The library stairs happened to stand opposite the principal’s office and therefore provided an excellent excuse for passing through the area.
Those awaiting punishment naturally attracted attention.
There was also considerable interest in the expression of pupils emerging from the office afterwards.
Had they taken it well?
Were they angry?
Were they trying desperately to pretend that nothing had happened?
Among the boys there was undoubtedly a certain status attached to having been caned — but only up to a point.
A boy who had received the cane once or twice might acquire a reputation for being daring or mischievous.
A boy who seemed permanently stationed outside the principal’s office risked acquiring quite a different reputation.
There came a point where bravery ceased to enter into it and classmates simply wondered why he never learned his lesson.
