Bursts of
ill temper, in the form of invective, hair-pulling, ear-pulling,
pinching, caning, "nape-cracking," or "chin-smashing," were part
of the routine, and very often I was the scapegoat for the sins of
other boys. When a pupil deserved punishment and the
schoolmaster could not afford to inflict it because the culprit
happened to be the pet of a well-to-do family, the teacher's anger
was almost sure to be vented on me. If I happened to be somewhat
absent-minded (the only offense I was ever guilty of), or was not
quick enough to turn over a leaf, or there was the slightest halt in
my singsong, I received a violent "nudge" or a pull by the ear.
"Lively, lively, carcass you!" I can almost hear one of my teachers
shout these words as he digs his elbow into my side. "The millions
one gets from your mother!"
This man would beat and abuse me even by way of expressing
approval
"A bright fellow, curse him!" he would say, punching me with an
air of admiration. Or, "Where did you get those brains of yours,
you wild beast?" with a violent pull at my forelock
During the winter months, when the exercises went on until 9 in
the evening, the candle or kerosene was paid for by the boys, in
rotation.
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