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 Saturday, June 30th 2001 - 03:02:47 AM

   Evasion in the Woods - Part 1

   I have been following the stories on this site now for some time and
thought it was time to make a contribution.  The events took place in the
mid 60's when I was 12 or 13 years old and are true.  The situations are as
accurate as my memory will permit.

   My father was serving in the army, which took him and our family to
Cyprus - a veritable heaven for a young boy with the Mediterranean climate
enabling us to enjoy the outdoors all the year round.  I and many of my
friends were Scouts and our meetings were held in an area of about 20 acres
of woodland and rocky scrub of which we had the exclusive use.  Much of the
woods was covered in dense undergrowth providing superb cover for our
activities.  As there was always a turnover of boys through parents being
posted there was always a proportion of our number who knew the hiding
places well while others less so.

   Each patrol of 6 to 8 boys had their own small hut to keep their
equipment and generally hang out and our meetings were otherwise held
outdoors.  In addition to the weekly troop meeting patrols often held their
own meetings either on their own or jointly with another patrol at
weekends, sometimes camping together in the woods.  It was at these
informal gatherings that our "games" took place.

   Over a period of time a set of general rules had been established.  No
one was compelled to participate but doing so meant acceptance of "The
Rules".  To prevent physical struggles any participant had to immediately
surrender if shot by an opposing team member, our "arms" being the trusty
water pistol.  It was common to fill these with the vilest stagnant water
to be found so most of us were prepared to capitulate as soon as we were
challenged.  Any boy being captured by the opposing side might be tied up
in any way his captors saw fit.  Gags could be used at the discretion of
the captors and prisoners might be "tortured" (invariably by tickling) to
extract information.  The rules naturally prohibited the use of any
physical pain other than the usual discomfort of being tightly bound.  The
rules were rigidly adhered to since failure to observe them would result in
exclusion from future games.  Although some of us enjoyed being held
captive more than others the games were sufficiently popular to ensure the
rules were strictly observed.

   The games took various forms but the basic objective (and outcome) was
invariably similar.  On this particular occasion 2 of the patrols totalling
13 boys were camping together for the weekend.  The game was to be one of
search and evasion, a small group of boys representing "evaders" intent on
remaining free while attempting to reach the safety of the "home base" (the
clearing in front of one of our huts) while the second larger group (the
defenders) tried to prevent them from doing so.  A boy reaching "freedom"
was prohibited from taking further part in the game and was therefore
unable to attempt to rescue any team mates unfortunate enough to have been
captured so it was a matter of careful consideration as to when to cross
the "border" which could only be defended by a maximum of two "border
guards" The better your knowledge of the area the greater were your chances
of success.  Any boy taken prisoner by the defenders was likely to be taken
to their own base (the other patrol hut) for "interrogation" while any
captives taken by the "evaders" would either be left bound, gagged and
hidden or taken along as hostages.

   It was decided that 4 boys - 2 from each patrol - would be evaders
leaving the other 9 to hunt them out (we never considered it particularly
important to have balanced numbers in opposing teams since we considered
that success by stealth and wiliness was more important than brute force).
Each member of the defending team would carry two lengths of rope and a
couple of cloths which could be used either to supplement the rope or as
gags for their prisoners and we were all dressed the same, in shorts and
tee shirts in view of the Mediterranean summer heat.

   My group drew lots and I was chosen along with a newcomer, James (12).
We were rejoined after a few minutes by the remaining boys, to be told that
Paul and Mathew would be with us.  They were brothers, 13 and 14
respectively and well versed in these activities.  Mathew, particularly,
seemed to know all the places to hide within our boundaries but was always
most secretive with his knowledge, and Paul could climb like a monkey and
would invariably take to the treetops.  The defenders would be led by Mike
and Peter, both 14, and my heart sank when I heard this since not only were
they both well skilled at knot work (an ability we all shared) but Mike
also had a well deserved reputation for his inventiveness when securing his
prisoners.  This did not bode well for us in the event of our capture.

   The game was to commence at 3.00pm and would end when all members of a
team had been captured, or the "evaders" all reached safety, any
combination of the foregoing or 8.00pm (suppertime).  My group were wise
enough to realise that we were unlikely to be able to capture the whole of
the larger group which would be an added incentive to complete our "home
runs" but we might be able to negotiate a draw given a little luck.  As a
further incentive, the rules provided that any member of the losing team
taken prisoner before the end of the game could be kept tied at the
discretion of the victors for up to one hour after completion of the game.

   The rest of the group withdrew to the defender's base leaving the 4 of
us alone for 15 minutes to make our plans and then escape into hiding. 
Matthew (not surprisingly) and Paul both wished to split up and we
generally felt there was more chance either alone or in pairs since it was
impossible to move around silently in larger numbers.  On the other hand,
James was a newcomer and was clearly becoming increasingly nervous, not
only of the game but its probable outcome!  I agreed to take him with me
since I had recently discovered a new hideout, which I suspected even
Matthew didn't know of.

   We all agreed that our best chance of success was to remain hidden until
it started to get dark around 6.45pm.  The Home Base was surrounded by
dense undergrowth affording excellent cover and if we were able to gather
there unobserved at about that time we could make an all out assault for
freedom.  Because of being unable to assist our colleagues once the border
was crossed we all agreed to delay our "escape" as long as possible. 
Additionally we hoped that we would be able to shorten the odds a little by
perhaps taking some of the opposition by surprise.  We did not need to
carry any supplies for this purpose since each of the opposition was
equipped with rope etc.

   Matthew and Paul quickly disappeared into the undergrowth and I led
James away in the opposite direction.  One corner of the woods was crossed
by a narrow dirt road and I had discovered that a culvert or drain ran
under this, each end being screened by bushes.  The concrete pipe was large
enough to crawl into (although one was unable to turn round) and was quite
clean apart from a few dead leaves and fine sand.  I set out my plan as we
jogged off to find the culvert, explaining that if we could remain hidden
until the light started to fail we should be able to make our way back
carefully through the undergrowth, evading any patrols, and so reach
"freedom".  The "border guards" (if any) were unlikely to be much of a
threat if we could get close enough before making our break for freedom. 
If we were able to trap any of the opposition in the meanwhile we would do
so.

   The road was situated in the furthest corner of the wood and on arrival
it took several minutes to locate the culvert, hidden as it was by the
undergrowth.  Having done so, I crawled in feet first followed by James. 
We settled ourselves comfortably for what might be a long wait.

   It was clear that James was a little apprehensive at what might happen
before the end of the game and I tried to put him at his ease, talking in
whispers.  I assured him that all the players strictly obeyed our code and
he told me that he had been tied on a couple of occasions.  He was more
worried about "making a fool of himself and being unable to get free
without assistance!" It did his confidence no good at all when I made it
clear that, if he was tied up by Mike he was most unlikely to be able to
free himself (none of us ever had!).

   I explained that Mike's favourite methods were to stand his prisoners
with their backs against a tree, their arms around the trunk and then tie
their wrists behind them.  Alternatively he was a past master at staking
his victims out, tying their ankles and wrists to 18-inch long metal tent
pegs hammered deep into the rocky soil.  James looked back at me with a
grin but at the same time gave an involuntary shudder.  I felt I had better
keep Mike's more inventive ideas to myself!  "By the way, James, are you
ticklish?" I asked casually.  "Yes, very" he whispered, "Why?" "Oh, no
reason!" I responded, but I thought it wouldn't take Mike and Peter too
long to find out...

   Richard UK

   Evasion in the Woods - Part 2

   My first post seemed to run into some problems but they seem to have
been sorted out so here is part 2 of the tale...

   After being hidden for perhaps half an hour we heard raised voices some
way off and I found myself wondering if one of the others might have been
discovered.  All however became quiet again until, about 10 minutes later
we heard footsteps and I saw over James' shoulder, 2 pairs of legs pass the
shielding bushes which were being thoroughly searched.  Not however
thoroughly enough, and they began to move away when James said, in a hoarse
whisper "Oh damn, I'm going to sneeze!" I was horrified and he tried
desperately to control it to no avail.  The concrete pipe amplified his two
sneezes and within moments we heard voices returning in our direction. 
Moments later the bushes shook and a voice called out "We know you are in
there and have you surrounded.  Throw out your weapons and come out with
your hands above your head".  At the same time we heard footsteps as
someone tiptoed over the track.

   James turned and whispered "Stay here.  If I give myself up they wont
know you are here provided I am in time to stop them looking!" and before I
could reply he threw out his water pistol and crawled through the bushes,
raising his hands as he did so.  I crawled towards the mouth of the pipe
where I could just see what was happening through a gap in the undergrowth,
grateful for his sacrifice but apprehensive for what might happen to him.

   James was standing, his hands raised, facing Peter who was pointing his
pistol at him and within moments another boy, Roger, joined him.  It
appeared that James' ploy had been successful so far as Roger stepped
behind him, searched him and removed his pocketknife.  Roger then changed
places with Peter, who pulled out a length of rope as he stepped behind
James, telling him to lower his hands and remove his tee shirt.  This he
did, handing it to Roger.

   I was now in a quandary - the fact that they had made James remove his
shirt suggested that they would "interrogate" him straight away.  If they
did I was sure it would only be a few minutes before they discovered me. 
On the other hand, the distance between us was too great to launch an
attack on both of them with any chance of success.  I could therefore only
lie there and watch and hope.

   Peter now grasped James' hands pulling them behind his back and as the
first loop of rope was pulled tight James let out a slight yelp.  This
didn't deter Peter, who lashed James' wrists tightly palm to palm, cinching
off the rope several times before knotting it off well out of reach of
searching fingers.  James struggled ineffectually for a few moments and
then stood still.

   "We had better keep him quiet Roger - use his tee shirt" said Peter, and
I saw the former step behind the prisoner, rolling the shirt as he did so.
He dropped the cloth over James' face saying, "open wide" but James
struggled frantically to keep his mouth free.  Peter stepped in front of
him and grasped his nose and after a few more moments James opened his
mouth gasping for breath, the cloth was forced between his teeth and the
gag tied off tightly behind his neck.  I felt a pang of conscience at the
surge of delight that passed through me as I saw James gagged - in that
state he could not be questioned before he was back at their base!

   Peter stepped behind the prisoner again saying to Roger "Give me another
length of rope - we can get some more when we are back at base".  He formed
a noose in this cord, passing it up James' arms until it was above his
elbows.  Roger then held his arms, forcing them together while Peter
tightened the noose.  James was fairly skinny and also very flexible and
consequently, in a few moments his elbows were pulled tightly together
behind his back until they were touching.  More turns of the rope were
added before being cinched off and knotted.  Satisfied with their handiwork
the two boys frog marched their prisoner off.

   Time for some quick thinking.  If I remained where I was I knew it would
take Mike and Peter a very short time to extract my whereabouts from James
and I would be trapped.  I therefore decided my only chance was to get back
to the enemy base while keeping well hidden in the hope that I might get a
chance to rescue James when they came looking for me.  They were
disappearing as I emerged from the drain, with Peter and Roger helping
James down a steep part of the path which his bound arms would have
rendered otherwise impassable.

   I had to follow a more circuitous route to keep well hidden and my
progress was slow as I had to keep stopping to listen in case I was being
followed.  Things had therefore moved on when I finally reached the shelter
of the bushes surrounding the opposition's base.  James had been made to
kneel with his knees apart and his ankles crossed, his trainers and socks
having been removed.  Roger was busy tying his ankles, passing loops both
horizontally and vertically before cinching it off and knotting the end of
the rope.  Meanwhile, Peter gave two blasts on his whistle (we often used
these to signal in our games) and I guessed he was summoning Mike.  He then
started to untie James' gag at the same time saying conversationally "We
need to find out where the others are hiding and thought you might like to
help us.  But you obviously can't with this nasty gag on!"

   "I don't know where any of them are" James replied, a slight tremor in
his voice.  True enough, I thought with considerable relief.  "Oh, there's
no rush.  Mike is on his way.  He may be able to jog your memory" Peter
said sinisterly.  Roger had finished tying James' ankles and the 2 boys
pushed him forward onto his stomach, grasped his feet and using a cloth
tied them to his wrists in a hog tie so tight that his fingertips were
brushing his heels.  With his elbows still tied together James lay there
with his back arched to relieve the pressure.

   "We may as well make a start before Mike arrives," said Roger with an
evil grin.  "Fair enough" replied Peter and with that he sat down beside
James and ran his fingers lightly down the taut skin of his ribs.  The
effect was electric.  The younger boy immediately let out a piercing giggle
and started to squirm as much as his bonds would allow.  Repeating the
process produced exactly the same result and now James was writhing on the
floor.

   "Where are the others?" asked Peter.  "I don't know" came the response
before James was subjected to further torture.  I did sincerely hope that
James would capitulate quickly and save himself from too much of this
treatment.  I was assuming that they would then leave him alone while they
went after me, giving me the chance to stage a rescue...

   Richard UK

   Evasion in the Woods - Part 3

   Engrossed in the scene before me, I suddenly froze as I felt a water
pistol thrust into my neck and a voice (Mike) say "Don't move, you are my
prisoner".  Summoned by Peter's whistle, he had crept up quietly and
spotted me from some distance away.  He pinned me to the ground with a knee
in my back, ordered me to open my mouth, stuffed a balled up rag into it
and completed my gag by forcing a second cloth between my teeth and
knotting it off tightly.

   "That should keep you quiet.  Put your hands behind your back".  I did
so and he crossed my wrists.  I felt the prickle of the first loop of the
hemp rope as Mike pulled it tight before adding further loops, each one
being worked taut like the first.  Now further turns were being added
vertically around my wrists.  Mike was being very thorough and deliberate
in his work and my heart sank with the realisation that I was not going to
be able to free my hands without help.  The rope was cinched off between my
hands and I felt it being knotted off at the back of my wrists, well out of
reach of my fingers.  Finally, Mike finished and I lay there testing my
bonds.  I found I could barely flex my fingers and my hands were held
rigidly in the small of my back, as I was incapable of moving my wrists. 
"Shall we join the party?" He said helping me to my feet and pushing me
rather roughly into the clearing.

   James turned his head and stared at me with a look of astonishment,
which was shared by Peter and Roger.  "I found him spying on you" Mike
said. "We had better see what he knows.  Take off his shirt and get him
ready".  I was pushed to my knees and my ankles were tied in similar
fashion to James.  Then I felt my wrists being freed, my shirt was pulled
up over my head, leaving my torso bare, and my trainers and socks were
removed.  I was forced onto my stomach and my arms were once more pulled
behind me, my wrists crossed and tightly bound.  Finally, my hands and feet
were tied together in a hog tie at least as tight as James.  James's gag
was replaced.  He had learnt his lesson quickly and this time co-operated
when he was asked to open wide.

   Mike now turned to me "We need everything you know but first we will
give you a brief demonstration of what happens if you do not give us the
answers we need".  With that Peter attacked my ribs and Roger my feet.  I
have always been desperately ticklish, a fact well known to all the other
boys, and immediately began to struggle while giggling and Mmmmphhhhh...ing
into my gag.  The torture stopped and I felt my gag being untied.  Tears
were already rolling down my cheeks.

   "I really don't know where Matthew and Paul are," I pleaded.  "They went
off separately.  I was with James in the culvert and followed you here when
you took him prisoner.  James will confirm this if you ask him".

   "Very well", said Mike looking at James who nodded as best as he was
able.  "Lets have another chat with the other one".  My gag was quickly and
efficiently replaced while James's was removed.  "Richard is telling the
truth," James said, as soon as his mouth was free.  "I gave myself up to
prevent you looking in the drain and spotting him as well".

   "OK then" said Mike.  "I guess we have to accept what you are telling
us. The others are still out searching so it probably won't take too long
to bring them in but first we will show you what will happen if we find you
are not telling the truth" and with that they turned on me again, leaving
me frantically rolling around on the ground trying to evade their searching
fingers.  It probably didn't last for more than 5 minutes but by then I was
sweating profusely and close to wetting myself.

   "We had better retie these two before we leave them," said Mike.  "I
have a surprise for you " he added gleefully, turning to me.  I didn't
enjoy Mike's surprises so was not dancing for joy at this news.  The cloths
tying our hands and ankles together were removed and James' elbows were
untied.  I heard him give a sigh of relief as he regained a little freedom.
My gag was also removed although I guessed this was only temporary but it
did give my aching jaw some relief.  We were put back on our knees and
blindfolded as Mike told us he didn't want us to see his "surprise" until
they had finished!

   I felt my hands being untied but my new found freedom didn't last long.
My arms were pulled in front of me and tied palm to palm approximately 6
inches apart.  When the rope had been cinched off and knotted an effective
handcuff lashing was produced.  I found myself thinking Mike must have gone
soft as this shouldn't be too hard to untie with my teeth once we were left
to our selves.

   Little did I realise - I suddenly felt my elbows grasped by two boys who
pulled them back, forcing my bound wrists into my stomach while I felt a
knee pressing into the small of my back.  Immediately I felt something
being pushed through the crook of my left elbow (in fact, a cricket stump).
The stump was pushed further across my back until suddenly I felt the end
against my right elbow.  The pressure from the knee in my back was
increased while hands continued to force my elbows back, causing me to arch
my back and after a few moments I felt the end of the stump slip through
the crook in my right arm, after which it was thrust triumphantly further
into position.  The hands holding me relaxed and I found myself rigidly
trussed with the wooden bar across my back holding my elbows behind me, my
hands meanwhile held tightly in my stomach.

   My blindfold was removed to reveal James squirming as he received the
same treatment.  Resistance however was useless and a few moments later the
boys holding him released their grip to reveal him trussed in exactly the
same way.  His blindfold was then removed.  Finally, we were each lifted
off our knees and sat down on the ground facing one another, our ankles
still securely bound.

   Mike now thoughtfully asked us if we needed a drink before leaving us to
rejoin the hunt for the others.  We both said we did and the three of them
left us to fill some water bottles.  At last we had a brief opportunity to
discuss our situation.  "I doubt if we have long to talk as I am sure they
will put our gags back before they leave us," I said.  "How are you
feeling?"

   "Not too bad," James replied.  "My arms and shoulders were aching before
they untied my elbows but they are OK now.  However I don't seem to be able
to move an inch trussed like this!"

   "Me neither," I said ruefully "and if we accidentally lose our balance
and roll over I doubt if we will be able to sit up again pinioned with
these stumps.  Even if I manage to get close to you I can't use my fingers
with my hands held tight in my stomach and the stumps protruding beyond our
elbows will prevent us getting close anyway!" James only had time to nod
his agreement before our captors joined us.  They had two bottles of water
which they held for us as we drank gratefully.  When we had finished they
poured the rest over our heads and shoulders which was a great relief in
the summer heat.

   The fears I had voiced to James were now confirmed as Mike said, "We are
off now.  Sorry, but we can't take the risk of your summoning help so the
gags go back.  Open wide!" Neither of us offered any resistance this time
and a balled up cloth was thrust in each of our open mouths.  Thankfully,
they had been soaked in cold water.  A second cloth was forced between our
teeth and tied tightly behind our heads.  I tried experimentally to try a
few words but could only get out a faint, unintelligible Mmmmphfff_
Satisfied with their handiwork the three boys disappeared silently into the
undergrowth.

   Immediately we began to attempt to get closer but we soon realised that
my fears were well founded.  The risk of toppling over was too great and I
guessed that, if either of us were unfortunate enough to fall face down, we
would be pinned there with our hands trapped unable even to roll over
because of the protruding bar pinning our elbows and shoulders back.  After
a few minutes, by mutual consent, we both sat still and accepted our
fate...

   Richard UK

   Evasion in the Woods - Part 4

   We must have sat like this for half an hour when I heard a rustle behind
me and James' eyes opened wide in amazement.  I attempted to turn round
quickly on my bottom, lost my balance, toppled sideways and found myself
lying on my back with my elbows still pinioned.  Amazingly, I was staring
up into Matthew's grinning face!  He lifted me into a sitting position
before pulling my gag off.  Then he turned his attention to my hands. 
"Don't waste any time with them," I said.  "Free my feet and then do the
same for James.  You can untie our hands when we are clear from here - they
could be back any minute".  Seeing the wisdom of this he left my hands and
in a few moments my feet were free.  He did the same for James and helped
us both to stand before leading us out of the danger zone, pausing only to
grab our tee shirts, trainers and pistols.

   He led us quickly and silently to a shallow ditch which ran beneath some
sizeable shrubs.  We both followed him in with some difficulty since our
pinioned arms kept catching on branches but once inside the cover was total
and we felt secure at last.  Turning to James Matthew removed his gag and
then untied his hands.  As he removed the pinioning stump James breathed a
sigh of relief and massaged his aching shoulders - he had by now been tied
up for almost two hours since his initial capture.  At last Matthew freed
my hands and I was able to move my arms once more.

   We quickly told him of our adventures and we were amazed when he told us
that he had managed to surprise two of the enemy and that they were both
hog tied and gagged in deep undergrowth where they were unlikely to be
found!  He then told us that he had seen Paul who also had a prisoner.  As
I expected Paul had taken to the treetops.  One of the opposition
(fortunately alone) had suspected his presence and started to climb towards
his lofty perch.  Paul had shot him from above with a well-aimed water
pistol which meant his adversary had to surrender.

   We both laughed when Matthew told us that Paul's prisoner had been made
to sit astride a stout branch, his hands tied securely behind his back and
tightly gagged.  Without the use of his hands it was impossible for him to
move but Paul had taken the added precaution of lashing his ankles together
below the branch telling him cheerily that now if he lost his balance he
wouldn't fall!  Clearly the boy (Mark, 12 years old) didn't relish the
prospect of being suspended by his ankles with his hands tied behind his
back 15 feet from the ground - according to Matthew he hadn't moved so much
as a muscle since his capture!

   Matthew also told us there were two boys guarding the border of the home
base, both of them excellent shots with water pistols.  Although the odds
were much shorter now (six to four) it would be very difficult to get
everyone across the border without some casualties and in the event of a
draw any prisoners at the end of the game could look forward to a further
hour of captivity.  Finally, we decided that Matthew would fetch Paul while
James and I would attempt to capture the 2 border guards.  We would then
make our final dash for freedom leaving us the victors!  It was now 6.15pm
and our task would be aided by the coming dusk.

   Matthew slipped away silently and after a few moments James and I left
our hide and began making our stealthy way towards the "Border".  Keeping
well hidden we watched the 2 "guards" as they patrolled the small clearing
until, after a few minutes they were both standing within range.  "Now" I
whispered to James and we fired simultaneously and with great satisfaction
saw wet patches appear on their shirts.  The two spun round to be informed
they were our prisoners.  We ordered them to come to the edge of the
clearing and lay down, whereupon we proceeded to gag them securely before
tying their hands behind their backs and their ankles and wrists together.
James in particular was well satisfied with his handiwork (no doubt he was
feeling the injustice of having been tied up for so long earlier).  As I
completed tying my prisoner I said conversationally without looking up "We
will have to remain well hidden until Matthew and Paul get here just in
case they need our help".  At that moment I felt a wet patch spreading on
my shirt and I sprung round to find myself face to face with Mike, Peter
and Roger accompanied by a fourth boy, Andrew.  Roger and Andrew were
holding Matthew between them, his hands tied behind his back and so tightly
gagged his mouth seemed to be pulled back almost to his ears.

   "As you can see, we have brought Matthew with us to save you waiting"
Mike said.  Down on the ground both of you with your hands behind your
heads." We dutifully obeyed although the look in James' s eyes said "Oh no,
not again!" Peter quickly untied the 2 border guards and then stood back
while they gleefully placed our hands behind our backs, tying our hands and
elbows together as James had been when first captured.  Better gag them
both" said Mike.  "We don't want them alerting Paul" and this was quickly
and efficiently carried out.  However it was good to know that Paul was
apparently still at large.  "OK, on your feet - maybe we should put the
stumps back in" said Peter, an evil gleam in his eye.  We were helped up
and the three of us were led back to the enemy base.

   On arrival, Matthew was pushed to the ground, his ankles were bound and
he was quickly hog-tied.  "That should keep you quiet while we sort these
two out, but don't worry we will be back with you in a few minutes" said
Mike cheerfully.  I realised that Matthew was probably the only one who
knew where Paul was and presumably his own prisoners still hadn't been
found and rescued.  With three of their number missing I was sure Mike
would go to any lengths to extract this information.  Several substantial
pine trees grew on the edge of the clearing and I was now taken to one of
these and ordered to stand with my back to the trunk.  Peter produced a
rope, tying my ankles tightly together and then lashed them to the base of
the tree.  I was then pushed forward, my arms were untied and immediately
seized and pulled around the trunk.  My wrists were crossed and with an
unrelenting pull on my arms to ensure I would not be able to move, my hands
were tightly lashed both vertically and horizontally.  The rope was finally
cinched and knotted off well out of reach of my fingers.  The hands
released me and I tested my bonds discovering once again that it was
impossible to flex my fingers or wrists.  I was going no where!  James was
ushered to a neighbouring tree and dealt with similarly...

   Richard UK

   Evasion in the Woods - Conclusion

   They now turned their attention to Matthew who was struggling on the
ground in front of us.  His hog tie was removed and he was helped to sit up
although his ankles were still bound.  It occurred to me that James and I
still had our shirts so with luck we would escape any further torture. 
Matthew however was not to be so lucky.  Roger and Andrew seized his arms
while Peter untied his wrists and yanked his shirt over his head.  They
then immediately retied his hands palm to palm in front of him using the
same "handcuff lashing" that had been used on James and me earlier.  Mike
had disappeared inside the hut and now came out carrying a long length of
rope, one end of which he threw over a tree branch over hanging the
clearing.  Matthew watched wide-eyed as he was hauled to his feet and made
to hop into position beneath the branch.  Mike made one end fast between
Matthew's bound wrists and the three of them hauled on the other end until
he was almost on tip toe, his arms stretched above his head.  Keeping the
rope tight Mike made it fast to Matthews bound ankles leaving him unable to
move and highly vulnerable to tickle torture.  Well pleased with his
handiwork Mike despatched the other 3 to collect one of the border guards
and recommence the search for Paul.

   Once alone he began by removing our gags before saying "I'm going to
leave you for a few minutes so you can consider your predicament together.
Three of my team appear to be missing and it would help your circumstances
if you were to reveal where they were before we catch Paul which should
only be a matter of time.  Don't go far!" he laughed before going to the
hut.

   I immediately asked how the other two were and James said he was fine
although his wrists were a little sore.  This was hardly surprising since
he had now spent the best part of the afternoon tied up in a variety of
positions.  Matthew said he was OK but didn't think he would be able to
hold out for long when Mike got busy.  We agreed that Paul was probably
safe in the treetops but if he was making his way to the rendezvous he was
in imminent danger.  We felt that, if Matthew could hold out, his two
prisoners would be a worthwhile bargaining counter.  Paul did not know
about these two so if he were taken they would be unable to torture their
whereabouts out of him.  On the other hand we could always give them Mark
(still tied to his lofty perch) to take the heat off Matthew.

   Mike reappeared and asked us if we wanted to do this the easy way. 
Matthew defiantly clamped his jaws closed and, if possible, his stretched
limbs seemed to stiffen.  Mike stepped behind him out of sight then
suddenly launched his attack with amazing ferocity, his finger tips dancing
over Matthew's taught stomach, ribs and armpits.  He burst into fits of
giggles writhing around in his bonds but completely incapable of avoiding
the searching fingertips.  After two minutes he was drenched in sweat with
tears rolling down his cheeks.  Mike stopped at last and asked if he had
anything to say but again he kept his mouth stubbornly closed.  The torture
commenced again and Matthew gyrated on his rope for a further 2 minutes by
which time he was gasping for breath.

   "Alright, I give in," he said weakly.  Within a few moments he had
revealed where Mark was being held but as he finished Andrew and Roger
burst through the bushes pushing Paul - arms tied behind his back,
shirtless and gagged - before them.  They were closely followed by Mark
himself.  Paul had been caught making his way towards "freedom" and Peter
had immediately made it his business to extract what information he could.
Peter and the others were now searching for our two remaining prisoners.

   Mike fetched a second long rope.  Paul was pushed to the ground and his
ankles were tied.  Within moments his hands had been retied in front and he
was strung up like his older brother.  Mike turned to Matthew and said, "if
you want to help your brother I would speak up now".  Paul, still gagged
shook his head vigorously at Matthew and within seconds his ribs were under
attack just as Matthew's had been a few minutes earlier.  Paul writhed in
his bonds but with his mouth effectively stopped only muffled sounds were
heard.  After 2 minutes his face was running with tears from his laughter
and Matthew called for Mike to stop and agreed to surrender our remaining
two prisoners.

   Matthew was gagged and released from the overhead branch.  Forced to
kneel, another cricket stump was produced and he was pinioned as James and
I had been earlier.  Then his ankles were freed and he was made to lead a
group of our captors to his prisoners.  James and I remained tied to our
trees and Paul was still strung up by his wrists to the branch above.

   Fifteen minutes later everyone returned, leading the still bound and
gagged Matthew.  His two former prisoners were swearing revenge (they had
remained bound longer than either James or me) but Mike stepped forward
with a good-natured grin.  "Unfortunately you loose and we claim the right
to keep you bound for a further hour.  The good news is that while you pay
your penance the rest of us will prepare supper.  We had originally
intended that you would all be bound like Matthew, and I had four stumps
for the purpose, however I doubt you will want to reveal where the first
two are so Paul can join his brother while we find another way to deal with
you two".

   Matthew's ankles were tied again and he was made to sit on the ground as
James and I had been earlier.  Meanwhile his brother was taken down and
made to kneel.  He struggled ineffectually as the stump was slipped into
position to pinion his arms and in a few moments he was placed alongside
Matthew.

   Now it was our turn.  My hands were untied from behind the tree and I
was forced to bend forward while they were crossed and tied behind my back.
Then my ankles were freed from the trunk but otherwise left bound and I was
deposited unceremoniously on the ground.  Within moments my gag had been
replaced.  A few paces away, James was receiving the same treatment.

   Now Andrew appeared carrying a mallet and some long steel tent pegs and
I knew immediately what our fate was to be.  My ankles were untied, hands
grasped my legs pulling them apart and two pegs were driven deep into the
hard ground.  With my hands tied behind my back I could not resist and
within a few moments each of my ankles had been tightly lashed to a stake.
James watched wide-eyed but within no time at all he was receiving the same
treatment.

   My hands were now loosed, I was forced back onto the ground and each of
my arms were grasped and pulled taught so that I would have no movement. 
Two more stakes were driven in and my wrists tied to them.  With James
similarly bound our captors stood back to look at us.  They had done their
work well stretching my arms out so far that my back was arched.  Peter
returned with two small logs one of which he placed under each of our necks
for support and the relief was palpable.  "OK guys, be good and don't go
far" he joked and returned to the hut from where the smell of supper was
soon tantalising us.

   At last the hour was up and the whole group returned to liberate us.  We
sat up rubbing our stiff limbs and looking forward to our meal.  James had
received a blooding of fire in his first battle but in the good-natured
discussions that followed he quickly realised that it would not be long
before he had his opportunity for revenge.
   Richard UK