Another Black Sunday
by Master Brady
The spanking, or to be more precise the sound thrashing, was proceeding a pace as the woman's strap rose and fell upon the bare bottom being attended to so adeptly.
Around the rear of the Church, just after the conclusion of Sunday morning service, the howls of the male being walloped echo loudly off the thick stone walls of the big building from which the pair have so recently emerged.
The lady, a thick set woman of around 50, has one foot placed upon a low wall to make a more than ample stocking clad knee for the boy to lean over. Over, without any doubt, the boy is, and very firmly at that! Short pants and underpants down around his ankles the lad is up on tip toe and right over the knee so as to present a firm and well rounded bare bottom for the lady. That bare bottom by now, after around twenty well laid on strokes, is both fiery red and well striated with the marks of the belt. It could not be said an entirely still target is being presented as the partly punished bottom wriggles and jumps under the assault of the thick leather. Understandably so! It could be seen however that the boy is trying not to move too much bodily. Such movement would be construed by the lady as "Attempting to avoid or mitigate punishment." Which, of course, in any discipline scenario means further punishment.
The strap is in fact a short leather sjambok, made of rhino hide from South Africa. The harsh leather makes a very good implement for the administration of a sound thrashing. Such can be described the scene taking place.
It must be said that for the 22 year old at the painful end of the whip this is not the first time he has endured a walloping from the lady in exactly the same fashion and, to be truthful, in the self same place. Behind the Church! Nor would it indeed be the last by a long chalk. Brady is more than accustomed to summary discipline and as the strokes approach the thirty mark the boy's howls are a lot louder than they had been at the commencement of the punishment. Again understandably!
The pain and heat of the sjambok is abominable and the lad lets everyone within ear shot know his views on that subject. The burning searing pain of the leather continually landing with vigour would have made the strongest young man howl. The victim howls and cries at the ups and downs of the whip, even though the bottom being thwacked is accustomed to a variety of thrashings being vented upon it by numerous adults. Those of the congregation, including the others from the household of the participants, though unable to witness the thrashing, are by no means unaware it is taking place. The sharp sound of each stroke of the thick leather and the continual howling cannot be ignored by anyone. Leather on bare flesh has a sound all of its own. To most of those remaining at the front of the Church they have heard it all before and it is therefore not too much remarked upon.
Auntie Janine Kermath is a prison wardress in South Africa. But she is also the eldest sister of Margaret and Elizabeth, guardians to Brady. And she was raised in this small town before emigrating to South Africa. She is here on vacation, but she is well known for her strictness and her penchant for summary correction. On the spot whenever possible! After all that was why she left for her current position in South Africa.
She is a tall, thick set lady, with close cropped red hair turning grey at the edges. A tight mouth that seems set in a permanent scowl provides her with a grim, stern visage, even when she is in a good mood! Which she rarely is, at least not when Brady is about. Such as NOW!
She does enjoy her vacations here to Scotland now Brady is about though! And her sisters humour her by allowing her free rein to torment Brady since she comes over but once a year, usually just for two weeks. Though she has come for four this year since she enjoyed her previous stay so much.
Brady hated every moment of it. And still recollects her closing words as she departed, "Perhaps you might like to come over and spend a few weeks with me alone some time Brady?" He prayed that would never happen!
The shout of "Will you learn to do as you are TOLD, BOY?" was heard quite plainly, though the lad's answer of "Yyyeeesss, Maaaaam! was rather mixed with howls as the fortieth stroke fell. "When you are ordered to wear your RESTRAINER, my boy, you make sure you wear it and no mistake!" roared Auntie Janine as she completed the thrashing with the forty-eighth stroke.
She throws the boy from his perch up on her raised knee and he hits the ground. The lad picks himself up ruefully from the ground. Grimacing and tearfully dancing with pain, almost falling again as the constraints of pants and underpants around his ankles arrest his movements. Hands clasped firmly on the burning, stinging bare nates the sight might seem to any onlooker rather comical. There are none such however. Perhaps fortunately.
To the punished boy there is nothing even remotely comical in his grimacing and prancing antics. Neither is there any comic element for Auntie Janine, who, as usual, feels justice has been done. If not seen to be done, then heard to be done. For Auntie Janine the knowledge that she has given the lad a sound thrashing is cause for self satisfaction which plainly shows on the lady's face.
For Master Brady the knowledge that just a fortnight ago he had been in a similar position being thwacked across Auntie Janine's bent knee on the same step, in the self same fashion, for misbehaviour in church is not a cause for satisfaction. Rather self pity. He could not wait for her to return to South Africa.
Sitting two weeks ago between Auntie Janine and Auntie Elizabeth and in front of Auntie Margaret, who was keeping an eye on the lad's behaviour from the pew behind, meant constant surveillance. A tap on the shoulder, when seated, or a dig In the back, when standing is the indication that behaviour is not all that it should be to please the adults. Having been the recipient of a sharp dig in the back with Auntie Margaret's bent knuckle, which had occasioned a gasp of pained surprise, during the hymn prior to the sermon and the order to, "Keep those shoulders STRAIGHT, BOY!" had brought a stern warning from Auntie Janine. "If that happens again I'll give you something to gasp about once we are outside, my lad!"
Unfortunately Auntie Margaret had repeated the dig and the order to "Keep those shoulders STRAIGHT, LAD!" during the last hymn. Now with Auntie Janine it's well known, one warning or one telling is considered more than sufficient. The young man did not require the order from Auntie Janine to "Get round behind the church and I'll attend to you presently, my boy". At times such as this Master Brady fervently wishes he was not Auntie Janine's "my boy". Without any shadow of a doubt Auntie Janine did more than make the youth gasp as the sjambok thwacked a bare bottom eighteen times.
Auntie Margaret, on the culprit's return to the front of the building remarked to those with whom she was standing, "Perhaps one of these days Brady will learn to take a telling at the first time of telling and not require someone to reinforce it by thrashing it into him later on!" There was a general murmur of agreement at that remark.
Such is discipline in the household where Master Brady is being brought up, still very much as a boy, though he is now over 22.
Back to today and Sunday after Church. Having been the recipient of 48 strokes of Auntie Janine's sjambok for what even Master Brady is prepared to agree is a more serious matter than not keeping his shoulders straight enough to please, the lad rued the fact he had not put on the restrainer when told.
Stop your nonsense and get those pants on and up smartish Brady, unless you want your fingers warmed when we get home! You'll wear the restrainer for the next four Church attendances, starting this evening!" Auntie Janine shouted, "And with the sharper pin insert at THAT!"
If it were possible to perceive a shudder wrack the boy's body at the mention of the sharper pin insert then anyone seeing him now would have spotted that shudder. Truly the leather restrainer is uncomfortable to wear even when it is the studded version that he is ordered for wear. The sharp pinned insert sheer torture when an erection is starting. The object, of course, with both the studded and pinned inserts, is to prevent such an erection reaching its peak. As a punishment implement for certain offences either restrainer is really first class. From a disciplinarian's point of view, of course.
The leather restrainer is normally put on by Master Brady himself, but also on occasions by either of his Aunties. The yelps as they draw the strap through the buckle are always loud as both make the restrainer extremely tight fitting. Tighter than Brady does it himself, though it must be said that Brady's fitting of the leather object is checked at some stage. None of his Aunties are stupid and all realise that it will not be adjusted properly unless Brady is aware it certainly will be checked later. As a small padlock is closed and locked securely on fitting, it is impossible to adjust the restrainer - say - just before a check is expected to take place. Once on, it stays that way until unlocked by an adult.
"No, please, Auntie, nnott soo tiigghhhtt!" howls the youth as the strap is drawn through the buckle, to the tightest position favoured by his Auntie. Even the short sharp pinheads, when used, make contact with the tender flesh of the boy's privates causing even louder howls and protestations. Even flaccid the pins press hard on the penis and scrotum, almost as a silent warning not to become "excited". The longer pinned insert causes pain all the time it is worn. It is advertised as being "The Last Word in Penis Discipline". As a punishment it is more than ideal.
"Be quiet, brat, it has to be tight to do its job properly. It's of no earthly use if worn loose," shouts Auntie Janine as she adjusts the strap viciously. A couple of hard slaps across the bare bottom add somewhat to the overall discomfort. Undoubtedly the restrainer has to be tight else the purpose is defeated. Strict discipline dictates it be very tight and when Auntie Janine "adjusts" the strap it is more than merely tight. It's extremely TIGHT! Three holes past the position chosen when Brady does it himself and two holes past where Auntie Elizabeth and Auntie Margaret secure it!
There are two restrainers.
The first a leather belt lined with 1/4" studs all over the business area. This is placed over the penis with that appendage pulled straight up so as the studs contact both balls and penis. The front of the belt is connected to a waist belt by a continuation of the strap running up to the belt at the front and a thinner leather cord passed under the anus to connect with the belt at the rear. The apparatus is tightened up by adjusting the strap and buckle at the rear. The effect is to crush the penis and balls hard against the studs, which practically precludes an erection. Practically as Master Brady knows only too well. Any swelling of the penis brings extra stud pressure, which is painful. The device is padlocked at the buckle
The second restrainer is a soft leather pouch lined with extremely sharp pin heads. This pouch is placed over the genitals and kept in place with a simple draw string around the scrotum.. The penis is allowed to remain in the dormant position as any upward movement will bring instant pain. In fact, walking, sitting and standing up are painful movements, whenever this restrainer is in place. The cords, which tighten up the pouch, have provision at their ends for the padlock to be put in place. Called "The Hedgehog" for obvious reasons.
After the latest thrashing no sympathy is to be given evidently.
Perhaps not deserved after all. At least not in Auntie Janine's eyes. The threat of some cakers on the hands on reaching home was not an idle one either and Master Brady, well aware of that fact, makes haste in dressing. Auntie Janine is not one to be trifled with as the reader will have already realised.
Obviously the boy will not sit down, at least comfortably, for some time to come but again that is a penance to which the lad is not unaccustomed. A hot, stinging, and well wealed bot, is not altogether uncommon for him. Certainly an extremely hot bot is undoubtedly what he has at the moment. It throbs and stings abominably, some areas are numb with the constant landings of the whip on almost the same place. Where the marks overlap one another on contact are always the worst and it is surprising just how often they do land that way during a thrashing. Whether intentionally or otherwise is immaterial. The end result is the same.
The reason for the order arose due to Master Brady having the misfortune to have an erection in front of Auntie Janine this morning, whilst he was undressing her. The lad assisting his Auntie out of her baby doll nightie just could not help it. When Miss Janine stepped out of her sheer knickers he was UNDONE! Wearing, as he has to, for personal duties with Auntie Janine, just transparent brown Directoire knickers and girls' blouse such disrespect is all too obvious. It was not that he found Auntie Janine attractive, she was not, but the knickers were indeed those of a a very sexy nature that set his imagination afire.
She had decreed the swollen penis required a punishment for lecherousness. The sentence of the restrainer as punishment quite usual in such circumstances. He was, after all, fortunate to escape corporal punishment as well. On the spot from her and later from Auntie Margaret. Just sometimes Lady Luck does favour Brady.
Auntie Janine had felt Brady's crotch just as they sat down after the hymn preceding the sermon. The absence of the tight strap was all too obvious. "Just you wait until I get you outside, my lad, its trousers down for you and pronto!" Undoubtedly it had been too!
Whilst Brady obeyed his Auntie, once the lad was dressed he was ordered "Round to the front and stand with your back against the wall, boy!"
At the front of the Church the boy stood with his back to the building some distance away from his relations and received the further order of, "Head up, eyes to your front and stand up STRAIGHT and quite still!". This is where Brady normally stands whilst his relatives are conversing with others. So that he cannot hear adult conversation but is still within view.
Grey suited, short trousered, bum freezer jacketed, blouse shirt, long stockinged, school coloured cap and tie, the picture presented was one of a younger schoolboy. Clean shaven, as yes, Master Brady had started to shave some years ago. Hair cut short all over with the hairline, short back and sides, raised higher than is the normal. A style that went out of fashion many years ago.
Brady's hair was now always kept short and cut about every three weeks. A neat trim had originally been achieved by Mr Tom Mason the barber. Cousin Tina had later suggested that Master Brady accompany her on her visits to "Carol and Lorraine's" where these ladies could ensure the lad's hair being kept neat and tidy. What had become a regular trim by one or other of the ladies had somehow resulted in the shortening of the overall.
When Lorraine does the trim, as she nearly always does, she cuts it "Well into the wood, my lad!" Lorraine is a demon with a pair of electric clippers and Master Brady often wonders if one day she will take these clippers right across his head and leave him bald. Sometimes, in fact, it seems as if she is to do just that, as she gives him a hell of a high short back and sides. She has mentioned that state (bald) jokingly once or twice but Miss Tina has not taken her up on the matter. YET! The fear of being bald does however lurk in the boy's mind.
Needless to say the staff at the hairdressers are permitted to discipline Master Brady and both Carol and Lorraine do so. Once because he did not sweep up his shorn hair quickly enough for their liking. Brady usually has his hair cut at the end of the day and is then required to stay back and clean the whole shop. There is a detailed list of what must be achieved.
On entry to the hairdressers shop Brady assists Cousin Tina off with her coat and brings her something to read and then reports to Miss Carol or Miss Lorraine "Please Miss, Miss Tina has finished with me".
"Right then, boy, stand at attention, face into that corner. Stand quite still with your hands behind your neck until you are told to move".
This happens no matter who is in the shop and about five minutes before either of the ladies is ready to take Master Brady for his "trim" the further order is given:
"You, boy, strip right down to your underpants, smartly, then back face into the corner. Be ready to report to Miss Lorraine when you are TOLD!
Once stripped and back in the corner the next order comes from Miss Lorraine, "Over to me, bring the child's board with you - DOUBLE UP, BOY!" That makes young Master Brady really move to do as the lady bids.
Miss Lorraine meantime has lowered the chair and when Brady arrives by her, she orders, "Place the board hard side up and get yourself up on it quickly!" The ridged plywood side of the child's board/cushion is placed across the arms of the chair and Master Brady gets himself up on it. A nice hard uncomfortable seat for the lad. Especially if his bum has been walloped recently, which it usually has been by someone. Nothing is placed around the lad's shoulders and torso as he is stripped to the waist.
"Up straight, head well forward and keep it DOWN. Move with me as I go around you. Any nonsense and I'll take the belt to you, UNDERSTOOD?" Miss Lorraine yells that last word into Brady's ear making him jump, though he expects she will yell at him. The buzz of the clippers signifies the start of Miss Lorraine's ministrations.
"Keep that head WELL DOWN, boy!" The yell this time comes from Miss Carol, who has noticed Brady's head higher than she would have it, if she were doing the job, "Keep it well down or else you'll get a taste of leather from me, my lad!"
"You mind your own business, Miss Carol", says Miss Lorraine, roughly shoving the offending head forward as she speaks. "If there is any strapping to be done I'll be doing it! Do you fancy a dozen from me, Brady?"
"Err, no, Miss Lorraine", comes the swift reply.
"Well, keep that head well down until I am finished and move with me or else!"
A taste of the strap from either or both of the ladies is not unusual. A thrashing from either lady with Miss Carol's razor strop, whilst firmly bent across the barbers' chair, is not an uncommon event. The front door locked and Brady bent over the chair.
The stripping to the waist is done because it's embarrassing and the ladies shave the hair under Brady's arms each visit anyway. In the back of the shop the reason for being stripped to knickers is obvious as his privates are shaved by Miss Lorraine, not always in private either. Though no other clients witness the procedure, only staff.
Auntie Janine rejoined the family group and apart from being a bit red faced and slightly out of breath showed little sign of just having soundly thwacked the boy.
"No restrainer on though I ordered him to wear it for Church," Auntie Janine informs the group, giving the reason for punishment..
"I see, well he certainly got a nice hot bottom for his troubles then" comments Auntie Elizabeth. Aunt Margaret clears her throat before saying, "A prickly rear end rather than prickly privates eh?" She smiles at the thought of the prickles inside the restrainer and just what they do to an erection. Though she obviously could not experience the discomfort and pain caused she could imagine the punishment was certainly not a nice one!
"And well deserved it was too," adds Auntie Janine grimly, remembering the erection, which had caught her eye as she stepped into her bath earlier that day. The engorged penis had pushed out the boy's transparent brown work knickers at the front making a really obscene sight for any woman, young or old, if such a sight was not desired. Which in Auntie Janine's case it CERTAINLY WAS NOT!
Master Brady's excuse of "Not having time to put the restrainer on," had not washed well. Not a bit of it as the fitting on and proper tight adjustment of the restrainer does not take more than a couple of minutes.
The Minister, the Reverend Brenda Cox, comes down the Church steps on her way to the Hall to take the opening service for Sunday School and having heard from the Vestry the unmistakable sounds of the leathering and the resultant howls, approaches the family group and asks. "That boy in trouble again then?" indicating, with an inclination of her head, the recently tanned youth standing against the wall.
"He was", replied Auntie Janine, "disobedience and as a result some disciplinary measure was evaded." Auntie Janine did not expound on the type of disciplinary measure.
Reverend Cox knows about the restrainer punishment. Has in fact awarded it herself on a number of occasions. Master Brady experiencing "hard ons" over her knee. A belting and a few wearings of the restrainer were deemed by the Reverend Lady a fitting punishment for a dirty boy! And why ever not?
"Well, I gather the evasion did not exactly bear much fruit once it was discovered" said Reverend Cox smilingly.
To which Auntie Janine replied, "I'm sure Brady would be the first to agree with you, Reverend. The only extra fruit it bore was in the number of strokes I gave him with my sjambok!"
That young man against the wall, tears still running down his face, would undoubtedly have been the very first to agree. His bum uncomfortably and intensely hot, stung and smarted good style. Where the tip of the sjambok had caught his bottom flesh were especially painful. The tip had a nasty habit of overlapping quite a few times too. It would be a really sore bum for some long time to come yet. As he well knew it would!
Tears were normal after a thrashing from his Auntie Janine. Very embarrassing they are too especially as young men can normally stop themselves crying. However the severe thrashings given him meant tears every time and he would defy the toughest lad to endure a good spanking dry-eyed.
"Get that head UP, Brady and straighten yourself UP too. You are standing there like a half shut knife, boy!", the shout in Miss Tina's raised voice caused all eyes to turn and look at the wilting wallflower.
"Sorry, Miss Tina," calls Master Brady, straightening up and lifting his head to stare straight ahead.
"Anyone would think you had an excuse for being slovenly and I am sure you do NOT have one", added Tina.
Master Brady curses his 'cousin' - why did she have to do that? Now Auntie Janine WOULD belt him when he got home.
Reverend Cox comments, "There is just no respect these days, even after a good thrashing. One would reasonably think that after such as he has had, he would be on his very best behaviour. Evidently not however.
Right if no one has any objections I'll march the lad around to Sunday School, if that is in order I shall be taking him for two periods (two hours) at the end of Sunday School so perhaps someone will collect him at four thirty, please"
"That will be fine, I'll arrange for Tina to collect him then" agreed Auntie Elizabeth.
Young Brady's hopes of lunch went straight out of the window when the Reverend intimated the lesson periods. Lunch would not wait nor would it be kept for him. The 'family' did not believe in feeding someone who has been absent from the table at the correct time. No matter the reason.
The Reverend, of course, would lunch across at the Manse, as she only took the first hour of class at Sunday School and as school lasted for two hours she would lunch, whilst a Mistress took his class for the second hour. Mr Cox would have lunch awaiting his wife's appearance. He was accustomed to the Sunday afternoon teaching stint by his wife. It happened fairly often nowadays and after all they were well paid for the inconvenience. A nice addition to the stipend. (It might be mentioned here that Brady is in a class by himself. It should also be mentioned that ordinary students attend only for one hour.)
Brady is marched off "left, right, left, right" fashion by Reverend Cox around to the Sunday School building and another of his tormentors, Miss Nessie (short for Agnes, which the lady hates) Hardie, one of his "favourite" female teachers.
Reverend Cox takes Brady to one side, "Brady, you will report to me outside my classroom at the conclusion of your normal Sunday school period at 2.30. You, my lad, are to have three hours of intensive revision. Firstly on the content of my Church Sermons over the past 13 weeks and secondly revision of your Sunday School lessons over a similar period. The Quarterly Sunday School Exams are due in 4 weeks time, if perhaps you have forgotten, Brady, I can tell you right now, your exams are going to be exceptionally hard. I know because I am setting them. Whereas your fellow pupils will complete their exams in an hour on the Sunday afternoon, yours will commence at 8am on the Saturday morning and continue right through to 10 o'clock that evening. Only short breaks for toilet and refreshment will be given.
You will be given a dispensation from homework over that weekend but do not rejoice too soon because you will receive double class and Sunday School homework over the next few weekends to make up for the dispensation. I have yet to decide how many weekends. I can also tell you I shall be marking your papers ultra strictly so be warned now. If you should fail to make the 75% pass mark in any single paper you will be publicly thrashed at the Disciplinary School in front of an invited audience with the official Approved Birch Rod. That is not the collection of twigs some people associate with the birch but, in this case, three rattan rods bound together at the handle. This rod punishes similarly to the cane but much more severely. Needless to add the Disciplinary School birch is severe. Incidentally I have Informed Mrs Kermath that she should come for you at 5.30 not 4.30 as was mentioned at the Church door earlier. Do you hear me, Brady?"
"Yes, Ma'am, Reverend Cox, MA'AM!" replies a fortunately awake Master Brady, in the way he has to answer the Minister. Reverend Cox likes to hear the Ma'am being repeated with the second MA'AM loud.
"Good, well pay strict attention to what I have said and put in some hard work studying for these exams if you know what is good for you, boy!" with which Reverend Cox intimates for Brady to join his Sunday School class.
Sunday was turning out to be a very Black Sunday indeed thought Master Brady. First an accident in the bathroom, the sentence of the restrainer, then forgetting to put the damned thing on in the rush to be ready for Church. Being found out for not having it on and thrashed by Auntie Janine. Spoken to for not standing properly against the Church wall will probably mean getting my fingers soundly warmed by Auntie Janine in the evening. Now three hours of revision instead of what was originally two hours. Three hours in that classroom.
The Minister's own classroom, a small room containing only one double and one single school desk. Teacher's desk and chair, blackboard and glass fronted cupboard. No room for anything else really, oh, yes, except the tawse which does not take up very much room as it hangs on a hook by the teacher's desk. Thankfully it is a classroom tawse and not so heavy as say a Lochgelly. Still it hurts quite a lot for all that it is lighter. Who cares about the contents of Reverend Cox's sermons - certainly not me though I have had to sit through them, boring as they are to a lot more people than just me. I've heard people say "Are not the Minister's sermons sometimes a bit boring?" I always want to say, "Yes, and HOW!" Now I am to get an intensive revision on their bloody content and be examined on my knowledge of them. Bad enough being examined on the stupid Sunday School lessons but this new departure of examining me on the sermons is only Reverend Cox's way of showing off as to how clever she is thinking of a second way to use her sermons. I know that the three hours today will be increased to four hours for the next three Sundays as the revision for the exams is always stepped up.
Then there is the prospect of these palmies around bed time due to bitchy cousin Tina sounding off at me over slouching. I would like to have seen how she would stand after 48 strokes of a sjambok across her bare backside. No excuse for being slovenly she had said, so bloody primly, after yelling at me a second before.
Yes, a VERY BLACK SUNDAY INDEED taken all in all. Oh, yes, and there is that RESTRAINER which I shall have to wear to evening service -GOSH- a sore bottom and a penis and scrotum which one dare not even move, slowly, unless those pin points stick any further in than they do after Auntie Janine puts the bloody thing on me. Walking is a penance and sitting just does not bear thinking about.
When Auntie Janine squeezes it to make sure it is fitting properly, as she will, I'll howl blue murder. She does sometimes ask, "Let me see if the restrainer is fitting nice and snugly on your privates, boy" I long to yell, "Yes, Auntie, it is fitting nice and snugly!" but I just cringe as I see her hand cupped and approaching my crotch.
SSSSSQQQQQUUUUUEEEEEEZZZZZZEEEEE A long squeeze and I howl blue murder. "YYYYEEEEEOOOOOWWWWW!!!! AAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!! A LONG HOWL. She has more sense than to do it in Church. But in the Vestry afterwards she could be having some fun - turn about at squeezing. "Yes, Ms Kermath that does seem to be fitting quite nicely this time," says Reverend Cox dropping her hand after making me howl like a banshee. The other torture is to have my pants opened and fingers playing on the fine soft leather. As the gentle massage continues my penis starts to rise and the pinheads really bite in. I roar with pain as the fingers continue their teasing of my confined penis.
Then, some time away, the almost certain prospect of the Disciplinary School birch, which will be given by the lady most adept at birching.
Last year I received four thrashings in front of those ladies of the Women's' Guild and Young Mothers' Group. Those ladies interested in corporal punishment and desiring to see such punishments carried out. Both a tawsing and a caning because I had failed in two papers. Four thrashings, because both strappings and canings were so severe, neither could be completed at one session. They were given by the Gym Mistress of the Disciplinary School, Mrs Scott, though she gave them in the Church Hall, on four separate afternoons. She has the reputation of being the hardest belter and caner in the School.
I hope I do not fail more than one paper this year. I am bound to fail ONE! A certain Reverend lady will ensure I do, as she marks the papers. It very much depends on her mood on the day she marks.
Author's Notes:
Palmy: A blow on the palm of the hand from a schoolmaster's tawse or cane. verb: to inflict 'palmies'
Source: Chambers Scots Dictionary.
These old words are being lost (as are so many) and I have used "palmies" as an old "Uncle" of mine used to ask me regularly, "Have you had your palmbies yet today?" That could be an even older word like "caker", which he also used. "Have you had your cakers yet today?" The inclusion of the letter "b" in "palmies" perhaps colloquial or peculiar to "Uncle" alone. His question does I think say it all. He expected I would have had them. And perhaps I had. Sometimes I definitely would have had them.
Caker: A stroke on the palm of the hand from the tawse.
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Copyright Mrs Birch 2011
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