Suddenly the silence was broken as a sharp crack, like the report of a pistol, rang out – the unmistakable sound of a cane coming into contact with a posterior. Seven more evenly spaced strokes ensued, followed by a long pause and then eight more were applied. Obviously each boy had been given eight of the best and when, after some while, they eventually emerged from the study, red-eyed and gingerly rubbing their backsides, they were grim-faced and near to tears.

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?