Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 23:26:57 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: 'Tom Browning's Schooldays' Chapter 5

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    by

				   Joel

			       Chapter Five


There was quite a jam at the top of the stairs as the cries of 'Fire!' were
still going on.  All was revealed as we spilled into the courtyard and
looked across to the field beyond.  On the other side of a half-built wall
was a straw rick and flames were licking round the base with plenty of
smoke.  A number of boys were already there with buckets and had formed a
chain passing water from the stream which flowed towards the horsepond.
George snorted.

     "I wager it's some of the Whelps have been smoking.  There'll be some
red backsides if Norris catches them," he said striding over to the group
with the buckets and joined the line.

     Indeed there were four youngsters of about eleven or twelve being held
by some of the older boys.  They looked most woebegone.  Two were holding
short clay pipes.

     "Good!" said Theo from behind me, "Mr Pretyman is here so Norris won't
get at them first.  His rule is punishment first, trial later!"

     Another lad behind me laughed.  "I've suffered from that bugger and
that switch of his.  It's true. He beat me once for writing on the wall.  I
hadn't but all he said was the thrashing was to prevent me from future
transgression.  Where the hell the fool learned that word I do not know."

     "And did you transgress later, Maitland?"  Theo asked with a laugh.

     "What do you think, Davis!" he said, "I made sure he didn't catch me,
though."  I had turned to see him.  "And is this your new fag, eh Davis?"
He thrust out a calloused hand, attached, I saw to a very brawny body.  I
guessed he was a bit older than either Theo or George.  "I've seen you on
our landing."

     I shook it and the grip was tremendous.  I smiled at him, I liked the
look of that open face and the twinkle of the eyes.  My, he had the makings
of a hefty black beard close cut round his chin.  "Hello," I said looking
him straight in the eye, "I'm Browning, Tom Browning and very pleased to
meet you."

     I had realised that the calloused hand must mean he was of farming
stock.  Probably with a father who believed sons should learn how to plough
and reap and deal with workers if they were to inherit and make good their
inheritance.  My father had instilled that into each of us though Torquil
and Terence had decided to make the military their lot.  But, both said
they had been taught skills which had proved useful even as soldiers.

     "Good. And you're a horseman as well.  Young Shem says you have a good
mount.  Better than mine.  We'll go for a ride sometime."

     We were disturbed by the 'hurrahs' from the bucket carriers.  There
was still smoke but the fire was out.  Mr Pretyman was shaking a finger at
the four lads.  He took the pipes away from the pair and a third emptied
his pockets and held out a handful of small cigars.

     "Bloody fool," grunted Maitland, "He'd a been sick as a dog if he
tried smoking one of those.  I know, I tried one of my father's and never
again!"

     George had left the line and came back to us.  "We could have used
you, Maitland," he said, "You could have just stood and pissed on it like
you did when I was at your place."

     Maitland laughed.  "But I hadn't set fire to a rick."  He poked George
in the chest.  "All your fault." He turned to Theo and me.  "This dunce
decided we should cook eggs like the Gyppos cook theirs. Cover them in mud
and put them in the embers.  Of course, they just went bang.  He didn't
know you had to prick the ends first!  Foolish boy!"

     George laughed.  "Gave you a fright, eh?  Cinders went everywhere and
set off a fire.  Must say he wasn't a dunce. Got that fat snake of his out
and pissed all over it!"  He looked at me.  "You've been introduced, eh?
Colonel Maitland has land near us and Gerald isn't allowed to shirk."

     "Yes," I said, still mindful that one didn't, or shouldn't talk freely
to one's elders.  "He has said we could ride together sometime.  He has a
mount here, too."

     "I know, we shadowed each other coming back down.  He would ride on
and see if the inns were comfortable."  He shook his head.  "I miss my
riding.  I only wish I could join you."

     "I will ask my Robin to lend you his mount as I said."  He looked
happier.  "Perhaps next week sometime."

     Again we were disturbed as Mr Pretyman was meting out punishment to
the four.  He had a short cane which I had noted he carried all the time.
Each received three cuts across their backsides as they were bent over and
held by bigger boys.

     "That'll make the Whelps yelp!" said Maitland to laughter from several
around him."He'll have to go and make peace with old Gresham now.  That old
fool should have known not to have his men put that rick so close to our
land.  Sooner we get that wall finished the better."

     He sounded very possessive of the School.  I suppose if you've been
here some years it is home.

     "Come on," said George, "No more excitement here and it's nearly time
for food."

     This was a signal for all the interested onlookers to break up.
George strode off with Maitland and Theo and I walked together.

     "Maitland's a good fellow. I think he helped George away from Jack's
influence.  Maitland hates the sight of him and there'll be trouble
sometime if Jack sticks his neck out."

     I, too, like the look of Maitland.  Good English stock as Father would
have said.  Still, time for food.

     We had to eat quickly as the tables were needed for the young ones to
tear up piles of old exercises ready for the Chase.  I saw the four smokers
with larger piles of pages in front of them.  They were laughing now but
squirming slightly as they shifted on their seats.  We left them to it and
went back upstairs.  I had questions to ask.

     Sitting at the desk we set to check our preparation for the lessons
tomorrow morning.  George was restless.  He only had two lines of easy
Greek to construe and Theo said I should go over it for him.  I suggested
he changed 'better' to 'best' for ariosta as the rest was quite correct. He
sighed.  I knew what would please him even though sitting next to him did
not please my nostrils.

     "I think we deserve some ham," I said as I finished scribbling my own
construe.

     George smiled and was gone in a trice.  A lump of bread and a twist of
butter in some paper, plus two clinking bottles of small beer, were soon
procured and the first ham was more than half finished by three ever-hungry
boys.

     "You're a good fellow," said George as he tipped the last of the
second bottle down his gullet.  At least Theo and I had shared the other.
"My treat for Sunday will be a pound of Thacker's best sausages.  Better
make that two pounds as we'll have Maitland sniffing around.  I'll send
young Japhet for them in the morning. Your task is to have a good fire
going on Sunday."

     "And don't forget...," said Theo, "...tomorrow you have to perform in
Big School as you are a new bug.  Will you sing or play that flute you say
you have?"

     "I'll play my flute.  Something jolly," I said.  I would not sing.  My
voice had broken somewhat but was unsteady and I could not trust it.

     I went over to my chest and opened it again and drew out the wooden
box holding my flute.  I quickly put it together and played them the
opening to Sir Roger de Coverley, always a good tune to finish a dance.
That set them off.  Both encouraging me to go on.  I finished that tune and
began a hornpipe which had them clapping along to the rhythm.  There were
whistles from the room next door as someone tried to join in.  I finished
that and then played a slow tune my Mother sang words to.

     George was most congratulatory when I finished that.  "My boy, they'll
be dancing on the tables.  Do you know more?"

     I said I did as I had been playing in the village band since I was ten
or so.

     George laughed.  "Capital, and I shall lead the dance when you play
that hornpipe."

     I put the flute away carefully.  My brother Terence had said when he
got to Paris again he would buy me a new one as he had read that the best
manufacturers were there and I had entertained him well while he was lying
with his broken leg.  Now, a few questions.

     "You talk of Pups and Whelps, why?"  I asked having guessed they meant
the younger boys.  This was confirmed.  The Pups were the youngest, those
of eight to ten, and the Whelps were those older not yet promoted to the
main School.  The four smokers were Whelps and George said the older ones
often were naughty as Mr Pretyman was not as strict as some of the other
masters.

     "But when he does give them a cut they'll remember it."

     "George," said Theo quietly, "I think you should tell young Tom why
you were sent to the Remove before someone else does who does not know the
whole truth."

     George looked at me carefully and then nodded.  "In full truth I had
upset a master who marked me down.  I could never do any good with him and
what a master has put as a mark must be obeyed."  He looked over at Theo
who also nodded.  I took this to mean George should continue.  He breathed
deeply.  "Then before we finished the last term I was swimming in the river
near the pool where the young ones bathe.  I saw this master kneeling on
the ground with two of the young Pups standing in front of him.  He..."  He
bit his lip.  "....He had them in front of him as all the young Pups were
when swimming.  They were naked and he was fingering their pizzles.  I
stopped swimming and he saw me and threatened me that he would say I was
with the boys and doing things as he was.  I just stood and shouted out and
Mr Pretyman heard me and came and found him.  He tried to say what he
accused me of but Mr Pretyman had seen him, too.  He left the School that
night and was swearing he would do me harm.  Mr Ridley heard my story but
could not change the mark as it was a School rule so my good deed has left
me the loser."

     Theo stood and put arms round George's shoulders.  "You may stink but
you are not a loser.  You were brave, George, to call out.  And we shall
have you out of that hellhole as soon as we can, eh, Tom?"

      Something like that had happened in our village.  A tinker was run
out after he was found with two youngsters in a barn.  A third had run
crying to his mother that a man had hurt him.  I don't think that tinker
would visit again and he was lucky only the women chased him off as Isaac
Barker had said if his father had caught him he would have branded him with
a hot iron on his bare arse before cutting off his ballocks.  I realised
then that what boys did together willingly was something between them to
savour as it was when Jabez Bottom showed us boys his lengthy pizzle when
he was twelve and I was ten and we took turns in feeling it and making
Jabez smile with pleasure.  When Jabez was in place as our boot-boy and
scullery-lad there were more times when he, I and Robin had pleasure
together and I felt sorry when he left to take a place at Uncle Wright's in
London.  Just these few days I had thought of those times as I was missing
my old friends and their helpful ways.  But, to the present.  So that was
the story.  I did not know that School rule.  It seemed somewhat harsh as
George had helped to get rid of an evil man.

     "George, I must tell you," said Theo, "But this is secret between us
three as I know we can trust young Tom.  I saw on my Father's desk the
letters about that man.  I shall not name him but no doubt Tom will hear
that some time. I read that he had been dismissed from two schools before
for the same and would be prosecuted but has disappeared, they think
abroad.  He is not short of money but my Father has written to my brother
to speak to his bankers in London.  There are problems as the bank will
only take orders from their client but from what I read I think my Father
is hopeful."

     George smiled.  "So Theo has been snooping.  But I thank you for that.
Tom you now know that Theo Davis will be a good spy when he joins the
Diplomatic Service!"

     "I did not snoop, or spy!"  Theo said emphatically, "I am sure my
Father left the papers there for me to read as he had asked me to find a
sermon he had written and he needed to correct and he thought it was on his
desk.  It was.  It was underneath these other papers!"

     We each laughed at that and I said I was glad that George had trusted
me.  He then drew out a map from the exercise book he had been writing in.

     "I forgot to show you this, Tom.  It is the route for the Chase
tomorrow.  Mr Pretyman says it's about six miles so you must be fit."  He
wagged a finger at me. "Not tomorrow morning."  I knew what he meant. But
then, when I had asked Lancelot if it was true what one boy had told me
that we weakened ourselves more each time we did it he just laughed and
said as far as he knew all it did was strengthen our right arms.  I didn't
say that both Isaac and Jacob Barker were left-handed and were certainly
not weaklings working at the forge!

     George said he was ready for bed but, after we had been to piss, as we
undressed Theo said he certainly wasn't sleeping in the same bed with a
stinking creature such as him.  George protested it was good, honest sweat.
'And mud and dirt' added Theo.  In the end George said he would sleep in my
truckle bed and I would be promoted to luxurious heights.

     "If I am flea-bitten and lousy in the morning I shall know why," he
grumbled, "But I am a good creature and will put up with being cramped and
uncomfortable."

     "And, no doubt making my sheets stink," I said, nimbly hopping away
from the hand poised ready to swat my backside.  I would get my own back
over that flea-bitten and lousy jibe.  But to sleep.  I carefully lay not
too close to Theo but had not reckoned with George.  After the candles were
extinguished and Theo had said his prayer there was no more than a few
moment's silence before we heard deep breathing and the overloud slapping
of skin.  George was making sure we knew.  It had the desired effect on
both of us.  The covers were lowered, nightgowns raised and two other boys,
much quieter, enjoyed those feelings and that release which passed into
deep, restful sleep.

     That sleep, interrupted with a vengeance, as the School bell tolled
six, by George pulling off both sets of covers and waking both Theo and me
with a start.

     "Oh, George, you bastard," breathed Theo, "I was just dreaming, I
don't know what but it was nice."

     "No doubt about your hand on your pizzle, where it is now." George
laughed and pointed.
     Although it was half-light I could see.  Yes, Theo was holding on
tightly.

     "I wager you never sucked your thumb, eh Theo?" he said, still
pointing, "Only wish you could...."  He stopped and looked at me and raised
his eyes.  "Must be careful what I say with youngsters about."

     As Jabez Bottom boasted he could almost, I knew what George meant.  In
fact, Robin and I....  ....But, thoughts like that could only have one
effect.  I hastily righted my nightgown but George was too observant.

     "The boy is roused again!  I hope that his legs are as strong as his
other desires as I do not want to have to carry him home on the Chase!"

     I had to roll out of the way as he went to flick the rise in my
nightgown.  I got a stinging swat on my backside instead.  Not too hurtful
but I pretended to whimper.

     "I can't help it," I put on a good act.  "I'm a poor young boy and
things happen, please don't chastise me..."

     Both George and Theo were laughing and within a moment I was upended
and stripped completely.

     "That is no poor young boy," said George, "That's a sturdy stem and no
doubt.  I wish I'd had such a monster when I was fourteen."

     "But you have put it to good use for your pleasure ever since I have
known you," said Theo, "Billy Parsons always said he could never get to
sleep until you'd finished grunting every night."

     "I cannot help it, neither can you!"  He swatted Theo on the thigh.
"No more chattering.  Up! Up! Before our seats are shat upon!"

     We were still laughing as we gathered our wash things and paper and
rapped on our neighbours' door.  Odd, as we had crept downstairs there was
no sleeping Pullen.  George shrugged his shoulders but made no comment.
Again we were first and after easing ourselves found there was even some
hot water in the copper nearest the door.

     "Have no fear, Theo, I will make sure I have hot water after the Chase
so neither of your room-mates will stink!"

     However this time George did no more than douse his head and neck and
plunge his hands to the wrists in the water.  He shook himself like a dog
to rid his hair of water then poured the contents of his bowl down his
lower back, opening his legs and letting the flow clean his arse.  He
sneered at me as I was watching these antics.  "You'll thank me later for
good hot water, you see!"

     I had finished my rather more orderly wash and had pulled on the old
running drawers just as Aubrey and the others came in.  "Where's Pullen?"
asked Collett, "No sign of the bastard.  Perhaps that mouthful of turd has
seen him off."
     "I doubt it," said Gordon, "He's probably keeping Randy Annie company.
That's if he could raise his mainmast after the ale he's supped.  Friday
night he goes to the Bell and I hear he has a hold over Landlord Figgis for
something so gets his belly full for nothing."

     "Yes," said George, "Bertie Fowler said there was a cask of rotten
fish there as Pullen always had a smirk on his face when he was walking
towards the Bell."

     Still no Pullen when we went back to our room. George asked if I would
see if he could borrow a mount for Wednesday afternoon as we could ride
then with Maitland.  I said I would ask Robin now as I wanted to slip to
the stables to see him and my Blaze.

     Robin and Timmy were already working together putting feed into the
mangers for several of the horses.  Timmy gave me a shy grin as I stroked
Blaze's muzzle.  Robin was a bit more forthcoming.  When he saw no one was
looking he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and I put my arm round his
sturdy back.  "Hear you're a Hare today," he said as we moved apart, "We'll
all be out to see the end of the Chase for the oldest.  Shem says you'll
have a good run as it's dry underfoot except for a path by the river."

     I said I knew little about the course but trusted George.  Robin
grinned and nodded.  "Shem says he's the best."  He looked to see if Timmy
was near but he had gone off with the feed bucket.  "I'll tell you what I
know soon," he said.

     "I think I know," I said, "George told me last night.  I think he's
afraid, though, that whoever it was will try to get even with him."

     He nodded.  "Shem said the man was cursing George to Hell and beyond
when he was taken to the stage but he wasn't to worry as everyone will be
on the look-out."

     I said George didn't deserve it but Robin could be kind to him and
lend him Silver on Wednesday afternoon.  He grinned and said he would
willingly.  I then said we would be joined by someone called Maitland.
Robin took me along the row of stalls until we reached a fine chestnut
gelding.  The name card tacked on the rail said 'Perseus: Mr Maitland'.

     "Still rather frisky and needs a steady hand," he said, "Mr Darlow is
training him to take orders just with a single rein.  He said I can help
this morning." As we walked back towards Blaze he stopped to pat the muzzle
of another horse.  A rather old grey. I saw that the name card on the stall
said 'Newton: Mr Dimbleby'.  Robin turned and looked serious.  "Mr Darlow
is to ask you if I could help him with the ordering of feed and things.
He's seen me writing and reading and says he has difficulty sometime with
making his books tally.  Would you give me permission." He smiled.  "It
would help pass the time without you..."

     "Of course, let me write a note and I'll give it to one of the boys."
I smiled at him.  "I miss you, too, but I am kept so busy.  But I have
things to tell you, too."

     I hurried back and told Theo as George had disappeared off somewhere.
He helped me to word the permission and, as we went to breakfast, I handed
it to Japhet who said he would deliver it to Mr Darlow.

     The morning went quickly and I was ready for my luncheon.  George
reminded me not to eat too much and as soon as we finished we went to our
room.

     "I have these for you," he said as soon as we got inside the door.  He
pointed to a clean pair of running drawers on the desk.  "I hope they are
not too big as they were mine last year."  I thanked him and stripped and
tried them on.  They were not so flappy around the legs as the old pair I
wore to the washroom.  "Turn around," he commanded.  "They are perfect.
Make sure you run well in them as I won the hundred yard dash in them when
I was fourteen like you."

     I said I would try not to let him down.  He advised me to breathe as
deeply as possible when we started and if I got a pain in my side I was to
stop and take more deep breaths.  "We have near six miles to cover but we
have half an hour start on the fast pack.  The young'uns set off ten
minutes after we leave.  Then the next ages ten minutes after that and the
old'uns ten minutes later so the whole thing will not take as long as
before."

     I knew we had to tie the winning ribbons at the three distances and
then he told me the clever way Mr Pretyman had mapped the Chase.  After a
straight run we would double back to leave the first ribbon for the
young'uns not too far from the lane leading to the School.  We had to do
the same for the next group and, finally, after a run which included a
couple of walls to vault, to tie the third ribbon to the gutter down-pipe
on the back of the stables for the oldest group.

     At ten minutes to two we hefted two satchels of torn paper each and
set off.  George warned me not to scatter too much at a time and we did
manage to leave a thin trail.  I was feeling very anxious to begin with.  I
must do well.  But, as we ran steadily I was more confident and I was quite
amazed when we stopped to tie the first ribbon.  Two miles and I was still
feeling quite fresh.  At the end of four miles I was glad the satchels were
much lighter.  George said we should put all the rest of the torn scraps
into one satchel each and leave the empty ones as someone would, no doubt,
pick them up and carry them back for us.  This made the final two miles
much easier but I was glad when I spotted the stables beyond the stand of
trees we were running through.  The last ribbon was tied but I was
commanded not to stop and stare.  George led the way to the wash room.

     "You are a stinking, sweaty creature now," he said, "But young Potts
has been threatened with a whipping if the coppers are not hot."

     He pointed to a tin bath and started to fill it with ladles of
steaming water from the nearest copper.

     "Good!" he said, "I won't smack his arse so hard when I see him next."

     I took up a ladle and hoped I did my share.  But, one bath?

     "Right, young Tom, strip off and get in.  You can bath first but do
not piss in the water!"

     My boots, socks, undershirt and drawers were off and I tested the
water with a toe.  Just right.  I stepped in and George poured a ladle over
my head.

     "Sit," he ordered me, "I will join you in a moment."

     He picked up two lumps of soap and handed me one.  I rubbed it over my
chest and arms and was about to do my legs but I must have been too slow as
he stepped in over me.  His legs I noticed were covered in the same fair
hair as on his head.  I also noticed that the bush surrounding his stubby
pizzle was darker.  He flopped down and the water sloshed up and down and
some spilled over the side.

     "Too damn chilly out there," he said and proceeded to rub me all over
with soap.  "Bit of a squeeze but put your legs over mine."

     I then began to soap him as well and it was good as we both could
reach each other's backs.  But the closeness soon had an effect on both of
us.  George's pizzle might be stubby but when roused it was thick and very
solid.  He winked at me and gripped it and, I swear, he rubbed it up and
down no more than twenty or so times before he gushed a stream of his
boyseed.

     He breathed deeply and then grinned at me.  "You have heard it, now
you have seen it..."  The unspoken command was there.  I maybe needed a
little more effort than him but I matched him in amount as I let fly.

     We smiled at each other as our passions decreased.  He leaned over and
hugged my wet body to his wet body.  "I think we are all alike," he
whispered, "All boys I know take comfort in being with a friend.  I think
we are friends already, eh?"

     I nodded against him.  "We are friends," I whispered back.

     We were out, dried - with towels that George had arranged to be there
- and dressed just in running drawers and boots and were round the
courtyard and up to our room within the next few minutes.

     Theo was sitting at the desk.  He stood and came over to us.  He
sniffed.  "At least neither of you smell of carthorse or wet dog.  I think
I will allow you to sleep with me tonight, George."

     "Thank you, kind sir," said George, "So the poor boy will not have
your company.  He may be lonely."

     "If you snore I might kick you out and he can share."  Theo winked at
me.  I had the suspicion that what had happened below in the washroom had
been somewhat arranged.

     After George and I had dressed we all went down to congratulate the
winners.  But we were also congratulated for laying a fine trail as only
three out of the hundred and fifty who ran had been misled and went running
off on a false scent.  We were told there would be further congratulations
in Big School later.

     At the evening meal George downed at least four beakers of small beer
and was given a taste from two hip flasks by older lads who were still
discussing the Chase.  Theo kept close to him as once he almost tripped as
we walked to the Big School hall.  I had my flute and noted one of the
older boys had a small accordion while others had what might be song books.

     Long tables had been set out and we were ranged by House and also by
age.  I saw no Pups or Whelps and Theo whispered this evening was only for
those in Big School.  There were more jugs also on the tables but were
filled as far as I could see by sweet cordial.  Several of the oldest boys
were smoking their long clay pipes at their table and I guessed their jugs
held a stronger fluid.

     As we settled so Winstanley announced the three winners.  A slim lad
of about my age was the winner for the youngsters, then an older lad named
Parker, who I knew should have been in Mr Ridley's Friday class but had
played football, was next and, finally, Maitland, who won the six-mile
Chase and received the fox's brush to a great cheer from all.  Both George
and I were congratulated on laying a good trail and reminded to run a
little faster next time as we were spotted well before we had finished.
However, George was in a merry mood and, before anyone made any
announcement about what might happen next, he stood by the table holding up
his beaker and nodded towards the boy with the accordion.  He started to
play and George began to sing 'Come, all ye jolly sailors bold, whose
hearts are cast in honour's mould'.  I knew that sea shanty, too, 'Hurray
for the Arethusa', as it was one old Jimmy Bright, who'd served aboard in
Nelson's time, sang at every village gathering.  George sang it well in a
fine baritone voice and gradually others joined in.

     After that it was announced that it was the new bugs' turn.  Archbold
was first and he carried on the naval theme with 'Come cheer up my lads,
'tis to glory we steer' and he didn't get far as, again, others took up the
words especially in the refrain 'Hearts of oak are our ships, Jolly tars
are our men'.  There was quite a cheer when he finished and even more when
Verity and another lad sang in duet 'D'ye ken John Peel with his coat so
gay' with everyone joining in with 'For the sound of his horn brought me
from my bed'. It wasn't just new bugs because Gordon, Farquar and another
Scotch lad sang 'Charlie is my darling, the young Chevalier', with a few
others making bagpipe noises until hushed.  So it went on with about ten
other songs until it was my turn.

     I played 'Sir Roger de Coverley' first, then a couple of other country
dances, which the accordion player joined in as well, and all were tapping
feet or clapping along. Lastly, I played the horn pipe which I repeated
three times and went faster and faster with a trill upwards at the end
which amused all as they had to keep up with their accompaniment.  Finally
it was Simpson's turn.  He had looked rather anxious all through but I
noted he had handed a book to the accordion player who beckoned me and
pointed to the page.  I knew the piece as my Mother loved to sing it.
There was complete silence as he and I played an opening phrase then
Simpson began 'When I am laid in earth'.  He had a truly beautiful alto
voice which rang out as he sang poor Dido's Lament.  I think everyone was
captivated with the exquisite sounds and I tried to play my best as well.
When we finished there was silence then a storm of applause, foot stamping
and beaker rattling.  Winstanley quelled the noise by banging his tankard
on the table and thanked us all and said it was one of the best sing-songs
he had known.  He said we should all practice well as he would ask for
another Saturday evening at half-term and we would finish with a round
'Great Tom is cast'.  He set us off table by table until three times round
our table finished and everyone cheered.

     George was particularly pleased as he said I had made a good
impression and would be asked to play again and wondered if I was Great
Tom, or would be if I got any bigger.  He looked pointedly at the front of
my britches.  He laughed and said he must hurry as he was bursting.  Theo
and I heard him pissing noisily even before we reached the trough.  There
was no doubt he had quite a bladder full to empty as he had downed beakers
of probably stronger stuff as well. Theo had nudged me when George had
visited Winstanley's table on a couple of occasions and the jug there was
lifted for him.  At least he'll sleep well was Theo's comment.

     I was very tired.  Running six miles and then having a busy evening
had made me weary.  Yes, and enjoying that sweet release with George as
well.  All in all I was ready for bed.  I hadn't reckoned on George,
though, being as lusty as Invictus.  Once we were in bed, me in my truckle
tonight, the pair above me, there was only a few moments silence before I
heard the unmistakable sounds once more.  What could I do but copy?  I fell
asleep happily with my unmopped outpouring on my belly.

     The six o'clock bell woke me but I could hear George snoring on.  I
needed to piss badly so crept out and took off my nightshirt which had the
tell-tale mark of my pleasure on it and pulled on the running drawers.
Theo was awake, too, and was soon ready as well.

     "I don't think we'll wake the others," he whispered as we crept along
the landing.  "Breakfast isn't until half past eight as it's Sunday and the
service is at ten o'clock."  We made our way downstairs and noted the door
was unlocked and ajar but still no Pullen in his lair.

     We emptied our bladders and then found two seated figures in the
stalls.  Both were groaning and straining.

     "My arsehole is burning," moaned the one I think was Charteris from
our landing as he was holding his head in his hands and I could not see his
face properly.

     "Take me home and let me die peacefully," murmured the other I guessed
was Crawford his room-mate, "I have emptied myself and my belly still
aches."  He groaned and made a squelchy fart.  "Ow, I can do no more."

     Theo and I sat at the other end of the row.  "Bad ale, I guess,"
whispered Theo, "They arrived late last night.  I heard there was a cock
fight to be seen at the Bell but they did not stay for that but you can bet
that Black Jack was there.  I hope he has the same this morning."

     We finished and went to the washroom with the pair still complaining
and straining in their stalls.

     "I don't think they'll be at Service this morning.  It'll mean
Buckingham'll have to cover for them."

     "Is he their fag?" I asked.  Buckingham was at Friday's class and I
hadn't connected him with them as he looked much older than me.

     "Yes," said Theo, "He's Crawford's cousin and is always in trouble
because of him.  I expect they celebrated their run by a wager on the fight
and a bellyful of Figgis's stingo."

     We finished washing and was just at the door when George came hurtling
down the stairs still in his nightshirt.  "Can't wait," he shouted, "Need
some paper!"

     Theo looked at me and smiled.  "Just like George.  He must have had
something stronger from that jug and his belly's on fire, too."

     Theo held up a few remaining sheets and I had a couple left, too.  We
went along to the stalls again and George was groaning in unison with the
other two.  "Just got here in time," he grunted as Theo handed him the
papers.  We beat a hasty retreat as the stench was rising.

     "I had hoped he'd learned his lesson from the last time," Theo said as
we reached our room.  "That time he did not get to the outhouse but manured
the bushes. Billy Parsons was by his side and the pair vied with each other
for noise when Pullen appeared.  They thought they were in luck because he
wouldn't get near them but he waited until they'd finished and they got two
cuts each on their bare arses as they passed his room."

     We grinned at each other and dressed ourselves in best Sunday clothes
and then set to reading our books.  I was loath to disturb him but I still
had many questions to ask but decided to wait until later.  We heard the
others along the landing shifting and someone shouted out to beware the
stinkers.

     The bell had tolled eight o'clock before George appeared, bleary-eyed,
grimacing and clasping his belly.

     "My God," he murmured, "My belly aches and my arse is burning."  He
flopped down on their bed.  He still had his night gown on and luckily this
was not stained but we had a full view of his bare backside.

     "Have you cleaned yourself?" asked Theo.

     He groaned.  "That eased the stinging but I think I have had a red hot
poker up my hole."

     I thought Theo was about to give George a lecture on drunkenness but
he just shook his head.  I knew I could help.  I went to my chest and got
out my box of remedies.  Lancelot had given me a bottle of something which
had to be shaken to mix it and then one good spoonful had to be swallowed.
He said he had found it most efficacious when caught with the trots in
Paris.  I think he had said it was a fine clay with calming mixtures added.
I knew it worked well as it had stopped my own running to the privy at
Easter.  Now to try it on George!

     "George," I said softly, "Please try this. I think it will help."

     He groaned and turned over and sat on the edge of the bed.

     "One spoonful," I said as I poured a measure into the large metal
spoon which had been lying on the desk.

     "I trust you," said George as he took the spoon carefully and tipped
the thick mixture into his mouth and swallowed.  He closed his eyes.  We
waited.  He opened his mouth and breathed deeply.  "It is very warming and
comforting," he said quietly, "I think I will lay down for a while."

     After the quarter chime had sounded George roused himself.  "That is
good.  My stomach is settled, I think, even if my poor hole still stings.
I must have some breakfast."

     We were ready and George quickly dressed and joined us as we trundled
across.  Porridge, as usual, but boiled eggs to follow with new baked
bread.  George left us for a moment when Winstanley came in.  I saw
Winstanley laugh at whatever George said.

     He winced slightly as he sat down again with us. "That jug they had
was from a flagon of Figgis's ale that Charteris had bought.  The others
would not drink it so it was just us three that had any.  Old Win says
Charteris and Crawford are lying on their bed saying they'll get even with
Figgis over it."

     "Don't you tangle with Figgis," warned Theo, "His bully boys are well
known for their generous fists. Remember Rendell's black eyes and broken
nose and all he did was accuse Figgis's man of cheating him at cribbage."

     George nodded.  "Do not worry, there are ways."  He looked at
me. "Would you cure Charteris and Crawford?  They are really good fellows
and don't deserve such an affliction."

     As soon as we had finished eating we went back to see the invalids.
My bottle was depleted by two more doses and two grateful lads came to
thank me later in the day.  They confessed they had finished off the flagon
and had suffered mightily, even more so than George.  'Woe betide, Figgis'
was their threat.

     Of course, as it was Sunday we had two services to attend, Common
Prayer in the morning at ten and another at four o'clock.  In the morning
George sat at the end of his row in case he had to leave suddenly and I had
my first view of Black Jack.

     As we left the Chapel three older boys I knew were in Pratt's House
from the black tassels on their caps pushed past us.  "Hello cousin," said
George in a straightforward innocent voice.

     One of the three turned and sneered.  He was as dark as George was
fair and had a rough short black beard, and was dressed completely in a
smart black suit of short frock coat, waistcoat and trousers to match.
"Fuck! It's Saint George!" he said.  He looked at me as I was standing next
to George. "This your bum-boy?  Looks a dainty morsel to keep you warm now
Billy isn't around."

     The taller lad in front of him turned.  He had a long face and a thin
reedy voice.  "Don't tarry, Jack, we must get to the brandy to take the
foul taste of that wine away.  At least father insists on Barolo at home."
He eyed me and lifted a finger languorously to his lips as he surveyed me
up and down.  "My, Georgie, you have chosen a pretty young thing.  How did
you entice him?  Poor boy can't be too fussy, though.  I hear he's into
horses.  D'you take after them?"  He wagged his finger up and down over
several inches.

     The third one called out, "Don't waste time, Jopling, I'm thirsting."

     Jopling gave me another appraising look.  "Must go."  He touched the
side of his nose with a slender finger.  "Looks most promising, eh?"  He
turned and the three walked off quickly, elbowing their way past anyone in
their path.

     I felt George had gone rigid beside me.  He was balling his fists.  I
put a restraining hand out.  Luckily none of the three spotted that or more
dubious remarks might have been forthcoming.

     "Calm down, George."  It was Theo's quiet voice.  "Take no
notice. You're more of a man than any of those."

     We walked back to the House in silence.  I knew George was seething.
I had now met his cousin.  I didn't want his acquaintance again, nor that
of his cronies.  It wasn't until we were in our room that George spoke.

     "I apologise for all that rudeness, Tom.  I am so ashamed.  You did
not deserve that."  He sat at the desk and looked most despondent.  "I
shall be subjected to that every day.  Jopling will make my life a misery
and if I respond your name will be blackened.  I think Jopling is more evil
than Jack.  He does things by stealth.  Poor Henderson is made a fool of
even more than he is as Jopling finds ways of setting him up so that he
gets punished for things he did not do.  I wager Jopling suggested to Jack
to tie his shoelaces."

     Both Theo and I spoke at the same time.  I let Theo have his say.  "We
know that evil resides in Pratt's House and you have the misfortune to have
the worst with you in Bartleby's room."  He shook his head.  "Do not
despair, your friends will be stronger than them."

     It was my turn.  "Please, George, do not worry on my account.  No
matter what they say about me they cannot win."  I grinned at him.  "I'll
be as strong as a horse even if..."  I left the rest unsaid.  At least that
cheered George up.

     "I thank you both once again.  I cannot help it, but fate has dealt me
a sharp blow and I must survive."

     "George!" said Theo emphatically, "You will survive and we shall see
that evil crew sink in their own rough, rude sea."

     "Amen to that," I said.

     George was somewhat mollified by our concern.  He rubbed his hands.
Other things now.  He said that we must have a fire as it was getting
chilly.  Anyway, we would be well- fed this evening as he said Japhet would
have a packet of sausages for us.  Theo explained that Sunday dinner would
be a roast but after Evening Prayer all we would get would be some bread
and fruit preserve.  Thus, the sausages for later.

     The roast was a good piece of beef with a thick gravy and potatoes and
a slice of some sticky pudding afterwards.  We waited for the tables to be
cleared as the rule was that letters home should be written each Sunday
afternoon.  I was very industrious.  I wrote to Mother and Father telling
them I was happy so far and had two good friends.  I said that Robin was
also happy but missing any teaching and please to tell his mother.  I wrote
to Uncle Dodd and Aunt Matty and said his teaching had put me in a good
form.  I added that Mr Ridley had mentioned the Gaudy.  My cousin Lancelot
would receive my third letter.  I said I had made a good start with his
liniment on George and the stomach mixture for the three sufferers.  I felt
pleased when I had finished my task.  One or two of the younger boys were
sniffing.  I think they missed their homes.  I did but I was learning all
sorts of new things and I knew I had good companions.  I folded my letters
and an older boy brought sealing-wax for us to make them all secure.  Mr
Pretyman sat at the Top Table and checked us all, weighing our letters on a
small scale and taking the pence for the delivery.  He smiled at my three
and I had to hand over sixpence as they each weighed an ounce.

     As it was Sunday cards were not allowed for games but some played
chess and we three went back to our room with George collecting a package
from a cheeky-faced Japhet.  It was warm and cosy and we read until we
heard others stirring and we knew it was time for the afternoon Service.
Mr Ridley read out various notices and we heard that football matches would
be played again on Friday and we were to play Parker's House.

     As we entered our house Pullen was sitting in his room.  He was
drinking from a beaker and moaning.  He had a bandage tied over his head
and under his jaw.  The look he gave us was enough to curdle milk as my
Mother said about old Mrs Matthews and her looks.  She was Squire
Matthews's shrewish wife who regularly visited Mother to complain about all
that was happening in the village of which she did not approve.

     George took a coin from his pocket.  "I hear you had a tooth removed,"
he said as he passed the coin into Pullen's outstretched paw.  I hadn't
heard about it but the bandage told all.

     "If I catch the bastard he'll have his teeth removed," he muttered
hardly opening his mouth.  He took another swig.  "There was a stone in
that..."  He didn't finish as he leaned and spat into a chamber pot beside
his chair.  He groaned and another mouthful of his potion disappeared.  We
scurried upstairs hardly able to contain our mirth.

     "You never told me about his tooth," Theo said.

     "Maitland told me while you were up giving Mr Pretyman your letters.
He went to some tooth drawer in Mayfield as he doesn't trust Frankie Potts
the farrier's lad."

     Another Potts!  And a farrier's lad.  Father always laughed that the
quickest way to get a tooth out was to have the farrier's pincers on it.
Last Whitsun Enoch Barker our blacksmith had pulled two of Father's, but
he'd had a draught of cousin Lancelot's poppy-juice to keep the pain down.
No!  I wasn't going to offer Pullen any from that very small bottle
Lancelot had said was only to be used if a bone was broken.  I knew my
brother Terence was grateful for Lancelot and his bone-setting skill but
also for that medicine he was given to ease the pain.

     I was curious.  "Why give Pullen that shilling?" I asked.

     He snorted.  "Greasing his palm is one way to keep him from telling
tales and that switch of his off our arses. You could drop him a tanner
once in a while." He laughed.  "He's got you marked anyway.  You'd better
claim it from your brother."

     I said Terence had never said about cutting off Pullen's moustache.
In fact, he hadn't mentioned Pullen.

     "I think he's been here about twenty years," Theo said, "The story is
he was a bosun in the Navy and rescued one of the masters after a shipwreck
and they found him a place here when he was discharged.  The master died
years ago but Pullen's still here and he does keep Bartleby's yahoos
quiet."

     "He touches me and I'll cut off more than his moustache," said George
and his actions indicated exactly what would feel the knife.  "I've managed
to keep the bastard at bay with a shilling or two and I think it's worth
it."

     We filled a bit of time checking our construes for the morning.
George had made a good fist at putting 'beginning of wisdom' into Greek but
I changed the form of his sigma at the end of 'sophos' and reminded him of
the simple rule.  Theo looked at my go at 'Daedalus, ut fama est, fugiens
Minoia regna...' and commented he could do no better.  I liked the story of
Daedalus and his wings and the way he flew away from Minos's kingdom but
the rest of that passage showed the cruelty in Greek history as on the
doors of the temple he built were depictions of many actions including the
children of Cecrops, who had to sacrifice seven sons - 'septena quotannis
corpora natorum' - each year, drawing lots from the depicted urn.  George
just shook his head when he asked why I had done more than that set and I
said I enjoyed reading on.

     We filed off again for the late afternoon service and shivered a bit
because the Chapel was not heated.  We were glad to return to the warmth of
our room and I was sent off to invite Maitland and his room-mate,
Branscombe.  There was no sign of a fag but the room looked much tidier
than ours.

     George had unearthed an old griddle pan from somewhere.  He brandished
it as we entered.  "Billy Parsons bequeathed this to me with his toasting
fork but that's disappeared."  Theo pointed up to the top shelf above the
desk.  The prongs of an old brass toasting fork were peeping over.  "I
shall soon need specs like Paulson...." He didn't finish and the other
three boys all hooted with laughter.  I guessed he meant what boys were
always saying, that constant pulling on your pizzle made you blind.  If
that was so, Robin had said, we would all be in the kingdom of the blind
led by Zebediah Blackmore, who only had one good eye and said he never did
as his father had warned him. But Isaac Barker had said that Zeb was a
liar, even if he had taken up preaching in the Dissenting Chapel with his
father, as he had spied on him in the outside privy warming his short arm
more than once when he was a young lad.

     I was questioned then by Branscombe about my family.  He had heard of
Browning's Horse as he lived near Canterbury where the barracks were.  He
hadn't met my brothers but he said his three sisters were always at balls
around the City as they loved dancing and the military men were ever in
demand as partners. "May end up as brothers-in-law!" he said and winked.  I
said my brothers were now both around thirty and they'd evaded female
clutches so far, but if the dowries were right I could put in a word.  He
laughed and said his father was dreading the cost as all three were always
complaining even now that the things they had were never fashionable
enough.  "I have three pairs of trousers," he said, "And if I grow any more
I shall have none and Father says he wouldn't be able to buy me a
commission in the Navy as trousers cost money!"

     I found out his father was a Naval Captain and was retired on half-pay
but it sounded though there was plenty of money in the background as he
said his father was extending their house.  "Why we need sixteen bedrooms I
do not know," he said, "And only one head at the moment."

     I found out that 'head' was the Navy word for a privy.  Something new
to go with 'jakes' which Uncle Wright always said.

     The fire was roaring nicely when George set the sausages on the
griddle pan.  I toasted lots of bread and the two pounds of plump
comestibles disappeared quickly divided amongst five ever-hungry boys.
Before we started, though, Branscombe went to their room and returned
bearing a bottle of Navy rum.  "Father gave me this and said not to drink
it neat.  One part of this and one part water and young Tom can have a
snifter, too."

     I hadn't tasted rum before and it's fiery taste was not really to my
liking but I persevered and by the end of my beaker I was getting quite
warmed.  Branscombe said it was a cure-all in the Navy and the legend was
that Nelson's body was preserved in a barrel of Navy rum on it's journey
back to England after his death at Trafalgar.  We toasted Nelson's memory
with the remains of our beakers and Branscombe said we should repeat the
evening as he was very partial to a rum sausage!  Maitland's response was
very coarse and I wondered if that exploration had been made. Still, I felt
I'd been accepted and we talked on and on with Branscombe telling us a
couple of ghost stories which made me shiver.  Then Maitland said he'd
heard we were haunted as two of the lads had seen a dark figure when they
had been taken short in the night and had to visit the outhouse.
"Farnborough said he'd emptied his bowels twice as quick when he saw this
thing creeping into the bushes!" he said, "It'll take more than a belly
rumble to get me out there at night I tell you!"

     The next two days sped by and on Tuesday afternoon Mr Martin said we
could be dismissed early as he had to take a Confirmation Class and we
could prepare the next day's work in our rooms.

     I had just got to our landing when I saw a lad in riding clothes
carrying a mound of washed clothing at our door.  He went in as the door
was open and I heard George's voice.

     "Well, young Tom, have you collected our bits and pieces from Japhet's
mother?"

     I reached the door and looked in.  "He's not 'young Tom'," I said,
"This is Robin."

     George then looked up.  "Damn my eyes!" was his astonished response,
"Two bloody peas in a pod!"


To be continued: