Tales From Thistletop School: Straps on Or Straps Off?


by Pettigrew <Pettigrew@hush.com>

Tales from Thistletop School Straps on or straps off? ---

(Version 1, May 2004)

Authors remarks

Reader, I am the author and thus outrank you. I require you to digest the next few sentences before steeping your fevered imagination in the story to follow. I write "story", but all is true. All has happened but not necessarily to the same people, at the same place, at the same time, in the same order, or the in the same reality.

The story, of which this is the first segment, has a structural resemblance to two cinematic classics. The first, Lindsay Andersons "If". The second, Passolinis "Salo" which is a faithful, updated, adaptation of Sades "One hundred days of Sodom". The resemblance lies in the division of the works into titled segments. Those of "If" depict distinct features of school life as the narrative imperceptibly descends into a surreal finale. Those of "Salo" are a contracted version of the "Manias" (passions) that Sade used to structure his classic work. This work has fewer sections but uses the same device to give the narrative cohesion.

My narrative is written with a view towards its relatively easy translation to screenplay. For now, you will have to depict the scenes in your head.

There is nothing in this story that could not be portrayed in a film to be shown at the Cannes film festival. "Salo", now un-banned in many countries, vividly depicts far more disturbing violence. Nudity is common in mainstream cinema and portrayal of the erect penis is no longer the sole preserve of pornography. Thus, in terms of shock value, this story, in neither written nor cinematographic form, does not break new ground.

This work had been freely donated to MMSA Storiess Archive for the delectation of its visitors. However all copyright and other rights for the works use for other purposes remain firmly with its author under whatever aliases he chooses.

Pettigrew

(Now you may proceed.)

Johann Petreson was standing, nearly at attention, at the end of a line of six boys. They were standing with their backs to the wall in a dimly lit corridor that led to a large oak door; there was no light showing under the door. All of them looked apprehensive. Except for Johann each of the boys was dressed in crisply clean, freshly pressed PE kit: white shirt, blue shorts and immaculately white plimsolls. Each, except for Johann, had his hands on his head and was standing reasonably straight; they were aged from fourteen to nearly seventeen. On the other side of the corridor, lounging in a chair next to the door, was a boy of about sixteen years of age dressed smartly in his school uniform, trousers pressed, tie straight, shoes polished and generally looking bored; in his hand he held a crumpled paper which he had consulted when arranging the boys into line. Although the others were smart Johann was the exception; he was dressed in the schools "Sunday Best": pressed dark suit, ironed white shirt, grey tie, and highly polished black shoes. Johann and the others had been there for five minutes. They had assembled immediately after end-of-prep bell this Friday evening.

Johann was trembling slightly; he knew he was in trouble and feared that he would be beaten. He was barely fifteen and had been at Thistletop School for only four weeks. This was his first visit to the Headmasters study since when he visited the school with his widowed mother who was anxious to find somewhere that would give him the male influence she said he sorely needed and the discipline that she felt he would require during his remaining adolescence. Since his Danish father died when he was three he had lived with his mother and been educated in Danish day schools. Danish schools had discipline but beating was forbidden by law. A few months ago Johanns mother had decided to return to her home country and now he was at the mercy of the English public school system of 1955.

Heavy footsteps resounded along the corridor leading to the cul-de-sac before the Headmasters study door. The boys in the line stiffened into totally erect postures and Johann followed suit. The sub-prefect rose from his chair and stood smartly. Dr de Ville turned into the corridor. He was a tall, distinguished looking, man with white hair and sporting a monocle (his only affectation). He was wearing his doctoral academic gown (less mortar board) that he habitually displayed around the school. "Good evening, gentlemen" he said as he passed the boys. He opened the door, switched on the light and closed the door behind him. Everyone outside the door relaxed their stance a bit but the six boys in line looked distinctly less happy.

Dr de Ville sat in his favourite armchair and looked at a copy of the same list that the sub-prefect outside his door held. Six this time, unusually many – worrying. Particularly worrying as these, apart from one, were separate incidents of serious indiscipline rather than a couple of "japes" involving several boys. Against each of the first five names was the extent of the punishment the youth was to receive, though it didnt specify with what instrument. The sub-prefect had, as per standing instructions, lined the boys in ascending order of punishment. Only Dr de Ville and the sub-prefect knew the numbers but the fifth boy in the list would easily deduce that his position was not to be envied.

Dr de Ville considered the sixth name. He was sorry that Petreson had to come before him in this manner. He recalled talking to the boys mother in this very study a week before term began. She was an immensely attractive woman in her mid-forties. Obviously well-off, if not wealthy. "Why select Thistletop rather than one of the top public schools?" he had asked with disarming honesty. Dr de Ville knew that Thistletop was, at best, in the second rank. After gaining his D. Phil. he had worked at Eton as an under master for five years before moving on to Rugby for a further seven years. Indeed, including his own childhood school – Harrow – he knew what top public schools were like and what advantages they could offer. He had come to Thistletop only because he was able to buy it after the death of his childless uncle. Thistletop at that time was definitely in the third tier, but, of its kind, it had an excellent reputation and much potential. Dr de Ville in his fifteen years at Thistletop had built upon his predecessors excellent intentions. Thistletop was now a school that attracted offspring from middle ranking diplomats and army officers as well as from aspiring tradesmen. It also had one other facility not common in the more salubrious type of boarding school: it took a small number of year round boarders.

Mrs Petreson replied: "For several separate reasons Dr de Ville. Firstly, your school does achieve consistently good results with respect to university entrance. Secondly, it has a reputation for discipline tempered by kindness. Thirdly, it offers all year boarding." Dr de Ville nodded. Mrs Petreson went on: "Johann is in need of male role models and male society. Although by no means a delinquent he requires external discipline I cannot provide if he is to achieve the self discipline necessary to succeed in life." Dr de Ville interjected "Sorry to interrupt, Mrs Petreson, but you have hit the nub of Thistletops educational philosophy with respect to discipline. We do indeed value self-discipline above all else and seek to inculcate that using externally applied discipline as necessary. Perhaps, I should make that explicit in our prospectus."

"Indeed you should Dr de Ville", said Mrs Petreson, "I admire that greatly. But, returning to my reasons for wanting to send Johann here there is also the matter of year round boarding. As I mentioned earlier I expect to spend at least two years sorting out my dead husbands interests in Latin America now that I have heard from my agent what an abysmal state they are in. The wretch was too frightened to tell me for years. Latin America is no place for a boy and too far to visit on holidays. I made discreet enquiries and found out that you and Mrs De Ville treat your dozen or so all year boarders with real kindness, as if they were your own family. I would feel at ease with Johann here and would visit as often as my business affairs allow." Dr de Ville inclined his head.

"Mrs Petreson, I have a place available for your boy but before you commit yourself please take all the time necessary to ask me questions and please wander round and talk to masters and pupils."

"Thank you, Dr de Ville. I would like to hear more about your disciplinary methods. I hear that some English schools, many of the supposedly best, are decidedly brutal."

"That is so", Dr deVille replied, "I was educated at one and taught in two."

"But Thistletop is not brutal, is it?", said Mrs Petreson with a smile. That smile won Dr de Ville over totally. He was a deeply moral man, and austere in many respects, but he decided that if he ever went off the rails it would be with her. However, that could never be as he was so fond of his wife and three daughters.

"No, never brutal. But not soft either. Adolescent boys when learning self-discipline sometimes need forceful external discipline. I agree with the heads of all the great establishments on that. I believe in corporal punishment, but as a last resort. When that resort arrives it must be unambiguously unpleasant so that it may be learnt from. But, unlike in some major public schools I dont want a culture off fear and violence to prevail. For instance .... forgive me I am preaching too much." Dr de Ville ground to a halt.

"Do please continue Dr de Ville" said Mrs Petreson with a winning smile.

"When it comes to ship launching", thought Dr de Ville, "this woman could beat Helen of Troy any day."

"Alright, we use lines, detentions, boring chores, and enforced physical exercise as far as possible to deal with minor infractions and other problems arising from excess youthful energy. Masters are empowered to administer up to four strokes of the cane, or eight of the slipper, on the trousered posterior when lesser measures have failed. Prefects may likewise administer up to six whacks with the slipper. Really serious matters, or repeated lesser matters, are dealt with by me, or by someone else in my presence to whom I have delegated the task (Dr de Ville remembered his temperamental right shoulder joint which had been worn somewhat by years of fast bowling in his youth). If a miscreant reaches me then his punishment is humiliating and painful: a thrashing on the bare buttocks, and in very rare instances the birch is used. However, quite often no boys are sent to me in a particular week, two boys in a week is uncommon and three or more most unusual. Indeed, if the numbers rise I consider that to be a consequence of some failing in the lower reaches of discipline and investigate accordingly."

"So, Johann might be humiliatingly beaten? He has never been beaten before", said Mrs Petreson.

"That is a possibility. Johann shall be treated like every other boy if he comes here. However, I have a policy adopted from the previous headmaster that seems to work in minimising the number of times a boy has to present himself for a serious beating. I make the first occasion for each boy a complicated ritual - for instance, I show him the instruments ...."

Mrs Petreson looked puzzled. Dr de Ville interrupted his flow to say, "I mean, for instance, the canes."

He continued, "I make sure that first experience is not only painful and humiliating but also memorable. In my experience few boys present a second time: those I tend to see again are recidivists or the incorrigibly mischievous. Admittedly, most boys treated in this manner are in their first year, thirteen or fourteen years of age. Johann at fifteen is older but I am sure the principle will apply if need be. That said, there are some behaviours I will never tolerate, no matter how generally good the boy. I mean lying, stealing, bullying and smoking."

"Oh, dear", said Mrs Petreson, "I fear Johan shall be beaten. I know he smokes but havent actually caught him. Nasty habit and perhaps a beating will do him good if it makes him stop." With that, after some further talk about administrative matters, Mrs Petreson and Dr de Ville shook hands with the understanding that Johann would come to Thistletop at the start of term in one weeks time. Johann who was being shown round the school whilst Dr de Ville and Mrs Petreson were having their private chat was returned to his mother and the two departed.

Dr de Ville snapped out of his reverie and realised that time was passing. The boys outside had been waiting for five minutes since his arrival at the study. He stood up and walked over to door of the punishment annex, opened it and switched on the light. This room adjoining his study was an idea of his predecessor. It was a room dedicated wholly to a punishment horse and the implements of punishment. His predecessor wasnt happy with the usual ad hoc arrangements that headmasters employed: getting boys to touch their toes, to kneel on chairs or bend over a desk. His idea was to keep the procedure systematic and consistent without the need to move furniture about or clear a space on his desk. Dr de Ville approved of this methodical approach. Anyway, the room had plenty of space for the storage of back files too.

Dr de Ville opened his study door, consulted the slip of paper and called "Williams, come in."

After the headmaster had entered his study all was quiet for a long while. Johann was wondering how long this would take and anxious too because being last in line he would have longer to worry about his fate. The boys with hands on their heads were tiring and occasionally briefly dropped them until a sour look from the sub-prefect made them return to position. Eventually, Johann heard a slight stirring from inside the study, the sound of a heavy door being opened, but not the study door. A few moments later the study door itself opened and the ill-lit corridor was flooded with light. A voice called "Williams, come in."

The first boy in the line, a junior aged about fourteen, twitched into life, dropped his hands, removed his gym shirt, placed it on the floor, replaced his hands on his head and entered the study clad only in shorts and plimsolls. The boy stood framed in the light coming from the study. Johann heard a low utterance from inside, the boy dropped one hand and shut the study door. Johann was puzzled why the boy had removed his shirt.

There was silence for about a minute with maybe some barely discernible murmuring from inside the study. Then the sound of a heavy door being closed. About a minute later Johann heard a very muffled but distinct swish followed immediately by a soft, almost below the threshold of hearing, thud. There was an interval of approximately twenty seconds and these sound occurred again. This happened four times. On the last occasion there was a barely discernible yelp. A minute or so later the study door opened and Williams emerged, clad in shorts and plimsolls, with his hands on his head. His face was slightly flushed but otherwise he looked unflustered. He picked up his gym vest then walked past Johann down short the corridor and away to the left to his prep room.

The study door was gaping wide and emitting a flood of light. Johann glimpsed the headmaster pace past it and disappear. There was absolute silence for about a minute then: "Mathews, enter now". The boy who was second in line, now first, galvanised into action. He took off his shirt and dropped it, replaced his hands on his head and walked toward the bright light emanating from the study door. Mathews was about sixteen and in the fifth form. He was quite tall and thin but it was evident from his bare torso that he was not devoid of muscle. Johann had spoken to Mathews on several occasions and a friendship arising from the mutual interest in ornithology was springing up. He knew that Mathews was not among Thistletops few really bad lads. He also knew why Mathews was here this evening. Mathews was a bit of a scholar but his scholarly curiosity had gone too far. He had been caught in possession of a translation of Marxs Das Kapital. In most matters Dr de Ville was liberal about scholarly enquiry. Though a devote Christian he had no general objection to boys reading atheist philosophers such as Russell. However, just the day before Dr de Ville had, during assembly, delivered a diatribe against Communism and the cold war. Normally, Dr de Ville probably wouldnt have cared about Mathews reading Marx, indeed he might have encouraged it so that that the boy could find out first hand why Communism is evil, but Dr de Ville had got it into his head that Mathews was flaunting his copy of Marx not from scholarly enthusiasm but because he was trying to make fun of his headmaster. Although Dr de Ville was generally broad minded and kind there were occasions, as for most people, when he could grasp the wrong end of the stick. Mathews hadnt dared to try correcting the headmasters misapprehension.

In the study Dr de Ville was about to grasp the right end of the stick, well not from Mathews point of view perhaps. Mathews was standing before him with his hands on his head. "What have you to say?", said Dr de Ville. "Nothing sir", Matthews whispered. "Very well boy, you are to receive six, that is – two with the paddle, two with the cane and two with the broad strap. Is it to be straps on or straps off?"

"Straps off" replied Mathews looking shaken.

"And the others? Yours choice", said Dr de Ville,

"Paddle, please sir."

"Shorts off Mathews."

Mathews had been standing in this study like this twice before. The previous times he had been under fifteen years of age and he had thought the last occasion the last ever. Having done it before, and having heard accounts of other boys experiences did not, he found to his surprise, make it any easier. Indeed, being over sixteen made the experience worse because he had more to be embarrassed about than the tiny thatch and mid-pubertal penis he had been obliged to display previously. Mathews flushed red. He slowly bent and slipped his shorts down to his feet and stepped out of them. His hand rushed to cover his pudenda but at the last moment he remembered that they must be placed atop his head. He stood there feeling very foolish and was getting anticipatory pangs of the ordeal to come. Mathews need not have worried about the headmasters gaze upon his wedding tackle. The headmaster had his back to Mathews whilst the shorts were so painfully slowly lowered, he was refilling his cup from the percolator that wafted such a lovely aroma in the room. Moreover, Dr de Ville wasnt the least bit interested in boys crotches, or indeed any other part of them, yet he knew that enforced nakedness was a necessary part of recondite punishment. Dr de Ville had seen more penes and scrotums than many boys had had hot dinners. Yet it never failed to amuse Dr de Ville how each individual naked youth before him imagined that his dangling equipment was so unique that the world would be shocked to view it.

Meanwhile, as Dr de Ville was sipping his coffee the thoughts in Mathews embarrassed mind were running to even greater heights of torment. What if he should disgrace himself by having an erection? He had heard that it had occurred. He knew that Dr de Ville took a very dim view of such behaviour, uncontrollable though it supposedly was, and doubled the beating. However, what he had heard was apocryphal. On those occasions when it happened, which was unusual but not rare, Dr de Ville studiously ignored it but made no concessions in the punishment.

Dr de Ville placed his coffee cup down to cool for a while and ushered Mathews into the punishment room. Mathews, hands on head, stood before the punishment horse. Well horse it was not, neither the neighing variety nor the vaulting variety. It was an adjustable frame. There was a horizontal wooden board which could be adjusted both for height at the near (boys) end and for angle of tilt downward from there. The board was held within a robust wooden frame. On the frame were soft leather straps to tether the wrists, ankles and thighs and another longer and wider strap to tether the middle back. The board was finely sanded and polished and there was no possibility of a splinter entering a boys flesh. The proximal end had a U-shaped gap through which a youths genitalia could dangle with no danger that hard blows to the buttocks would force them (particularly an erect penis) painfully against the wood. This end of the board was covered in soft baize, as on a billiard table, for the further comfort of the youth in the tables grasp. Indeed, if ones wont were to lie prone across a table, and if being beaten were not in the equation, then this would be a pleasant place to lie.

Dr de Ville noted that Mathews was considerably taller than Williams (perhaps he should deal with boys in order of size rather than punishment magnitude as the next would be shorter than Mathews) and adjusted the horse accordingly. He bid Mathews lean forward, told him to stand again and made a final height adjustment. Mathews leant forward again and Dr de Ville tilted the board downward a little. He then ordered Mathews to spread his legs a little further apart and all was ready.

Dr de Ville had to admit that Mathews was in perfect punishment position. Mathews, though slender, was not one of those boys with a skinny bottom that was difficult to set up as a target. His glutei were exactly the right position apart and at precisely the right tension. Too tight and unnecessary cutting would take place and if too slack the energy of the blows would be absorbed by quivering flesh.

Dr de Ville decide to start with the strap. He had a number of straps at his disposal and chose a broad firm one like barbers use. He announced "Two with the strap", stepped back a few paces and swung the strap forcefully forward. It landed with a resounding thwack on Mathews backside. Silence for a moment then an audible grunt from Mathews. A wide red patch began to form right across the central region of Mathews bottom. Dr de Ville prepared for another swing and let go. This time the target had been the lower part of Mathews bottom. From that pair of blows alone two thirds of Mathews bottom was a livid red. Mathews moaned softly.

Dr de Ville picked up a senior cane and flexed it. "Two with the cane".

Forty five seconds later there were two vivid red lines across Mathews bottom. One outstandingly clear on the upper region that had not been touched by the strap and one very obvious on the region visited by the strap. On the second stroke Mathews had cried out and reared up slightly but he settled again without needing any reprimand from Dr de Ville.

Dr de Ville paused for a minute or so whilst selecting a paddle and during the interlude the youths breathing settled. Dr de Ville hefted a quite heavy and broad instrument the flat surfaces of which were punctured by holes in a pretty pattern. The paddle had been a gift during a teaching exchange visit to a private school in New York when a young master. Dr de Ville had to admit that though it wasnt traditionally English the paddle could be very effective. Paddles were particularly useful when one wished to inflict a lot of strokes without brutally cutting up a boys backside, a practice in some leading public schools that he abhorred. Indeed, he had persuaded some of his fellow headmasters to give the paddle a try and some had become converts.

Dr de Ville turned and addressed the bent over youth, "Four with the paddle Mathews".

The first stroke came down resoundingly on Mathews left buttock and covered much of the area. Almost instantly the already inflamed area became more vivid. Mathews let out a soft hiss through his teeth. Likewise the right buttock and Mathews hissed more loudly this time. The third stroke was aimed to cross the cleft and strike each buttock equally. Dr de Ville knew that this would be more painful than the other two strokes and indeed Mathews let out a loud yelp and reared up slightly. Mathews breathing was again ragged so Dr de Ville gave him a moment to recover his composure.

"Final stroke", he warned Mathews, as he prepared his swing. As was customary this would be the most forceful and painful of all. Mathews knew this and his knuckles visibly whitened as he gripped the upright supports of the punishment horse more tightly. The final thwack was followed by a momentary silence as if the clock of the universe had stopped. Then time resumed and Mathews let out a yell. Mathews stayed in position and waited until bidden to stand, he knew better than to do otherwise. When so bidden he arose slowly, stiffly and painfully. He placed his hands on his head and followed Dr de Ville back into the study. When Dr de Ville dismissed him Mathews slipped his shorts painfully over his bottom, opened the door and left.

During the foregoing proceedings the boys waiting outside the study were getting increasingly agitated. Two things brought this about: the much louder and varied sounds that indicated that Dr de Ville was intent on giving a sound thrashing and the fact that the sounds did not stop at six. To the three boys waiting before Johann this opened menacing possibilities. The least bad, but still horrible to contemplate, was that they each would receive six whacks of that intensity. The next scenario was that the following beating would be nine or more whacks (probably at least ten as Dr de Ville liked even numbers). Those scenarios applied to both the next two boys in the line as they were equally complicit in a shared crime and would be going into the study together to likely receive the same number of whacks each. This left the third boy with an even more painful calculation. Either he would receive the same intensity of punishment as the two before him or the severity would be wracked up a notch or two, it certainly wouldnt go down. Indeed the third boy knew it likely that his punishment would be near the top end of the scale; his offence was serious by the standards of Thistletop but fortunately not quite bad enough to warrant either a beating in front of the senior school or that even rarer event of a birching, indeed the latter two tended to be joined in the same event. He knew he had escaped a birching by the skin of his teeth. In one sense he didnt actually know that because a miscreant was never made aware of the exact extent of his punishment until it occurred. However, birching required preparation and there was no evidence or rumours that one might be in the offing. Nevertheless he had a nagging doubt.

These considerations passed Johann by entirely. He knew nothing of the significance of the order of the line or, indeed, have any inkling of the details of what happened in Dr de Villes study. He didnt know of the existence of the punishment room or the punishment horse. He didnt know that boys were punished on the bare bottom by Dr de Ville. Of course he had a general notion of corporal punishment from reading boys school adventure stories and he had seen two instances of caning and one of slippering by masters of boys in his class. Those didnt strike him as something to be sought after but from studying the demeanour of the boys who underwent the ordeals it was clear that such beatings were of no great significance and soon forgotten. Also, it was obvious that such beatings couldnt hurt much as the canes werent too horrifying in thickness or length and Thistletop winter trousers must offer considerable protection. Johan had concluded that the main element of punishment in such thrashings was the humiliation of submitting and bending over to receive the strokes. Of course the sounds emanating from Dr de Villes study were giving him cause to revise his ideas but he didnt know what to revise them to. Moreover, he wasnt even sure that he was here for corporal punishment. It was his first offence after all and likely he would get a good telling off and dire warnings: he could live with that.

Johanns blissful ignorance was the result of a Thistletop conspiracy. It was a conspiracy of boys that went back thirty years. In most schools new boys would hear lurid accounts of the atrocities to be committed against them when they entered the Headmasters study for punishment. Duly one day they would report for punishment and whilst finding the experience not at all nice few of the nightmare elements would transpire; well that was true of all English public schools of the time except Rugby. The approach taken by Thistletop boys was much more perverse. Nobody knew how it started but some brilliant sadist among the boys had come up with the idea that the first severe, i. e. Headmasters, punishment should come as a shock. True most of the boys had been to prep school before and beaten regularly with the junior cane or similar mild instrument but they all knew in general terms that what happened at senior schools was much worse. It is a tribute to the cohesiveness and group culture of Thistletop that never once had events in the Headmasters study been discussed in the presence of a boy who had not himself experienced them. Also, the results of a recent beating were never displayed in the presence of a boy who had never received one himself. This meant that there was currently one boy in the Upper Sixth and three in the Lower Sixth who, having never been before the Headmaster for a thrashing, didnt have a clue about what occurred (other than the couple of exceptional public beatings that they may have witnessed); also there was a scattering, the percentage growing larger as the age drops, of boys throughout the school in the same blissful ignorance. The had been, some years ago, one and only one exception to this unwritten rule. That was a boy who entered the sixth form totally unscathed but was of such integrity and strength of will that he just had to made a prefect. In his case he was sworn to strict secrecy by his fellow-prefects-to-be and made to undergo a mild, by Dr de Villes standards, ritual beating.

The study door was suddenly thrust open and Mathews emerged. He picked up his shirt and departed, his face beetroot red in embarrassment, some dampness around his eyes, and his gait somewhat awkward.

The waiting boys expected the next beatee(s) to be summoned into the study but inexplicably the door closed. The waiting boys all relaxed slightly but on the whole would have preferred to get things over and done with.

The sub-prefect was having the time of his life. Although, supervising the waiting boys was tedious he had a near ring side seat to the thrashings. This number of thrashings in one week was almost unprecedented. He was looking forward to hearing the handsome new boy, Petreson, yelp and blubber; though he knew that Dr de Ville would dismiss him once Petreson entered the door, nevertheless he would remain anyway. Yet, he would have much preferred to be inside the study assisting Dr de Ville. The sounds coming through the door thrilled him though. He began to wish that he was attending one of those public schools where prefects were allowed to administer bare bottom thrashings, Rugby perhaps. Little did he realise that he was shortly to be in Heavenly bliss.

Dr de Ville was weary, his shoulder throbbed. He resolved to try to get to the bottom of this sudden spate of indiscipline, he just couldnt cope with this intensity of activity every time, though he would have a week to recover before the next occasion. He decided he couldnt delay proceedings much longer by taking frequent rests. He reviewed his priorities. The next two lads deserved severe thrashings and that would make his shoulder much worse and he would return to his wife, daughters and extended family of perpetual boarders in a very grumpy mood which he did not want to do. They were all going to play charades later and he much enjoyed that. Then there was the boy before Johann. He drifted into a reverie about Johann.

Johann was the newest of his permanent boarders and already he was very fond of the lad, something of the son he never had. He was saddened that he had to deal with Johann like this but it was in the boys best long term interests. Thus, he resolved that this evening Johann must be his priority and must be dealt with by himself alone, and done properly it would take time, and that he must get the other cases dispatched as expeditiously as possible.

The obvious solution was to rest his shoulder while someone else did the business. In this circumstance he would normally call upon his Deputy Headmaster or the Head Boy to administer the punishments in his presence. However, he did not want to be delayed by tracking them down. Thus he resolved to enlist the services of Smith, the sub-prefect, who was supervising the boys outside his door. Smith seemed a decent enough lad and looked as though he had the stamina to administer sound thrashings if guided properly. Dr de Ville was about to summon Smith when the third boy, Hetherington, came to mind again. He decided that Hetherington should not after all be punished this evening. Dr de Ville castigated himself for getting too soft. That was the reason why all the indiscipline was occurring and why Thistletop was likely to be the permanent ruin of his shoulder. No, Hetherington must be made an example of and perhaps there would be a quiet life again for Dr de Ville. He smiled, opened the door and summoned Hetherington.

When the door opened the next two boys in line dropped their hands and started tugging off their shirts. But the unprecedented happened: they were not called, the next boy in line was. Even Smith, the sub-prefect, looked aghast. Hetherington, was shocked; what by he was not sure; this was unheard of: it must be bad. He removed his shirt and entered the study.

Dr de Ville was sitting in his armchair. He smiled mischievously at Hetherington who was standing before him with his right hand on the waist band of his shorts anxious to be told to get them off and to get his punishment over as quickly as possible. "Hetherington, remind me of what you did."

"Yes s s sir" stammered Hetherington, a normally fluent youth. The look on Dr de Villes face was phasing him." I went into town on Saturday afternoon with some friends ...."

"And?", Dr de Ville asked gently.

"We got into a scrap with some local lads."

"And?"

"I chased one of the local lads."

"And?"

"I mouthed off to a lady who tried to stop me and may have accidentally pushed her out of the way."

"How?"

"I said, .... oh must I? .... I said "bugger off""

"Yes?"

"Then I continued chasing the townie and punched him once."

"And?"

"What, sir?"

"What next?"

"I went to the shops and then back to Thistletop."

"What happened to your friends? Thats Jenkinson, Wright and Carter correct?"

"They helped the lady who they said had become extremely flustered."

"Yes, Hetherington, I have spoken to your friends to get the facts and also apologised to the lady and tried to make amends on your behalf."

"Thank you sir."

"Apart from fighting with local lads, which I dont approve of, your friends have acquitted themselves quite well in the incident. Thus they have been given a severe reprimand but no other punishment. You on the other hand shall be made an example of. The rest of Thistletop must be made to realise that rowdy behaviour in the streets, being rude to and shoving adults will not be tolerated as not only is it wrong but also it gets the whole school a bad name."

Hetherington blanched and almost inaudibly managed to say "Im sorry sir, it wont happen again."

An angry expression passed over Dr de Villes face and forcibly he said "It wont happen again from you because you will fear the consequences too much and it wont happen from any other boy in Thistletop as they too will fear the consequences having seen you take them!"

Hetheringtons face fell, the penny was beginning to drop. But before Hetherington had fully digested the import of Dr de Villes words the Headmaster spoke further.

"Remind me of your age Hetherington."

"Seventeen in seven months sir."

"Yes, one of the younger, and obviously more immature members of the Lower Sixth Form. Youve been in the Lower Sixth form more than four weeks and look what a pathetic example you are to the younger boys."

Hetherington winced, the penny had fully dropped and he didnt one bit like where it had landed. He thought he knew what was to follow but the full horror had still eluded him."

"Hetherington, you are to be birched before the school – the whole school not just the fifth and sixth forms. Your punishment is to be very severe to set an example for years to come. However, eighteen or more strokes of the birch would render your naked backside a bloody mulch and I wont have that even though you may deserve it and in some others schools undoubtedly receive it. Thus you shall receive multiple strokes from whatever instruments I decide followed by six strokes of the birch."

Hetherington was shaking visibly and looking a bit sick but before he could say anything Dr de Ville continued: "Tomorrow is Saturday and too soon to get matters organized. It is not fitting to thrash a boy on Sunday, thus you shall receive your punishment after prep on Monday. You will be sent instructions on how to ready yourself and where to report. In the meantime you are gated. Now get out!"

A dazed, frightened and almost tearful Hetherington departed from the Headmasters study and forgot to pick up his shirt on his flustered passage down the short corridor.

The boys standing outside the study roused themselves from their apprehension induced lethargies, departed from their colourful self-induced anticipation of the hell shortly to be unleashed on them and pricked up their ears when they heard the headmasters voice raised in anger on several occasions. Dr de Ville was not known for shows of anger. Outwardly he was normally placid, usually benevolent (joviality was not part of his character though) but when annoyed he displayed a menacing calm. The remaining two boys before Johann were not pleased by this turn of events. They feared that Dr de Villes wrath would be turned on them in a manner less clinical than in a routine severe thrashing. They were also puzzled why Hetherington had left without a beating though it was obvious that Hetherington was a very unhappy youth.

Dr de Ville came to his study door and ushered Smith, the sub-prefect, into his study and closed the door. Johann and the two other boys were left alone but none dared speak. The other two did take the opportunity to drop their hands and stretch a bit.

Smiths stomach churned when he was summoned. Events this evening had been unprecedented in the normally smooth routine of Thistletop. Was he being called in for a thrashing for some offence he was not yet aware of? On entering and, as bidden, closing the door he was reassured by Dr de Villes obviously genuinely kindly smile.

Dr de Ville said "Smith this is an unusual evening. Far more miscreants to deal with than usual and each requiring more recondite punishment than usual. As you doubtless know from school gossip I sometimes have trouble with my right shoulder. This is one such occasion. Taking more rest breaks will slow the proceedings far too much and, even so, leave my shoulder stiff for days. I need to concentrate on Petreson, its his first time and I might be able to frighten him from serious wrongdoing as I have succeeded so often with other boys on their first visit here. Smith, I recollect seeing your bare bottom displayed on the punishment horse only twice and that was in your second and third years. Am I right?"

Smith replied "Yes sir, the first occasion was frightening and the second reinforced it. Ive tried to stay on the straight and narrow ever since. Been beaten a good few times by the other masters and prefects though."

"Smith I need your help. You must beat Drummond and Atkins on my behalf, I will direct you. Will you do it?"

Smiths heart leapt. He couldnt believe it. Oh ecstasy! His dream come true. And whose bums wouldnt he rather beat than Drummond and Atkins? Not only were their bums perfect for the task in hand but also neither of the boys had treated him, though barely older than they, with the respect he thought due a sub-prefect. As a sub-prefect he didnt have recourse to the slipper, very much third best though it was to the bare bottom thrashings inflicted by the Head, that full prefects had. He had longed to slipper those two boys.

While the foregoing conversation was taking place Johann was feeling increasingly glum. He had recollected how he had come to be in his present unhappy circumstance and was realising it might be worse than a simple telling off could put right.

Johann had begun smoking when he was fourteen, little over a year ago. Many of the kids did it at his previous school in Copenhagen. To start with it was just an occasional one every few days. Now at his ripe old age of fifteen years (just) he was a two cigs a day man. Not exactly hooked but it was a habit and he liked it. His mother suspected that he smoked, she, unusually for the times, didnt. Perhaps, herself being a non-smoker, she smelt the occasional whiff on him. Before he came to Thistletop she had said that boys who are caught smoking are punished. She hadnt gone into details and he was not absolutely sure that this remark was directed at him personally rather than a more general comment. When he arrived at Thistletop he was given a briefing on school rules by an appointed "mentor", a more senior boy instructed by the Head Prefect to induct Johann into the customs of Thistletop. Smoking did figure largely as one of the matters Dr de Ville frowned upon but what the consequences of being found out were wasnt mentioned. In his school in Copenhagen cigarettes were confiscated and parents notified of the offence, nothing more fearful. Thus, Johann imagined that if he were found out he might receive, at worst, a stern lecture. His complacent perception of the triviality of the offence we overturned almost immediately after he had committed it.

Johann was standing at the rear of the cricket pavilion at the far end of the main playing field having his second, and final fag, of the day when thirty yards away Mr Dawson, the junior maths teacher suddenly appeared walking his dog. Mr Dawson gave Johann a cheery wave and passed on coming no closer. Johann was sure that Mr Dawson could not have seen him sinning. After all it was an October evening pretty near darkness and if Mr Dawson had noticed he surely would have come up to Johann and questioned him.

Mr Dawson liked the peace and quiet of Thistletop. He had had several teaching jobs since being demobilised from his temporary wartime commission in the RAF. Mr Dawson had been at Thistletop for fifteen months. At first he had construed Dr de Ville has a poseur (the monocle didnt help) and a martinet. That view rapidly changed as he watched the man in his natural habitat. Dr de Ville was a born educator and leader. He was scrupulously fair in his dealings with teaching staff, skivvies, and the boys. Dawson got to know Dr de Ville better through a number of lengthy conversations either when out walking together, for Dr de Ville enjoyed country walks too, or when invited round to "Headmasters House" where Dr de Ville presided benignly over his extended family. Dawson wholly approved of Dr de Villes educational philosophy and his, for the times very gentle, means of instilling self-discipline into adolescent boys. He also agreed with Dr de Ville that smoking stunts youth and should be discouraged by all means. Thus it was Mr Dawson who turned Johann in. How so? It was darkening evening and the red glow of Johanns cigarette tip was unmistakeable even from the distance between them. If there had been any doubt then Johanns sudden attempt to drop something and tread on it concluded the case for the prosecution.

On hearing the news Dr de Ville was unhappy. He knew it was likely, almost certain, that one day he would have to chastise Johann but he had hoped not so soon. He wanted Johann to settle into the school and into Dr de Villes extended family group, he wanted Johann to gain a sense of security and then to fall into the rough and tumble of English public school life. Normally, Dr de Ville kept "school" business separate from life in "Headmasters House". On this occasion he broke his rule. After dinner he asked Johann to visit his private study (i. e. the study in Headmasters house that only his family and close friends ever got to see). He asked Johann outright whether he had been smoking and Johann admitted it. Dr de Ville said that Johann should have known that smoking was a serious offence at Thistletop, and Johann admitted he knew. Dr de Ville said that this was now a school matter rather than a "family" one and would no longer be discussed at "Headmasters House". He said that Johann would have to be treated like every other boy with respect to school matters. The next day, Tuesday, Johann found out what being treated like every other boy meant. The names of two miscreants, Williams and Petreson, were read out by the Head Boy after assembly and they were ordered to report to the Headmasters study after prep on Friday evening. Their crimes were not mentioned. After the boys were dismissed from assembly the Head Boy took Johann to one side and gave him explicit instructions about how to prepare for his appointment: shower, clean underwear and socks, Sunday Suit and everything absolutely smart. As the week progressed the names of the other members of the "happy" throng outside the Headmasters door were added.

Meanwhile, Dr de Ville was instructing Smith in his new duties. "Essentially, just follow my orders to the letter. I shall tell you which instrument to use and indicate the target areas. Though evidently a strong lad for your age you dont carry anywhere near as much weight as I so you need not hold back on your swings, give them all your force. Just make sure you strike the targets. Clear?"

"Yes sir."

"Smith, invite Atkins and Drummond in please."

Smith opened the study door and summoned Atkins and Drummond. A moment later they stood shirtless in front of Dr de Ville who was sitting in his armchair. Smith went to stand behind the chair and smirked.

"Alright you two, you know what you did and why you are here. Do you have anything to say either of you?"

Both boys failed to meet the Headmasters gaze but respectfully said "No sir."

"Very well, your are noted down for ten strokes each, mixed instruments at my whim and not necessarily the same for each of you but the end result will be the same."

Both boys blanched at the number. Neither had had that many before and there was the excess to consider if they made the honourable choice: another four.

"Straps on or off?

"Off", said Atkins and Drummond almost in unison.

"Well Atkins you have the choice for the extra. Whats it to be?

"Paddle, please sir."

"Drummond?"

"Thin strap, please sir."

Their choices were calculated. Neither had the option of the junior cane. If they said "cane" they would have received the senior which they were likely to have a dose of anyway. The paddle was, among most boys, considered less painful. However, there was a school of thought among the boys that favoured the thin strap. Choosing a paddle did not allow specification of which of Dr de Villes various paddles might be used: some (little more than large kitchen wooden spoons) were almost laughably harmless and others fearsome. The straps came in various sizes defined by the width of the business end (and thickness rising in proportion to width). The widest strap as used on Mathews looked horrible and spread its energy across a wide area of bottom to leave a dramatically red area. But physics was part of the equation, as the brighter boys knew. The beater had only so much energy to impart to the beatee no matter what instrument he used. At two extremes, that energy could either be concentrated in the thin line of cane contact where it would cause excruciating pain along that line, or the energy could be diffused over a wide area with the big strap where it would cause lesser pain at each point but considerable misery over a wider area of skin.

The thin strap was a conundrum that boys debated at length. Potentially it shared with the cane the possibility of concentrating the energy along a thin line. Unlike the cane it was not rigid and could bend to fit the contour of the target and thus dissipate its energy over a longer length = less pain per inch. On the other hand, the end of a thin strap was like the tip of a whip and could achieve considerable velocity. That end where it came in contact with skin could cause intense local pain. The other problem with the thin strap was that it was quite long. This could have nasty consequences if the end wrapped around a boys thigh, especially if it came into contact with his genitalia. Again, there was a plus side: the end unless deliberately aimed was just as likely to wrap round a punishment horse leg and dissipate a lot of energy.

Thus the two boys had weighed up their options and taken their choices. Neither had factored Smith into the equation and each would rue the day.

At that point Smith entered the equation. Dr de Ville said "I am delegating your punishments to Smith but I will oversee."

Smith from behind the chair gave the two boys a lascivious grin.

Atkins and Drummond looked totally crestfallen, and Drummond remembering some recent remarks he had made to Smith went white for an instant. Both boys began "But, please sir ....".

Dr de Ville waved them silent then said "Smith take over from here. Get them both ready, set up and note the punishment horse calibrations for each of them and then place Atkins into position. See if you can work out the horse adjustments for yourself, if not call me. When Atkins is positioned let me know and I will instruct you from there on. Oh, and close the punishment room door until you are ready for my help. I want to think in silence while you are making the adjustments. Please refill my coffee cup and hand it to me."

Dr de Ville sat happily with his cup of coffee while Smith ushered the two boys into the adjoining room and closed the door. He thought he should get at least five minutes peace while Smith wrestled with the unfamiliar mechanism.

Once the door was shut Smith said to the two boys, each still with hands on their head "Right get them off, impress me."

Both boys loathed Smith. Smith, at sixteen and two weeks of age, was barely a month older than the elder of the pair and their ages differed only by three months. Smith might soon be made a full prefect and given the power to slipper them both, or abuse his power as some unscrupulous prefects did when they had some hold (e. g. a serious misdemeanour not reported to higher authority) over a boy. One such abuse was illicit bare bottom thrashings with the slipper, strap or cane. But here they were getting the fully treatment and with Dr de Villes approval. Both boys realised that they had no option but to obey as if it were Dr de Ville ordering them. Each slowly dropped his shorts and then stepped out of them. Each returned his hands to his head. Each blushed deeply and in both cases the blush extended to the upper torso.

Smith stood grinning at them. Before him were two naked youths of fifteen years of age. Atkins was quite tall for his age but not remarkably so. He was slender but not skinny. There was sign of muscular development in his arms and legs and indication of abdominal musculature. His countenance was pleasant, eyes blue, and hair blondish (and a bit too long by Thistletop standards so a cut was due soon). His arms, legs and chest where seemingly devoid of hair though if one looked very closely there were tiny blond extrusions on his skin. Apart from his head the only hairs to been seen were pubic ones. These were blond and surrounded a, for his age, respectably sized flaccid penis, and a scrotum in which the testes were dangling at their full extend, the room was warm. The pubic hairs on his lower abdomen ended in a neat line, as if cut but they werent, well below his navel and there was no trace of straggling hairs reaching toward the navel. His body still bore a slight tan acquired during the summer holidays and the skin that his bathers had covered was distinctly lighter. Smith stepped behind the lad and observed that his bottom was muscular and very well rounded.

Smiths gaze concentrated on Drummond. Drummond was shorter than Atkins but average height for his age. He was slightly more thickset. There was more evident muscle, but nothing exceptional, and no trace of fat. His face was round and pleasant and usually wore a happy grin; today it was red with embarrassment and portrayed a general expression of misery. His hair, shorter than Atkins, was mousy brown. His limbs and trunk too were devoid of obvious hair. His pubic hair was blonder than his head hair. It, like that of Atkins, didnt rise far above the top of his pubis but in its natural habitat it was lush. His testes looked slightly bigger than those of Atkins. Neither was wholly down and that on the left was almost out of sight. Being of darker hue he had tanned more deeply than Atkins and the comparatively pale zone around Drummonds lower belly, pudenda and upper thighs was distinctly alluring to Smith. To Smiths eyes the most notable difference between the two boys viewed from the front was that Drummonds penis was a little longer and becoming tumescent; that is, it, although not erect, or even half way up, was not dangling entirely passively. Drummond reddened even more when he observed Smiths gaze on his pudenda. Viewed from the rear, which reddened Drummond yet more if that were possible, Drummond had a, high rather than low slung, protuberant, firm, muscular bottom that was even more impressive than Atkins fine specimen.

Smith bid Atkins step forward to the punishment horse and ordered him to get into position. It was clear that the position was not optimal. Atkins bottom was flabby and not well separated. Smith ordered him upright and adjusted the height of the leaning table, he didnt alter its angle as he judged it right. With Atkins back bending and his legs pushed a little further out the position looked perfect. Smith thought to himself that getting the hang of adjusting the horse wasnt taxing. Although visually the position was perfect Smith officiously decided to run his hands slowly over Atkins lower back, buttocks and inside upper leg just to make sure. Atkins winced when this started but dared say nothing.

Smith then said "Not being used to adjusting this apparatus I must further check that your position shall be both comfortable and safe." Atkins didnt catch on until a moment later he felt a cold hand, inserted from between his legs, gently grasp his scrotum and touch his penis. He winced again but desperately tried to stay still. Smith did seem to take a long time making sure that his balls hung freely and that his penis was not trapped in an awkward position. Drummond was observing this with horror and dreading his turn.

Finally, Smith noted the positions of the adjustment knobs and told Atkins to go back to his former place with his hands on his head.

Drummond reluctantly stepped forward to the horse, moved so that his upper thighs touched the baize covered front end of the leaning table and his genitalia hung into the void of the U shaped indentation. Smith viewed the configuration and decided, as he had expected, that the height of the table needed reducing. Also, on some intuition he decided that as Drummonds bum was a bit bigger it would benefit from the leaning table being at a steeper angle. Adjustments done, Smith tapped Drummond shoulder and the youth started getting into position. This had to be in stages. First he had to lean forward a little and grasp the inclined table further down. Next he had to rise up slightly on tip toe, i. e. heels just off ground, shift further forward and then grasp the upright supports of the horse. Finally, he had to make sure that his legs were positioned so that his feet lay outside the pair of rear horse supports. This was all done in a fluid motion as every boy remembered the instructions he received when first subjected to Dr de Villes discipline.

Smith studied the bent over form appreciatively and even walked right round the horse. Then he used the toe of his shoe to gently nudge Drummond to move his feet, and hence legs, a little further apart. He then ran his hand over the exposed flesh and felt that the tension in Drummonds bottom was just right. Drummond flinched slightly but said nothing. Finally, Smith gave Drummonds a gentle but lengthy examination with his hand to ensure that everything was unencumbered; incidentally all these latter stages of the procedure were things that Dr de Ville himself never considered necessary. Smith was fascinate to discover that Drummond now had a partial erection. His penis was horizontal but had a way to go before it would end up nestling close to his belly at the upper end of the U shaped cavity. While this was going on Drummond tried to writhe a bit from side to side but his position was essentially fixed. He sighed when Smith finally withdrew his hand.

Smith noted the calibration and told Drummond to return to his position next to Atkins. He readjusted the horse and bade Atkins to get back into position, which the boy did in exemplary manner. The position was perfect.

Unfortunately, Smith was so naturally adept at setting up the horse that only four minutes had elapsed when Smith opened the door and stood before Dr de Ville for further instructions. Dr de Ville was feeling quite tired. It had been a long day, the previous punishments had make his shoulder ache ands he wanted to conserve his remaining energy for Petresonn. Thus he didnt bother to get up. He said, "I will let you get on with it Smith. Remember no blows under any circumstance must strike above one inch below where the cleft of the buttocks begins. Also, try not to strike low as that can be more than reasonably painful."

Smith nodded and Dr de Ville continued, "Six with the senior cane for both of them, four with the large paddle for both of them then four more paddle for Atkins and four thin strap for Drummond. OK?"

"Yes sir". Smith departed for the punishment room and left the door open as he imagined that Dr de Ville would want to hear what was going on. However just as he was walking over to small table and rack on which the instruments were kept Dr de Ville shouted "Close the door boy, I am sure I shall hear enough to count!" So Smith closed the door firmly.

Atkins was still in position, the only difference being a couple of drops of sweat collecting at the base of his spine and slight glistening on his shoulders and on the skin under his armpits. Otherwise his breathing was regular and he was calm, being stoically patient. Drummond was still standing with his arms on his head and facing the tight and spread out arrangement of his friends bottom.

Dr de Ville, when dealing with more than one boy at a time made the others turn to face the wall whilst one of their comrades was being beaten. When each beating was over he bade them return their gaze to the chastised backside whence the boy would be bidden to get out of the position and the next would take his place whereupon all onlookers would return to face the door. Smith knew this because on his second visit to Dr de Ville for punishment he had been one of four boys each of whom received a total of eight whacks. He had puzzled whether that was better or not than allowing every boy to witness the full proceeding. He recollected from his own experience, he was the third of the four to be beaten, that hearing the sounds of the strokes those before you received and their sighs, grunts, yelps or, in one case, cries was distinctly unnerving. On the other hand watching a sound thrashing where nothing was spared before receiving one oneself could be even more unnerving as one could not console oneself that maybe the blows sounded worse than they really were. It was his intention to administer really sound thrashings, particularly as Dr de Ville was not watching and as Dr de Ville had underestimated Smiths stamina and strength. Dr de Ville had not explicitly ordered Smith to observe the ritual of the turning. Thus he conceived the following devilish plan. He would force Drummond to watch. Drummond would see the blows falling, their immediate consequences and the gradual crescendo of the combined aftermath. Also, because Atkins face was clearly visible between his legs and below the horse Drummond would see the true impact on Atkins whether he cried out or not. It was Smiths intention that both should cry out a lot. The other part of the plan was that when it was Drummonds turn to be beaten Atkins would be turned round. Drummond, in the gaps between the crescendos of his own pain, and Smith intended there to be gaps, would gaze upon Atkins damaged bottom. Even better, Atkins might feel short changed because his punishment and humiliation had been witnessed by Drummond whereas the compliment had not been fully reciprocated.

Smith walked to the rack and selected a senior size cane. There were several such and he flexed each to judge which was likely to be most effective. He flaunted the selected cane in front of Atkins, flexed and swished it a couple of times. Then he walked round to the business end of the horse, took his stance with the raised cane gripped firmly. He took five quick hoping steps and slammed the cane down across the centre of Atkins bottom leaving equally long livid lines on each buttock. Though Atkins was not strapped down his position was very secure with little leeway for movement. Nevertheless, on receipt of that blow his body visibly lurched forward.

Drummond could not keep his eyes off the horrid vista before him. The first blow had been devastating. He saw the cane arc down, saw contact, simultaneously heard a loud thwack, saw for the briefest of instances a look of puzzlement on Atkins face followed by momentarily contorted features and a deep sigh. Smith paused before the next blow and Drummond could see the livid line widen and darken.

Smith was desperate to make both boys cry out. He knew that he must not strike too high as that could be dangerous. On the other hand Dr de Ville knew that Smith was a novice caner so a few too low would not be surprising given that he was anxious not to go too high. Smith also thought that Dr de Ville in his current state of lassitude would not bother to inspect Smiths handiwork.

Thus both boys during their initial six strokes of the cane received the final two cuts low: one on the crease between bottom and thigh and one at the top of the thigh. For the first both boys grunted loudly and for the second, to Smiths immense satisfaction, each cried out.

The four that each received with the paddle was outwardly uneventful other than ensuring that the two sets of cheeks ended up almost uniformly deeply red. When it came to Atkins chosen extra four with the paddle Smith was again inventive. Dr de Ville had not actually specified that he must use the large paddle for these. Instead he picked a smaller, rather flexible, instrument which was more like a spatula and applied it one time each to the inside of Atkins left and right thighs and just below his genitalia. On both occasions Atkins cried out loudly. The final two strokes were with the big paddle applied equally across the buttocks. The first such stroke elicited a very loud hiss and on the second Atkins groaned.

When it came to Drummonds turn for his extra whacks with his selection of the thin strap Smith was determined to make him regret the choice. In fact Smith was so proud of his plan that he rescinded his previous order that Atkins should face the door and made him turn round to view the rear end of the victim on the horse. The first stroke went across the crease lower thigh area and curled inward around Drummonds left thigh and touched Drummonds left testicle. Drummond reared up and then settled. The second, from a different angle, ended wrapped around the right thigh and left a vivid mark on Drummonds penis. The response was as gratifying as before. The third stroke was entirely unconventional. Smith positioned himself to the right of Drummonds abdomen and flicked the strap forcefully downwards into the crevice between the cheeks. The tip hit its intended target: Drummonds anal ring. There was silence for an instant. Atkins witnessed Drummonds face contort and then came a loud yell. Smith smirked happily and administered the final stroke such that it bruised Drummonds penis from the opposite side to previously. That too elicited a cry though perhaps more muted than it should otherwise have been as Drummond despite being given respite of thirty seconds after the anus blow was still digesting the agony of that blow.

Both boys had tears in their eyes but refused to blubber. There was no sign of Drummonds incipient erection but Atkins had a full blown one which Smith noticed had come about rapidly during Drummonds lashing with the thin trap. The youths donned their shorts when told, entered Dr de Villes study and were dismissed by him.

"Thank you Smith, I dont think those two will be visiting here again for a while."

Smith almost said "Its a pleasure sir" but instead said "I am happy to have obliged you sir."

"You may cut along Smith, I have Petreson to deal with now."

Smith had a sudden longing to create red lines on Petresons firm young bottom. "If you want me stay and help sir?" But it was not to be. "No thats fine thanks", said Dr de Ville. "Send Petreson in as you go out."

Johann had been standing alone in the corridor for what seemed ages. It was not an opportunity for quiet contemplation of his possible fate as his thoughts kept being interrupted by much louder whacking sounds than before, many audible grunts and several yells. Finally, the two boys who had been ahead of him in the line emerged from the study. Both were deeply red in the face, the shorter one was panting a little and both walked with a studied gait. They picked up their shirts and as they passed him they grinned feebly but despite the dim lighting Petreson could see that both had moist eyes and were barely holding back tears. When the boys had passed him Petreson noticed that the shorter of the two hadnt got his shorts pulled fully up. The waist band was askew and exposed about three inches of buttock on the right side. Even in the dim light that visible skin was plainly red and there was at least one darker line of red poking out from the edge of the material that covered the rest of his bottom.

Moments later Smith exited the study and as he passed Petreson ordered him to go in. Petresons heart dropped to his stomach. This was it, he would know his fate soon and he was more than apprehensive.

Johann approach the open door and knocked politely.

"Enter! And close the door please"

Johann arrived in front of Dr de Ville who was sitting in his comfy armchair.

"Hello Petreson. Look Johann I am sorry that it has become necessary for us to have this chat so soon after you have joined Thistletop but I must treat all boys the same and you did do wrong and were fully aware that it was, no?"

Johann on hearing the word "chat" breathed an internal sigh of relief. He was to be given a stern talking too this time but nothing more. Unfortunately, Petreson hadnt realised that "chat" was being used somewhat euphemistically to cover just that and some more unpleasant developments. Anyway, he responded, his heart easy, to the question. Yes sir, I did know it is not allowed. I am sorry sir."

"Johann, sit in that chair". Dr de Ville indicated a comfortable but somewhat less plush chair to Petresons left. "I must explain to you how we enforce discipline here and how you are to behave when you become its recipient. Its also an opportunity for you to ask questions."

Johann nodded politely and sat down.

"Johann most of your education has been in Denmark, they do things differently there. For instance there is no corporal punishment in schools and little of it at home. All English public schools use corporal punishment and Thistletop is no exception, but we do it differently here. Do you know what the difference is?"

"Well sir, I have read a little about English public schools, particularly after Mother announced her intention. It seems that in most schools the pupils get beaten regularly by their masters and prefects and that this is often severe. Mother said that Thistletop is much more sparing in its use of corporal punishment and its possible for a boy to progress through the school without ever being beaten."

"True", said Dr de Ville. "We believe that corporal punishment is the last resort but we use it when need be. For the most part it isnt particularly severe either. No doubt you have seen several boys slippered or caned by a master? Did that seem excessive?"

"No sir. The three boys I have seen punished deserved it and they knew it. Each had been previously given lesser punishment for the same offence or otherwise had not heeded a warning. I think it must be embarrassing to bend over to receive punishment but I dont think the punishment hurt any of them much, or at least not for long. Our school trousers and underpants must greatly lessen the effects of the blows so I suppose that the punishment is more about humiliation really sir. But may I ask a question sir?"

Dr de Ville smiled and said "Fire ahead."

"Sir, those boys who came into your study before me this evening were obviously been subjected to corporal punishment. I could hear it. It seemed, especially in the case of the last two boys, that it was more severe than that given out in class. And I was wondering ...." Petreson flagged to a halt.

"Please go on Johann."

"I was wondering whether it was hurting more because they were wearing their PE shorts. I know we arent allowed to wear underpants when doing PE but presumably they are allowed when reporting to you for punishment or ...."

"Continue."

"Or, or .... or it would be much too painful."

"Ah, let me explain a little more of our discipline philosophy then you will understand." Dr de Ville paused for a while and collected his thoughts then he continued thus: "You are right about the punishments meted out in class or by prefects. No boy likes them but they are intended to be a sharp reminder that humiliates more than it hurts. They are in part a reminder that more unpleasant punishments exist and at that point the boy is only one step away from them. Boys who repeatedly ignore that warning eventually end up being sent for sterner discipline. Also, boys who commit serious offences such as lying, cheating, bullying, braking bounds or smoking are sent immediately for sterner punishment. Hence our chat today Johann."

Johann flinched at "smoking" but still felt sanguine about his prospects for this meeting merely being a warning.

"Now the sterner punishment requires both more humiliation and more pain. Boys receiving it certainly do not wear underpants. Neither do they wear shorts."

It took a moment for that to sink in then Johan visibly gaped with shock. "You mean it is on the bare bottom sir?"

"Yes, Johann."

"But if it is on the bare bottom why do they remove their shirts too sir" Johan was getting seriously anxious again but not yet about his own immediate future.

"Two reasons, Johann, I dont want shirts flapping down in the way and, secondly, being entirely naked is much more humiliating."

"Sir, is that why they have to put their hand on their heads too?"

"Keeping your hand on your head is humiliating. Also, that keeps the entire front of the body exposed and adds further to the humiliation."

It took Johann a moment to digest the significance of the last remark. Johann had never since pubescence stood naked in front of anybody. The prospect was just too awful. Even at Thistletop he had never had to expose himself to others such as in the showers. Boys from "Headmasters House" were expected to change and shower at the house because the changing room and shower facilities in the main building were cramped and in need of extension. Moreover, at the house each boy had his own bedroom, there were seven bathrooms with locks and no communal showers.

The fact that nobody had seen Johann naked didnt mean that he hadnt seen other boys thus. When returning to Headmasters House from the gym or playing field it was quickest to go through the changing rooms into the main building, across the building and out the other side along the covered pathway that led to the house. Many a time he had seen boys his own age naked, sometimes before passing on he had joined in with them in some frolic. He was fascinated to see other bodies and realised that his wasnt remarkably different from theirs. He was a bright boy and understood that, theoretically at least, him being naked was no different to any other boy being naked and that he had no physical characteristics, particularly down in his pubic regions, that would make him an object of ridicule. However theory and practice were different matters and thought of the latter was daunting.

"So," said Dr de Ville, "you already understand part of the procedure you must follow when on the second and subsequent occasions you are summoned to me for punishment. You must shower and put on spotlessly clean and pressed gym kit and then report at the appointed time to the prefect on duty outside my study. He will place you and any other boys reporting in line with your hands on your head. Your position in the line will depend on the severity of the punishment you are to receive. You wont be told that exactly until we meet but those receiving lesser punishment are dealt with first. When it is your turn to enter my study you will strip off your shirt first. That saves time later."

Johann took this in. Something was not quite right second and subsequent and punishment but it didnt quite gel in his mind and he put it to one side. The other implications were enough to be going on with and explained much of what he had witnessed this evening.

"Shall you remember that?"

"Yes, sir."

"Right, now we shall progress to what will happen and what you must do when you enter my study."

"Yes, sir."

"You will stand before me with your hands on you head and I will tell you your punishment. There is an option here but its best that I explain that after I have shown you some other things. Remember, its hands on head at all times unless you are under instruction to do something different. Have you taken that in Johann, any questions so far?

"Yes sir, no sir."

At that point I will order you to lower your shorts and step out of them. You will immediately replace your hands on your head."

Johann blushed "Yes sir."

"Then I will lead you to the punishment room or ask you to go ahead and wait in there."

Puzzled, Johann said, "Punishment room sir?"

"Through that door. Come on, I will familiarise you with the equipment." Dr de Ville led Johann into the room.

Johann gasped and stopped as he entered the brightly lit room. His eyes roved everywhere. Johann paused a few moments to let Johann take it all in.

It was a long room with white painted walls. Its most arresting feature was what appeared to be a grotesque wooden ironing board positioned about twelve paces into the room. The contraptions far end was about four paces from the far wall. Along the left wall towards the door were what appeared to be stacks of box files. They looked old and tattered.

On the right hand wall, about six paces away from the right hand edge of the "ironing board" was a long low table and screwed to the wall behind it a wooden rack. The table had various objects on it that Johann couldnt make out clearly. On the rack he saw several canes of varying length and thickness, objects like stunted boat paddles, a riding crop and other things he couldnt identify. Johanns attention was riveted by the "ironing board". He could see green baize on the near horizontal part suspended between the supporting lags. The front end of the horizontal part had a U shaped indentation at its centre. There appeared to be adjusting knobs at the end of the horizontal bit where it joined the strong wooden front legs. Johann had never seen such before but instantly apprehended its purpose. A small shiver ran down his spine.

"Well Johann, what do you think of the punishment horse?"

"Cripes", a new English expression he had learnt.

"Come forward and look at it."

Johann gave Johann a quick tour of the horse. They walked round it and Johann explained how it was adjusted for height and tilt. He showed Johann the restraining straps. The sight of those added another dimension of horror to the artefact.

"Why is this necessary sir? Cant a boy be asked to bend down and touch his toes, bend over a desk, or something?"

"It has several advantages. A boy can be placed in optimal position so that his bottom is a clear target at a reasonable height, at the correct tension and with the best separation of his legs. Also, one can be sure he is safely positioned and not likely to be hurt by slipping out of position. The straps are useful to keep nervous boys safely and securely in place - imagine a boy rearing up and turning around just as a blow is about to land" Johann blanched. "Also, straps are essential for any boy undergoing a birching. No youth, however brave, can be expected to keep in position for that."

When you enter here you will be told to approach the horse and get into position. If you ever have to come here again you will be expected know exactly what to do. But leave that for the moment ...."

An alarm bell tinkled softly in Johanns mind but didnt turn into the klaxon it should. There was something that did not add up from a chat. Getting into position adeptly was a practical skill that couldnt be learned by talking. Maybe he would be invited to see others doing it.

"I shall show you the instruments. Thats part of the purpose of todays chat. You must get familiar with them so that you never wish to meet them again."

Dr de Ville picked up a senior cane. "This is the senior cane. It is used on all boys of fifteen years and above and on those boys of fourteen or so who are larger than average. Johann, it hurts. You dont want any more than the minimal acquaintance to which you are obliged"

"Yes sir." What was that about acquaintance and obliged. Something was nagging Johann. He couldnt quite put a finger on it but there was something he was totally wrong about.

"This is an example of the paddle. It too hurts greatly but in a different way. Paddles are very popular in American schools and I have adopted them too."

Johann winced as Dr de Ville made the paddle fly hissing through the air toward an imaginary target.

"Then there are the straps. This broad one, and at the other extreme, this thin flexi one." The broad strap flexed suddenly by Dr de Villes hands made a menacing sound.

Dr de Ville pointed out the riding crop and other odds and ends. Then he said, "Then there is the birch. A brutal instrument but sometimes required. Fortunately rarely at Thistletop. I cant show you an example as we make them specially from the local birch trees as required. However, you shall be privileged to witness the birch in action on Monday and may form your own judgement about its efficacy." Johann was puzzled but Dr de Ville said no more on that topic.

"The final point, before we start discussing the consequences of smoking, " said Dr de Ville, is the issue of the straps on the horse, extra punishment and choices.

Johanns stomach muscles contracted at the words "smoking" and "consequences" but relaxed when he recollected they were preceded by "discussing".

"Every boy has the option of receiving the punishment stated by me when he enters the room so long as he elects to be strapped down to the horse. If he is to be birched, he is given no choice. It has become the custom, and I repeat custom only, that boys elect not to be strapped down. In denying the restraints they automatically opt for extra strokes in rough proportion to the base number stated by me. Thus two becomes three, four six, six eight, eight eleven, ten fourteen, etc. Now I decide which of the instruments to use for the base punishment. Boys electing for straps off may choose which instrument shall be used for the extra strokes. Do you follow?"

"I think so, sir."

"I say custom because thats all it is. However, the prefect outside my door knows the base punishment in each case and hears what actually happens. He will likely report to the other boys when a boy being punished elects the straps. Such boys tend to be called cissies for a little while but they are not bullied. It is a sort of macabre joke at Thistletop that started in my predecessors time. No boy has elected for straps in my tenure here."

"Yes sir."

"However, at your first thrashing you are not going to be given the choice. You have to experience the straps at least once. Being strapped down is not painful. It merely adds a little to the humiliation."

"Yes sir." Johann pondered are not going to.

"Now go back into my study and sit down. We need to deal with your smoking offence, that will take a while. Time is passing and things have been delayed this evening"

deal with, take a while – Johann was feeling decidedly less sanguine than earlier.

When they were both seated Dr de Ville asked "Have you understood what I have told you? Do you know what to if summoned here again? There is the detail of getting into position but you will know that soon enough, wont you boy?"

"Yes sir" said Johann reddening after a horrible premonition which he desperately hoped wasnt true.

"Very well, this evenings experience is intended to be unpleasant and frightening. It is intended to deter you from doing anything that will bring you here again. With most boys it works reasonably well: some I never see again for punishment and most return only two or three times during their career at Thistletop."

Johan, now decidedly pale said "yes sir".

"Oh, one point I overlooked. If you should be in the unhappy position of choosing the instrument for extra punishment you can call upon more than your experience here this evening in making an informed choice. Having made your first visit here this evening you will be taken into the rest of the boys confidence with respect to punishment, that is those boys who have already received at least one punishment like you. It is a Thistletop custom that no boy who has received punishment discusses anything about it with those who never have. Understand?"

"Y y yes sir", said Johann starting to tremble. "Johann." Dr de Ville said gently, "you have done wrong, you know that too, and what is about to happen has to be if you are to be accepted fully at Thistletop."

Johann looked into Dr de Villes face and smiled, his lips tremulous. He replied, "I know sir. Please dont let it be worse than it has to be.

"Petreson", Dr de Ville said formally, "Having broken a particularly important school rule you will now face the penalty. For this flagrant episode of smoking you shall receive ten strokes. If you come before me again for the same offence it shall be sixteen strokes. Also, I shall be taking steps, which I shall inform you about another time, to detect any backsliding at the earliest moment."

Johann was stunned. Ten!

"Petreson, stand".

The boy slowly stood up and his face was pale. He trembled slightly.

"Go and stand by that chair in the corner", Dr de Ville pointed where.

Johann went and stood by the chair, an upright carver dining chair. His hopes momentarily rose. He was going to be punished but perhaps in this instance it would be less formal; bent over the back of the chair with his trousers still on.

"Take off your jacket and place it carefully over the back of the chair so it doesnt crease."

Johann obeyed, thinking that even with a thrashing on a trousered bottom it was prudent to get coat tails well out of the way.

"Petreson, take off your shoes and place them tidily under the chair."

All his hopes were dashed. Shoes would come off only if trousers had to come off too. He slowly complied.

When Johann straightened again Dr de Ville said, "Petreson, take off your trousers, fold them neatly and place them over your jacket."

Slowly, Johann reluctantly undid his fly buttons, removed his trousers, folded them and placed them neatly on his jacket.

"Now you shirt and tie, place them neatly on the seat of the chair."

Johann complied but taking an age to remove his tie. Dr de Ville was looking impatient so his got his shirt off quickly. He was left standing in vest, boxer shorts and socks.

"Now your vest and place it neatly on your shirt."

Johann did so with little enthusiasm because he knew what was to happen next.

"Very well, finally your underpants. Place them folded on your vest."

Crunch time. Literally what Johann had most dreaded. Very slowly his right hand moved to the waistband of his pants then stopped. He reddened deeply. He looked at Dr de Ville and with a wry questioning grin asked "Do you mean these have to come of sir? Please let me off that this time."

Dr de Ville said sharply, "Off immediately Petreson."

Slowly Johann pulled them down with his right hand. They came so far as to expose his right thigh and part of his pubis and he stopped for a while. However, he knew it had to be done and that two hands were needed. Acknowledging that procrastination was doing no good Johann deftly removed his pants using two hands. After placing them on the chair he turned to face Dr de Ville, remembered his nakedness and placed his hands over his crotch.

"Hands on head Petreson, and stand up straight", Dr de Ville barked.

Johann obeyed, reddened further and the blush extended down his chest.

Before Dr de Ville was standing an entirely naked (disregarding the socks) fifteen year old boy. He was quite tall for his age, slender but with developing musculature and little trace of fat. His hair was Nordic blond. His eyes were ice blue. No other hair was visible on his body apart from some under his arms and that on his pubis. Around his genitals there was, for a boy of fifteen, a quite luxuriant growth of blond hair matching in colour that on his head. His penis was adult, rather than infantile, and about average size for a boy of his age. His scrotal sack was visible and housed testicles of respectable size both of which were hanging freely in the warmth of the room. He had a pronounced waist and distinctive hips though their proportions were much more consistent with those of a boy than of a girl. His skin was uniformly unblemished. There was a hint of a tan shadow where he would have been covered by bathers but it was unlikely that a boy so fair would tan well; most likely he would burn and thus have to be careful about sun exposure.

Dr de Villes appraisal of the boy before him was dispassionate and disinterested. He noted that Johann was a fit looking lad who had some way to go in terms of growth in stature and musculature but one day might look like the Greek Adonis. Other than making that comparison and a general interest in classical art Dr de Villes interest in the male form (youthful or adult) was non-existent. Had Smith been present Johanns attributes would have been greatly more appreciated.

Dr de Ville deliberately let Johann stew in his embarrassment for a few moments longer. It wasnt that he was a sadist but he genuinely wanted to make Johann, and the other boys in his charge, deeply reluctant to have a second encounter such as this.

"Into the punishment room Petreson. Stand in front of the horse."

Johann slowly walked to the horse. From the rear it was clear that Johann had very well formed and rounded buttocks, almost girl-like but not grotesque in a boy of his build. Moreover they were obviously muscle rather than fat. These considerations did not occur to Dr de Ville as he watched the boy dawdle into position. Smith would have memorised every movement of those buttocks.

Dr de Ville made Johann stand so that his thighs were touching the front of the horse. He then adjusted the height upwards slightly and intuitively decided to leave the angle unchanged.

"See the recess in front of you Petreson?"

"Yes sir."

"Stand so that your penis and testicles are encompassed by it."

Johann did so, blushing furiously again.

"Now lean forward, let your body rest on the board and grasp edges of the board as far down as you can."

Johann thrust himself forward and in doing so understood the full significance of the recess.

"Now raise your feet off your heels a bit, reach forward some more then grab the front left and right uprights of the horse. Good. Now move your feet further apart so that each is as far as possible beyond the front uprights without making your position so uncomfortable that you cant sustain it."

Dr de Ville walked around the horse and commented "Excellent Petreson. Remember that this is how you must do it if you have the misfortune to come here again."

Dr de Ville then proceeded to secure Johanns wrists, thighs and ankles firmly in place with the soft leather straps. Finally he tightened the wide strap across the middle of Johanns back. Apart from breathing freely Johan had no scope for voluntary movement from his trunk or limbs.

This part was awful but Johann knew that what was about to happen would be much worse.

"Very well Petreson, during your thrashing you shall sample three types of instrument. We start with two stokes from the wide strap."

Johann heard Dr de Ville walk to the table to his right and pick something up. Then he heard Dr de Ville return to a position behind his taught stretched bottom. He braced himself just in time for suddenly without warning came an immense thwack. For a moment Johann was aware of nothing but the lingering after effects of the sound in his head. Suddenly his world turned to a fiery hell; the fire concentrated on his bottom and on both sides equally. Johann let out a loud yelp.

The fiery pain was beginning to subside into a malevolent glow but before it had done so there was another thwack as loud as the first and moments later a second circle of hell was imprinted on Johanns backside, lower down but overlapping the first. This time Johann didnt cry out. He merely exhaled deeply and shuddered.

"Now the paddle", said Dr de Ville. There was a brief interlude whilst the headmaster returned the strap to its place and rummaged around for the large paddle. The footsteps returned to behind Johanns highly exposed and vulnerable bottom.

The first blow gave off an immense crack rather than a thwack. It landed equally across the middle of both buttocks. The pain was intense and differed by some indefinable characteristic from that brought about by the strap. Johann let out a yell and tried to rear upwards but couldnt, he was held fast. The next two blows struck the left and right buttocks respectively centred on their most convex points. Again the pain was awful but Johann managed to contain his anguish into low groans.

"Finally, five strokes of the senior cane."

There was a lengthy pause while Dr de Ville returned the paddle and examined some candidate canes before selecting one and returned to stand behind Johann.

Johann felt the cold touch of the cane, but it was not a blow. Dr de Ville seemed to be gauging the points of contact for a blow. The touch ceased. He heard Dr de Ville step back a few paces. Then Dr de Ville seemed to run forward. There was a loud swish and in the same instant Johann was aware of the pressure of contact of the cane along the exact line that Dr de Ville had previously mapped out. Intense pain followed a moment later. The three events are difficult to distinguish but to Johanns mind they definitely came in that rank order. Johann moaned loudly and tears came to his eyes.

The next three strokes followed the same painful pattern. After them Johann had four very distinct and equally spaced red lines passing horizontally and to equal extent on each buttock in a cascade from near the top of his bottom to near the base of it.

The final stoke made Johann scream. There was no targeting tap, no chance to anticipate where the blow would land. After what seemed an age following the previous four strokes this one arrived as if it were a thunderbolt from the blue. Even Dr de Villes footsteps were muted. The only thing to presage the blow was a very loud swish. It caught Johann neatly along the dividing line between each buttock and his thighs.

Johann was trembling ands sobbing now. Dr de Ville left him thus for a couple of minutes until the boy had visibly calmed and then released the straps. He said, "Petreson stand up and come back to the study in your own time."

Johann stayed as he was for two or three more minutes. The trembling and sobbing ceased and Johann was breathing at a relaxed pace again. Very slowly, stiffly and painfully he regained his upright posture and slowly made his way to stand before Dr de Ville and with his hands on his head without needing reminding.

"Well done boy. You took that bravely, particularly for a youth who has never experienced any kind of corporal punishment before. Put your clothes back on at whatever pace suits you, then depart.

Authors note

The next segment is called "Oppression"


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