Tom Browning's Schooldays

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: