The following story is taken from the classic movie "To Kill A Mockingbird" starring Gregory Peck. One of the featured child actors was Phillip Alfred as 12 year old Jim. Though Jem does a few things wrong in the movie, he never gets punished. In my adaption, he will. The first part is a true account of the story. My own adaption begins when Jem goes back for his pants. Then his bottom is in real trouble.
Jem, with Scout and Dill, have boldly snuck out at night and slipped onto the back porch of the Radley house to try to get a look at the mysterious and scary 'Boo' Radley, who seemingly never leaves the house. This they have been forbidden to do. As Jem crawls slowly across the porch toward the window, a huge shadow indicates the appearance of a menacing figure, supposedly 'Boo'. The three children run wildly across the yard. Jem holds up the fence for Scout and Dill to pass under, but when he tries to go under he gets caught by the wire. With Scout's help, he is able to get free, but has to leave his pants. Then they race to a hiding place.
They are out of breath. "I can't go home without my pants," Jem announces. Scout appeals to him to leave them so they can go home. "No," says Jem, "I've got to get my pants. You stay here." With that, he sneaks back to the Radley fence. He sees no one, so he gets to work freeing his pants from the wire.
"So It's YOU!" booms a voice suddenly appearing beside him. "What are you doing sneaking around my house?" It is Mr. Radley, 'Boo's dad. Jem had already proclaimed him 'the meanest man who ever took a breath' (a dubious distinction).
Jem is frightened and starts to bolt away, but Radley catches him by the arm. "I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget," Radley announces. He drags Jem, protesting every step, up to the porch. Then he sits and pulls Jem across his knees. He pulls down Jem's boxer shorts, revealing his bare bottom. Radley pulls off his belt and folds it. Then he proceeds to whack Jem's bare butt visciously. Jem yells out in pain and jerks and kicks, but Radley continues to whip him, raising red whelps on his buttocks. Radley doesn't appear ready to let up, even though Jem is suffering considerably.
Finally, as Radley raises the belt, his arm is restrained. 'Boo' appears and stops his dad from punishing Jem any further. 'Boo' is large and strong, and even his dad cannot overcome him. Neighbors, allerted by the noise, are gathering around. Atticus Finch, Jem's dad, has been called to the scene by a frightened Scout. 'Boo' disappears as quickly as he appeared.
Jem stands and pulls up his shorts as quickly as he can. He rubs his flaming behind and tears roll down his face. He apologizes to Radley. Radley explains to everyone around why he spanked Jem. Most of them, including Atticus, agree that it was well deserved (remember, this is the '30s)
Jem is unable to sit for awhile. He decides to leave the Radley house strictly alone. But later in the story 'Boo' will make another appearance, saving Jem's life.