I was trapped in a corner. If the other two boys were to be caned then I could hardly expect to get off with a lesser punishment. However, there was no harm in trying.
“Well Sir, as I did not start it I think lines or detention would be a reasonable punishment.”
“Oh you do, do you? However, you carefully fail to mention that it was you who actually started the fight. Am I correct?”
Certain that he knew the facts I could not lie. I resigned myself to the inevitable.
“Yes Sir, I suppose I did.”