience?
You said any disobedience will be punished, Sir.
Correct. Now bend over and put your hands on your ankles.
Yes, Sir.
Troy reached for his ankles, his bruised, battered and welted backside now awaiting further punishment. Jack picked up the three-tailed leather tawse and landed four almighty strokes across the lads backside. The boy howled at each stroke.
Jack turned and addressed Josh, Daniel and Nick. I wonder if one of you would now like to tell Troy why I am about to repeat those four strokes. Well, young man? he said, addressing Daniel.
Daniel hesitated but the suddenly remembered. Because he forgot to count each stroke and to thank you, Sir.
Correct. You must like getting this, Troy.
Troy looked at him aghast.
Dont you know how to answer a question, boy?
Yes, Sir. Im sorry, Sir. I should have answered you.
Yes, you should have. Thats another six strokes. I think youd better get the cane, too. Bring me the one that I used on Daniel.
Yes, Sir. Troy brought the cane back to Jack, sobbing as he presented it to him.
Assume the position. Youre getting ten with this.
Yes, Sir.
This time Troy managed to count the strokes between his howling and to offer the required thanks for his punishment. With the punishment completed the lad was instructed to resume his position in line with the other trainees. Jack continued to address his young charges.
And this is the tawse that will warm your butts each morning and night. Remember this is not punishment. It is just part of the process of keeping you on your toes. Do you understand, boys?
Yes, Sir, the four lads answered in unison.
And Jack continued. There are two reasons, he said, why you will remain naked at all times whilst in the house. First so you can always see the welts on each others butts which will be a constant reminder of the need for obedience and secondly so that you are always instantly ready for discipline when required. When you are in the yard, however, you will wear shorts only – no underpants.
At that point, he reached into the cupboard and handed each of the boys the stated shorts. They were brief - very brief -– white nylon running shorts with scooped sides around the thighs. Each lad had a pair that was at least two sizes too small. Their butts and genitals would be very pronounced indeed with the base of their cheeks quite visible. This was to be the only modesty to be provided when they were working outdoors.
And so the weeks training got under way. First thing each morning and just before bed the trainees were given twenty licks with the tawse and it really stung. In the mornings the boys would get it in the gym. In the evenings they received their thrashing just before lights out. Jack would go to their room. The boys would lie face down on the bed with two pillows under them to raise their butts and as they counted the strokes and offered the appropriate thanks Jack would really lay it on. It certainly helped keep their attitude right and the boys on their toes for most of the time.
The morning visits to the gym would commence at 6.00 a. m. with shorts off and their butts would be lathered with the tawse. This would be followed with an hours rigorous physical training. Jack closely supervised all aspects of the training from the requisite 50 push-ups and the training on the weights and the rowing machine. Failure to keep the back straight during push-ups resulted in a sharp sting or two to the backside. During training Jack kept the riding crop in his hand and if he felt any of the boys werent training hard enough he motivated them, as he called it, with two or three lashes across both cheeks. Some mornings the boys would go for a jog as part of their exercise but each morning they always finished training in the pool.
To make sure they didnt take it too easy, they each had a set time to complete their two laps. Failure to do so resulted in six strokes of the strap on the bare as soon as they got out of the pool. This really stung, as they were wet. For the first three mornings each of the boys copped it but then as the days progressed Josh, Daniel and Troy all managed to come in within their set time. Only poor Nick never managed it at all and consequently received a daily beating with the strap.
After training the boys would have breakfast. A roster ensured that they would take it in turn to complete the various chores – meal preparation, setting the table, washing up etc. Then the trainees had the vacuuming to do and so on. There would be other punishments throughout the day whenever deemed necessary and there were many of those throughout the week. Jack was determined to send out some outstanding houseboys from his training school and regular use of the strap and other punishment instruments was an essential part of the training process.
During the week the boys would clean and tidy the house, do the laundry and attend to any other general chores. This week they not only painted three rooms in the house but also repaired and painted the front fence. And, as usual, if they were too slow or the work wasnt up to scratch they were sent to the training room where they were tied over the horse and whipped. Sometimes it was with the razor strop and at other times with the whip.
At other times the boys would be punished when they were working together on the property and Jack thought either one or both of us could do with a bit of hurry up. Then theyd have to drop those brief nylon-running shorts, bend over and accept a solid dose of the belt or the whip – whatever was on hand at the time. It certainly spurred the boys on to work harder.
On some days the trainees were given time off after lunch to go to the beach. This they really enjoyed. However, on the first time this privilege was granted they lost all track of time. They had been given two hours but when they got back their trainer was furious. His charges were 43 minutes late. Based on the time of their lateness each got a real solid flogging. One by one as the others stood there terrified Jack tied them over the horse and gave them each 43 strokes of the razor strop as a warm up followed by 43 cuts of the cane. All four of the boys were both screaming fairly quickly. But it was their own fault. They were warned about strict obedience and so should have known better and followed instructions. But they were never late again. After that beating the four of them slept on their stomachs for a couple of nights.
Daniel twice had to be punished for not saying Sir when answering a question and even young Nick slipped up on one occasion. Their bare buttocks reaped their due rewards of this disobedience. On each occasion common courtesy was soundly instilled into the boys. The boy to be punished would be told to stand against the wall with his feet apart and hands above his head leaning on the wall and he then received two dozen strokes with the cane. Some of it was on the cheeks but most of it was on the thighs. All agreed that it hurt a great deal more on the thighs than on the butt and because they only had those brief running shorts to wear, which they also wore to the beach, it didnt cover the stripes.
On one occasion when they were at the beach a man asked Nick, the youngest, if hed been a naughty boy. Both Daniel and Troy were very protective and stuck up for Nick. They were rude to the man which the boys were later to very much regret. Their rudeness had been reported back to Jack by a witness at the beach who suspected the lads were from the houseboy training school. Upon their return they each received a heavy flogging with the prison strap. This was followed by a dozen lashes with the whip as punishment for their insolence.
By the end of the week Jack had four well-trained and disciplined houseboys. The three newcomers and Josh who had been sent for a refresher had all learnt to be strictly obedient by the end of the week. None of the boys demonstrated any sign of laziness. On the contrary, when instructed to attend to any chore it was generally attended to promptly and energetically. However, Troy slipped up once again and copped a heavy thrashing for not doing his household jobs properly.
Jack felt that this particular lad was in need of some serious attitude adjustment and was determined to see a change before the week was up. Sent to the training room to await his punishment, Troy contemplated his fate. He did not have long to wait for a major lesson. As soon as his trainer arrived the boy was instructed to get himself down low over the punishment horse. With his butt protruding high into the air Jack tied him to the horse to prevent movement. The boy received 100 strokes with the leather paddle – from the thighs to the top of the butt.
He was then untied me and given corner time to think about the rest of his punishment. With his face to the wall and his hands on his head Troy dared not move for fear of additional punishment.
After corner time Troy was sentenced to the razor strop but instead of putting me him over the horse again, his hands were cuffed and tied above his head from a rafter in the training room. After being told to spread his feet apart Jack then administered yet another 100 strokes. Needless to say the boys attitude improved remarkably from that time on.
Over the week the four lads had exercised strenuously in the gymnasium. They had maintained their fine physical condition, both from these exercises and from their heavy duties over the week around the property. At this stage they were obedient, respectful and exhibited no signs of laziness. They would make excellent houseboys for any master. But the question remained: how long would this attitude last before they had to be returned for Jacks refresher?