We had a slightly different performance one day; Mr M said to the boys who were late “You’re only first year, aren’t you?” He then took a slipper out of his briefcase. This was weird. Not only was the plimsoll enormous, perhaps size 12; but, unlike the ordinary slippers used for punishment, which were well-used and grubby, this one was pristine white. I can only imagine that Mr M bought it specially.
One final coda. One day, W was in trouble again. But this time, he was offered a choice: a detention, or a “bang with the strap”, as Mr M put it. W chose the strap, and one of the boys watching said “He’s really going to get it now!” Mr M pulled the belt back, and then — gave the most gentle whack imaginable, turned to the class, and said “Give him a round of applause!” It turned out that, in years gone by, most boys when given the choice had opted for a detention. Essentially, W was “let off” for bravery.
As I said, very strange.