## 8) An Autumn Camp - Part 1

Post by canuck100 » Sun Nov 22, 2009 3:20 pm

My Camping Yarns...
I posted a message a few days ago saying I would begin a new story shortly. Before I begin I think I should add a couple of explanatory comments.
I mentioned prior to my last post that it was not in chronological order. I had been reminded of the events of Christmas morning from reading some old diaries and felt it would be a seasonal offering which would not upset the "historical" aspect of my narrative since those events "stood on their own".
The following story took place a few weeks after I had been the subject of an unprovoked and unpleasant attack by older youths at school. They were not part of our usual circle and were summarily dealt with on my behalf by my brother and close friends. Those who have not followed my adventures may wish to check out "A Bad Day at School" in the December archive.
Those of you with a retentive memory may recall that, when questioned by my mates following this episode, I stated quite unequivocally that I intended to continue in our "TUG group". Others thought, quite rightly, that when faced with the prospect of being tied up again I might experience an adverse reaction. I was indeed fortunate to be surrounded by a close knit group of kind and considerate friends who ensured by their actions that I quickly overcame my misgivings and was once more in the thick of the action...
Richard
UK
Tuesday, January 29th 2002 - 08:26:56 AM
An Autumn Camp - Part 1
A few weeks had passed since my unpleasant experience at the hands of older boys at school (see A Bad Day at School - December 8th). The scars and weals on my wrists had largely healed, leaving me with three red marks, the remains of rope burns, which I carry to this day.
The autumn half term break was fast approaching when my father surprised me by saying, "I guess you will be joining your mates, camping in the woods next week". The weather was still pleasantly warm but no one had mentioned the possibility of a camp, not to mention anything else this might involve, and it appeared father might know something I didn't. I was furious. It appeared my pals were making plans, my family were aware of this and no one had mentioned it to me!
The next day I vented my anger on James, David and Stuart who all looked a little sheepish before Stuart said, "Not so fast, Richard. We didn't mention it because we weren't sure you would be allowed to join in, in view of your latest adventure. As a matter of fact, we have been keeping in close contact with your brother and it was only yesterday that he said it would be OK to tell you!" This was even worse than I suspected - it now appeared my big brother was making decisions affecting my social life.
Stuart was speaking again, "Look, to be honest we were not sure you would really want to play any more tie-up games after what happened to you and we just didn't know how to approach the subject. You know you are more than welcome if you are sure you really want to". "Of course I want to. Apart from the prospect of sorting you three out for your deception, I've got a new sleeping bag to try out" I replied. Suddenly I grinned. "Anyway, it sounds like permission is a formality after what Dad said!"
I was not however going to let Chris off so lightly and that evening I tackled him. His initial reaction was to laugh, but then he said more seriously, "Don't take it too much to heart, Titch. We were all quite worried about you". I interrupted him furiously, "What, you mean Mum and Dad know about this," I said holding out my arms. "Of course they know, Richard. How did you think you were going to hide marks like that from them? How are your wrists now?" "Oh, just a little sore, like they were bruised from being tied too long!" I replied casually. "Well that's fine, because that's what I told the oldies," Chris responded." On that basis they have agreed to let you go. Guess they will be glad to have some peace and quiet for a couple of days!" (As an aside, Chris told me some time later that he had told our parents most of the story, realising that secrecy was out of the question. While not receiving precise details they also knew the culprits had suffered some degree of retribution at the hands of Chris and others and while they didn't approve, agreed it was better not to take the matter any further since the bullying ended at school. They never mentioned the marks on my arms, respecting my privacy and perhaps aware of my embarrassment. This was the first intimation that our parents knew far more about what went on when we were notionally involved in our scouting activities but they were always the very soul of discretion).
I considered what Chris had said and then brightened up. "Does this mean you are joining in again?" I asked, "because if so I'm going to make you suffer". "You and whose army?" Chris chuckled. "No, I have other plans for the weekend. In any case I think it would be better if you do this without me. It may be harder for you than you expect". I was mystified by his comment but dropped the subject.
The school holiday was a whole week and the plan was to meet in the woods on Saturday about lunch time and camp for two nights, leaving us with the rest of the week for school tasks (and recovering from the excitement). We would have some time for working on some of our scout projects away from the gaze of our (admittedly easygoing) leaders and, of course, lots of time for a battle.
School ended on the Friday afternoon and that evening Father told me that he would take my gear down by car in the morning and that, if they could bring it round early enough he would do the same for my pals. The message was duly delivered and by 9.00am there were three more small boys (James, David and Robert) annoying my mother and raiding our fridge for goodies.
Father had taken our gear as promised and by 10.30 my other parent was becoming exasperated. When Stuart suddenly and unexpectedly joined us (he lived further away than the others and usually met us in the woods) she finally lost her patience and suggested we leave there and then, exhorting us not to bother to be too early home on Monday. As she said this she winked at me, but as we trooped out of the back door she grabbed Stuart by the shoulder and held him back for a moment. For some inexplicable reason she had always thought my fair-haired friend more sensible than the rest of us (if only she had known!) and glancing back over my shoulder I overheard her tell him not to allow the others to be too rough with me. I began to blush as I saw him solemnly nod his agreement and turned rapidly away so that he wouldn't know I had heard.
Having no gear to carry we were able to stroll along in a casual fashion and by the time we reached the valley floor and the olive groves that grew there we were plotting, scheming, joking and indulging in the sort of horseplay that amuses twelve year olds. Under the cover of the trees our rough housing intensified until a regular all in wrestling match was taking place. James was battling with David while I was involved in a general melÃªe with the other two. After a few moments I found myself on my back with Robert sitting on my stomach, pinning my shoulders down with his knees. Suddenly he removed his weight and with Stuart's deft assistance I was flipped onto my stomach and pinned down again. As I involuntarily turned over I glanced around and realised the other battle had stopped and those protagonists were grinning down at me. I saw a length of cord dangling from someone's hands. I had an overwhelming feeling this had been a set up but I had not anticipated what would happen next.
All at once I began trembling uncontrollably and as I felt my arms seized and pulled behind my back I looked round at my "mates" and whispered, "please don't hurt me!" There was what can only be described as a stunned silence and I watched them exchange glances. My hands were still being held firmly behind my back by Robert but his brother David said quite gently, "We promise we won't hurt you. If you want us to release you just say the word!" I had been shocked by the wave of fear that had flowed over me but I wasn't going to plead with my "captors" under any circumstances. Although my hands were still shaking I lay motionless and finally said softly, "Do what you have to do then." The group remained still for a few moments until Stuart broke the silence and said, "OK, let's get on with it". His words had an electrifying effect - someone reached down and I felt the familiar prickle at my wrists as a loop of rope was passed around them and tightened. More turns followed in the familiar lashing, both horizontally and vertically and then Robert removed his weight from my back and I lay in the dust at my friends' feet, my hands tied behind my back, not so tightly as to be uncomfortable, but nevertheless very securely.
Hands now grasped my shoulders and rolled me over before helping me to sit up and the other boys crouched around me. I tested my bonds but knew only too well it was hopeless and gave up at once. Then I glared at Stuart and snarled "Judas! I heard the promise you made my mother". His response was simply to laugh but after a few seconds he said, "I promised your mother we would look after you and that is just what we are doing. I'm afraid you have rather been set up. Chris was afraid you might not be able to cope with taking part in a full scale game when it came to the crunch and we devised this scheme to capture you so that if necessary you could back out without any loss of face. How do you feel now?" I struggled vigorously, trying to get a purchase on the rope securing my hands. They were still shaking but I had no intention of admitting it to my pals, although I suspect they were well aware of this. My bid for freedom was an abject failure. "I'll live I expect, but you are so much dead meat when I get loose!" I responded. It was of course pure bravado and it merely produced a ripple of laughter around the group. "Well in that case we had better be on our way," James said. "Let's help Richard to his feet". "Hey guys, you are going to untie me now you've had your fun, aren't you?" "Nope!" came the swift response from the four boys simultaneously. I began to protest loudly, although at no time did I demand to be untied (something which I am certain would have been carried out at once), but after listening to my whinging for a couple of minutes David said, "He does make a lot of noise for a little'un. Guess there is no alternative - we'll have to gag him!" As he spoke he drew a large white bandanna out of the pocket of his shorts. I was already reconciled to facing the rest of our walk with my hands tied (I had after all done it once before) and it was quite clear I would not regain my freedom short of making demands which by now I was certain I did not want to do. On the other hand being gagged in a public place was another matter. I pleaded with my pals to leave my mouth free with a promise that I would co-operate and they finally relented. We therefore continued our way, still laughing and joking.
Soon I had actually forgotten my hands were bound until I attempted to join in the horseplay and stumbled. It produced a good deal of mirth from my captors who picked me up and dusted me down. After that, my pals assisted me over the rougher parts of the trail. My periodic queries about how long they were going to keep me tied up were each time met with a "wait and see" and in the end I decided to follow their advice. In this fashion we completed our journey and arrived outside one of our patrol huts, where several other boys were gathered. They greeted us in a friendly fashion but the fact that my hands were tied behind my back produced less surprise than it might reasonably have done.
I had given up pestering my captors so sat down on a convenient log and made myself comfortable while David recounted my unexpected adventure and explained how I had reacted. At this all eyes were turned on me enquiringly but without waiting for anyone to speak I answered their question for them, saying cheerily, "Oh, I'm fine now. I'm a little cross at being treated like this but to tell the truth I guess I'm grateful to these guys. If I had had to face being captured during a game without this experience I think I might have gone to pieces. I still owe you though!" I saw my four buddies grinning broadly at one another and James said, "I suppose we had better let him go now". Everybody laughed as Robert and David simultaneously said, "Oh, must we?" but it was left to Stuart to untie my hands and I sat there for a few moments rubbing the circulation back into my wrists...
Richard
UK
Tuesday, January 29th 2002 - 08:32:03 AM
An Autumn Camp - Part 2
Since I had been kept in the dark about this event until a couple of days ago I was amazed to find that a dozen boys (all of them "regulars") would be camping over the weekend. Mike, Peter, Roger, Andrew and Mark were already here and as we chattered Matthew and his younger brother Paul joined us, engaged in a noisy argument. We gathered round the new comers and asked what was the matter.
Paul began to answer but his older brother grabbed him, clamping his hand tightly across the younger boy's mouth to silence him. "I've just about had enough of his moaning," Matthew said, at the same time giving us a big wink, which his brother was unable to see. "All the way here he has been moaning that I am over protective and should leave him to look after himself." I smiled inwardly as I recalled how Matthew had nearly destroyed us all by wanting to storm in recklessly to rescue his brother because Paul was being "tortured". At the same time, I had enjoyed some of that self-same "protection" recently, and not only from my big brother so I wasn't sure I entirely supported Paul! "The solution is simple!" Mike laughed. "We just ensure you two are on opposite sides when we commence the battle and that should solve the problem". He looked thoughtful for a moment and then added, "I suppose we can trust you not to apply any favouritism can we?" Paul finally managed to shake himself free from the gagging hand, glared at his brother and said, "You can certainly trust me!" Suddenly, Matthew laughed and said, "Fair enough, if that's how you want it. You had better watch out though!" We all laughed and got down to the task of pitching our tents etc. Mike had managed to persuade our leaders to lend us three six man tents which meant that we were going to be quite comfortable and rather than establish separate camps we agreed they should all be pitched together.
While most of the boys began work on the tents, Mike grasped my shoulder and took me to one side. "Listening to Matthew and Paul arguing reminded me that Paul should be the least of our worries. Are you sure you really want to be part of this?" I looked at Mike and saw the concern in his eyes. He had been one of my rescuers a few weeks before and perhaps the recollection was as fresh for him as it was for me. Then I thought of Matthew and Paul and it was like a heavy weight lifting from my shoulders. I grinned at Mike and said, "To be honest, I was a little shocked at my reaction when those four thugs attacked me earlier but I'm glad they did it - I'm fine now and I don't expect it will happen again. I enjoy these games and I would hate to have to give them up!" Mike grinned at me and said, "You really are a little perve, aren't you?" I felt myself colouring but before I could answer he went on, "That's great! I have a confession to make. The attack on you was planned two days ago after we heard you would be able to join us this weekend, and by rather more than the four who carried it out. You obviously had no suspicions this morning when Stuart arrived at your house unexpectedly and uninvited! I hope you will forgive us all - we thought it would give you a chance to change your mind "in private" so to speak. We all know how close you five are!" "I don't want to change my mind," I replied. "I suppose I ought to be angry with all this scheming going on behind my back, but I am really grateful to you all as I am sure I have got my confidence back. In any case, if our last battle is anything to go by it is you and Peter who should worry!" "Don't get your hopes up," Mike countered. "OK, if that's how you want it war it is and no quarter given!" I laughed and responded, "I never intended to give any, anyway". Somehow, I felt that wasn't quite what Mike meant. Just then, Roger joined us very hot and sweaty. "Are you guys going to help with these tents or just stand around like two old women gossiping all day?" I felt sure he knew exactly what Mike had been saying but we took the point and joined the others.
Another hour saw our camp properly pitched and we were able to relax over a cold lunch provided by various parents. Our afternoon was to be taken up with scouting work, led by Mike and Peter, the oldest in the group (we were more conscientious than readers might suspect from my stories!). We would then have the evening to make our plans over supper before bed. We were planning a short hike along the coast in the morning and then battle would commence in earnest after lunch.
The afternoon passed pleasantly enough and everyone worked hard although, inexplicably, knot work was by far the most popular subject. As everyone present was fairly efficient in this subject, and as this was probably the only topic that Mike and Peter would be reluctant to broaden our knowledge significantly, I could only assume that these ghouls were hoping for an opportunity to tie someone up. Towards the end of the session the audience finally got what they were waiting for.
Mike called for a volunteer. He had been talking about lashings and it was quite clear to everyone from his words why he wanted a "helper". It has to be understood that not all my friends were quite so willing to be bound as I normally was. Everyone expected to have to suffer in this way from time to time and no one raised a grouse but many of my friends, given the choice, would prefer to be doing the tying. Eyes were therefore cast down and an eerie silence descended. I could sense several eyes peering at me but on this occasion I was determined to remain free if at all possible.
The silence was finally broken by Matthew, saying, "If you guys are all going to sit there like lemons I guess I will have to help out. I volunteer Paul!" There was general laughter, and all eyes were turned towards the unfortunate boy who had been so outspoken earlier. He didn't look up but blushed deeply and before he had an opportunity to flee eager hands grasped him by the shoulders, lifted him to his feet and pushed him to the front of the circle. Paul was plainly furious with his brother and snarled, "I'll get even with you!" but he was given no time to reflect on his predicament, even as Matthew was rolling on the ground with laughter. While we all sat and giggled, Mike was like a showman. "First, the wrists!" he declaimed. As he spoke these words he grasped his victim by the shoulders, spun him around so Paul's back was to the audience and gripped his arms, pulling them behind his back and crossing the boy's wrists with a flourish. As he did so, Peter stepped forward with a length of rope and in what seemed like seconds Paul's hands were tied behind his back in a full blown diagonal lashing.
As our "demonstrators" stood back while Paul took the opportunity to struggle ineffectually, we all gasped in admiration. Alas, our admiration was not shared by the unfortunate victim who continued to threaten his brother with the most evil consequences. This was upsetting Mike's equanimity and he turned to Matthew and said, "Can't you keep him quiet?" Matthew's response was to produce a handkerchief from his pocket and with an air of seriousness hand it to Mike. With a flourish, the latter passed it to Peter who, without hesitation, stuffed it unceremoniously into the younger boy's mouth. Paul looked indignant, and although they didn't bind it in place he was silenced effectively.
Mike now had our full and undivided attention once more. In a very aloof tone he addressed his audience, "What you see here is of course a standard lashing, which has been applied by all of you here from time to time, more or less successfully. Now I want to show you how to deal with the feet!" I was watching Mike closely - he was having difficulty maintaining his pompous act. If he took much longer, he would be rolling around the floor with laughter. Poor Paul on the other hand seemed to have missed the joke - he was struggling furiously to free his hands (a waste of effort) and unable to push the gag out with his tongue was mmmpppfhing most satisfactorily. Mike managed to suppress his laughter and, at a signal from him, Peter grasped their victim and forced him to the floor, leaving him lying uncomfortably on his bound wrists. Without more ado Peter grabbed Paul's feet, pulled his legs apart and then crossed his ankles in the same manner as his wrists. With the same dexterity shown earlier another piece of rope appeared and the prisoner's ankles were bound in exactly the same manner as his hands. Finally, our two showmen turned Paul over so he was lying on his stomach. I looked on open mouthed - the diagonal lashing on Paul's ankles, with cords passing both vertically and horizontally around his limbs, meant he was unable to straighten his legs. His knees were spread wide apart while his bound feet were well clear of the ground, the professional way in which the ropes had been applied ensuring he had precious little movement within his bonds. It was quite clear that Paul would be unable to stand (unless he were able to perch on one leg with the other tied to it!) even supposing he was able to turn over and sit up. I was full of admiration. Mike and Peter stood back to admire their handiwork and at last the former was unable to contain himself any longer. A huge grin split his face and he dissolved into laughter, closely followed by Peter. Meanwhile, the audience actually applauded. Paul finally succeeded in pushing the cloth out of his mouth with his tongue and swore vengeance on his brother - he clearly didn't feel like congratulating our lecturers quite so heartily as the rest of us. He was swiftly silenced by Matthew who reminded him he was in no position to make threats of any sort. I guess he realised he had brought some of his present predicament upon himself and he decided to lay quietly, knowing that it was unlikely he would be left there long. This brought our afternoon's activities to an end.
Evening was fast approaching and Mike suggested getting the stoves started for supper. The group rapidly broke up as boys headed for our tents when suddenly a small voice said, "What about me?" It was Paul, and Mike and Matthew stopped short, looked at one another and giggled. James and I were also amongst the last to leave and I said we would take care of Paul so the older boys left us to it. We first helped Paul to turn over and then freed his ankles. He was still muttering threats under his breath but I stopped him by saying, "You have to admit that was awesome. I bet you couldn't have got free on your own even though no other lashings had been used!" "No, I guess you are right, Richard," he replied. "It was pretty cool! Still, when I complained to Matthew about treating me like a baby I didn't think he would rat on me like that". "Forget it," I suggested. "It's not always bad to have an older brother who takes care of you, but I reckon you could be in for trouble before the end of the weekend. Since Matthew will insist on opposing you so he can try to get more revenge, how do you feel about joining us? I don't know what Mike has in mind for tomorrow but there is no harm in thinking about teams now!" Paul nodded his assent immediately. "Right, that's settled then. Now, sit up and lean forward and we'll think about untying your hands". The reluctant prisoner complied with our request and as we set him free said, "I guess you are right about big brothers really, but I sure as hell don't intend to tell him sometime soon!" I laughed at his comments but my mind drifted back to a few weeks earlier - Matthew had been one of Chris's select group who dealt with my tormentors. I would be forever in his debt but it was a closely guarded secret known only to the boys who had been present.
We followed the others who had gathered in front of our three tents. The stoves were already alight and supper was being prepared. We found a heated discussion taking place over the sleeping arrangements. Matthew was particularly reluctant to share with his brother following the events of the afternoon but this was quickly solved when I said that Paul would join James, Stuart and me. This suited his brother who joined David, Robert and Mark leaving the older boys together...
Richard
UK
Tuesday, January 29th 2002 - 11:36:59 PM
An Autumn Camp - Part 3
Over supper Mike outlined his proposals for the following afternoon. In truth, much had been worked out before hand so there was precious little to discuss, but it was all new to me since I hadn't been involved in the earlier planning. The group had decided it should be a game of "smugglers". A small band (four boys) would be given the objective of reaching the camp carrying "contraband" from a point some distance away. Mike made it clear that the starting point would be revealed on our short hike so it was obviously beyond the confines of the woods (our normal area). This introduced an element of excitement since there would be new territory to cover.
The remaining eight boys would endeavour to capture the smugglers by fair means (or foul) and naturally they themselves would be liable to be taken prisoner if the opportunity presented itself. Mike announced that he had a scheme for determining the winners, but despite persistent questioning he refused to reveal it until the morning. While "victory" was often illusory, never the less it was important since, under our usual rules of engagement prisoners from the losing side were required to remain as such after the end of the game (usually until supper). He then dropped his bombshell by stating that after much thought they had decided that the four eldest boys should be the smugglers. As he said this I saw his glance fall on me and I knew at once that they were trying to keep me out of any difficult situation if at all possible. I immediately reacted angrily: "No way, Mike! You lot wouldn't stand a chance, trampling round the bush like a herd of Elephants! You know very well we (taking in Stuart and James with a sweeping gesture) are much better at evasive tactics than you are". The truth of my statement was undeniable (we had something of a reputation within the troop) but it clearly left Mike, Roger and Peter in something of a quandary. "Look, I know you mean well but I'll take whatever is coming to me," I added. "My big brother isn't here and I don't need you to look after me, but in any case it is you who should be worried!" The three boys looked ruefully at me and suddenly capitulated. "OK, we give in but who else would be mad enough to join your motley band?" This was a good question but I didn't have to answer it. Paul stood up immediately and said, "I will!" James and Stuart shot him a glance, which clearly said you must be a brick short of a load, but without more ado the matter was settled. We cleared away the remains of our meal, washed up and prepared for bed.
Under canvas at last, Stuart turned on Paul and said, "Are you crazy? James and I weren't given the opportunity to back out, and you go and volunteer! Not only is your brother lusting for your blood but Richard seems to have a death wish. You know very well that simply BEING with the three of us spells trouble!" But Paul wasn't to be put down and responded, "But you guys always seem to have fun and I am fed up with being 'guarded' by Matthew!" It was James's turn to become involved: "Good heavens, so you thought we were having fun, spending most of our time staked out at the summer camp, without mentioning other things that happened! You really are mad!" Despite his serious tone I couldn't help catching the look in his eye in the lamplight. I could keep a straight face no longer and simply exploded in giggles. Stuart immediately jumped on me, pinning me down and I thought I was about to be bound once more but he reconsidered, and as I subsided he disappeared with James to wash under the nearby stand pipe. "Well, it does look as if you have got yourself into a lot of trouble Paul," I said, only half jokingly, "but who knows - we proved at the end of the summer that it isn't necessarily the strongest team physically who triumph". We gathered our things and followed our mates out to wash.
The nights were much colder now but we all changed into shorts and tee shirts. I was the proud possessor of a brand new sleeping bag and I didn't anticipate being cold. In choosing it I had also taken the precaution of ensuring it had a zipped opening - the three of us had been abducted during a previous camp by our mortal enemies and I had been trapped in my bag, unable to fight back because of the lack of an opening. We snuggled down, listening to the wind in the trees and laughing and talking about the day's events and what was to follow before we each drifted off into a dreamless sleep...
It was broad daylight when I awoke with that delightful, dozy feeling that one has when one can please oneself if one gets up or not. Paul was lying next to me. He appeared to be on his stomach and was still fast asleep. I must have laid there for several minutes, snug and cosy in my own bag before it dawned on me the other boy's hands, laying outside his covers were tied securely behind his back. Paul was blissfully unaware of his predicament, sleeping peacefully and I could just make out the tousled, fair mop that was all that was visible of Stuart.
I wondered if James was awake and turned over to check (he was lying on my other side). At least, I attempted to turn. I was still inside my sleeping bag and unable to move. In a moment I was fully conscious and at the same time I realised that my hands, like Paul's, were pinioned behind me. Furthermore it dawned on me my ankles were tied as well. With a great effort I managed to roll right over in my bag and was confronted by James with a grin on his face which seemed to stretch from ear to ear. "Hi, Richard," he chortled. "Sleep well did you?" He could see me struggling although I was enveloped in the folds of the sleeping bag but I had little doubt he knew all about my circumstances and how they arose. I managed to sit up at last, with difficulty, and said, "Come on James, this isn't funny. Untie me at once!" I doubt if my voice carried much conviction or sincerity, but in any case I wasn't being let off that easily. Our brief conversation had woken Stuart who sat up with a grin the equal of my other comrade. "Oh dear, our prisoner isn't giving problems, is he?" he asked James. "Not really," came the reply. "I have a feeling he isn't capable of making much trouble". With that he unzipped my bag enabling me to shake myself free from the cloth and at the same time revealing my bound hands. Both boys made facetious comments about the undesirability of going to bed with one's hands tied. It was obvious I was going to get no sense out of this pair and I collapsed back on my bed in sheer frustration.
Suddenly, Stuart realised Paul was still sleeping like a baby despite the noise and he proposed we (in retrospect, I don't think I was included in the 'we') should wake him. Before he could act on his idea, however, Mike and Matthew bounded into our tent. They burst out laughing when they saw me lying with my hands tied and then looked at Paul. "I told you he can sleep through anything!" said his brother. "Lets give him a pleasant surprise and wake him up gently". With that he crawled alongside the sleeping boy and began roughly shaking his shoulder. "Come on, get up Paul or you'll miss breakfast," he yelled as the younger boy finally gave a yawn and opened his eyes sleepily. He muttered about the time and began to curl up again, still blissfully unaware of his bonds, but that wasn't on our visitors' agenda. They continued to yell at him until at last he opened his eyes properly and tried to sit up. However, like me earlier, he was still not sufficiently aware of his surroundings and it was several moments before he took in the fact that his hands were tied behind his back. The realisation was electric. Suddenly, he was fully awake. He struggled into a sitting position and demanded to know who had done this to him. The other four buffoons just sat there and laughed like the dogs they were. At last, Matthew spoke. "Everyone knew about it. We planned it yesterday evening!" Paul glared at me and snarled that at least he had thought he could trust me! "Oh, when I said everyone I should have said 'all but Richard'. Take a look behind him." James thoughtfully put his hand on the back of my head and pushed me forward enabling Paul to see, for the first time, the cord securing my own hands. He gasped and looked apologetic. "Actually, Richard faired worse than you because his ankles are tied and yours aren't," Matthew went on (my feet were still hidden in the end of my sleeping bag). "Would you like to hear how we accomplished this excellent feat?" he quipped. It was quite clear that neither of us were going to be liberated any time soon and despite our bonds our curiosity got the better of us - we nodded our assent simultaneously.
Matthew began by telling Paul it was partly his own fault - that obviously nothing of the kind could possibly have happened to him if he hadn't been so head strong over his brother's attitude. Paul opened his mouth to reply but then thought better of it. I was inclined to point out that I didn't see why that should involve my being tied up too, but decided to hold my peace as well.
My own tent mates could vouch for my being a sound sleeper (this was the second time they had tied my hands while I slept) and Matthew told everyone that Paul would sleep through a full scale war without waking. By arranging to share a tent we had prepared a trap for ourselves. James and Stuart had deliberately remained awake as their victims dropped off and when they were sure we were well asleep, they had alerted the others at not far short of midnight. Peter, Matthew and Mike had actually carried out the deed. They had needed to turn Paul and roll his bag back to get at his arms but he never stirred. In my case they had found me lying on my stomach and it was a simple matter to unfasten my bag (the zipped bag I was so proud of because I thought it would protect me from any assault!) and cross my wrists behind my back. It also gave them the opportunity to reach my ankles while Paul was spared this indignity. They had been particularly careful with their lashings (their victims weren't putting up any resistance so they had all the time in the world!) as they wanted to be sure our hands would be very secure, but the lashings would not be over tight. As a final precaution, they had arranged a watch system with each of our mates sitting with us for an hour. As Stuart and James were sharing with us, they were given the last two hours, which was why James was already awake when I stirred.
Despite the mild discomfort resulting from sleeping in a slightly unusual position, I could only admire their audacity and had no hesitation in saying so. Then I suggested it was time they set us free. The four exchanged glances, and looked sheepish but it was left to Stuart to say, "Sorry, no can do. We agreed last night to keep you like that until breakfast, so the faster we get it under way the faster you will be free men again!" I looked at Paul and my eyes were held by his resigned expression, which seemed to say, "guess we will have to go along with these clowns!" I relaxed with a sigh and lay down again on my bound hands.
Mike and the others left, leaving James and Stuart to attend to the prisoners. James busied himself untying my ankles, for which I was truly grateful, while Stuart helped Paul struggle out of his sleeping bag. He then insisted that he must check on our bonds. He pushed Paul forward quite roughly, so that his head was on his bare knees, at the same time manipulating the boy's bound hands. The loud "Ow!" was ignored and Paul was allowed to sit up again as Stuart pronounced himself satisfied. Next he turned his attentions to me. He wasn't quite so rough this time and as his fingers worked over the knots holding the lashing on my wrists he asked me softly if I was OK. His concern rather amused me - he and the rest of my mates had no hesitation in tying me up while I was asleep so why worry now I was awake - but with a grin, I assured him I was fine. As he worked over my bonds I craned my neck round to try to see what he was doing and was amazed to see my wrists had been wrapped in what appeared to be an old sock. "Yeah," said Stuart when I asked him what it was for, "We thought it would give your arms some protection from the rope". "Oh, for heavens sake," I exclaimed, "You lot are going soft! If you go on like this you will be making me sit with a token cord round my hands and I will be told not to take it off! My arms are fine now, and it wouldn't be a proper game if I don't go home with a few bruises!" Stuart coloured slightly and reminded me of his promise to my mother, then he went on, "Think yourself lucky it was us who took care of you and not Matthew. Last night he insisted on tying his brother himself. We thought he might try to go easy on Paul but were we in for a surprise! We had to prevent him carrying out his wilder schemes and Mike himself insisted on checking Paul's hands to make sure they weren't too tight. I dread to think what you have got James and me into, taking Paul under your wing today, so you can look at this little adventure as pay-back in advance!" I giggled at Stuart's comments and Paul, who had been taking in every word answered, "Don't you worry about that lout. I'm going to sort him out big time!" Paul was a few months older than me, shorter but stockier. Nevertheless his bravado had us all laughing furiously while he sat with a serious expression wondering what the joke was! James and Stuart helped us to our feet and we were escorted from the tent to loud cheers from the other boys. We were ushered to the centre of the camp and invited to sit side by side on a couple of logs, which had been placed there for us. Everyone busied himself with breakfast and we sat there for some time, ignored by our friends.
At length, Paul said, "This is OK, really. Tied up like this we get out of chores. I think when breakfast is over I shall ask to be tied up again and that way I won't have to wash up!" He needn't have worried. Our captors had no intention of giving us our liberty any earlier than necessary and we were spoon-fed our cereals from a bowl followed by hot coffee. Paul didn't have to make his request - only when the clearing up was completed were we finally untied. Although neither of us had complained this was a relief. It was a chilly morning and while all our mates were, like us, in cotton gym shorts (our standard uniform for these occasions) they were all dressed in sweatshirts as protection against the chill while Paul and I only had our thin tee shirts which we had slept in. We dived for the tent, donned warmer shirts and pulled on socks and trainers and were ready for the fray...
Richard
UK