What is the major difference between a slave and a boy? At times the two terms seem to be interchangeable. In my mind the slave is to serve his Master while the boy is more of a friend, or something above the station of a slave. Any comments?

Sir:
The standard answer has always been: A slave asks for permission while a boy asks for forgiveness -- permission often being harder to get than forgiveness. But one also suspects, Sir, that the strict lines between boy and slave often mutate, blurring the distinctions between them as may suit the Sir and boy/slave’s relationship.

It’s this boy’s belief, Sir, that a boy is submissive, and, if lucky enough to be collared, knows the comfort and pride of being owned -- not unlike a slave -- but a boy also is allowed a degree of autonomy that a slave is denied. For example, Sir: a boy asks for permission before stepping out of Sir’s normal routine (such as when a boy wants to go out with a another boy for the evening).  Permission may be denied, but the request will normally be received as a courtesy. A boy’s behavior, when he is out, with or without Sir, however, is still prescribed by his Owner’s expectations.  A boy can and will be punished for lapses.

Sir, traditionally, a slave (if he worked outside the home) turned his entire paycheck over to his Master. A boy's finances may merge with Sir's, but more as they would in any other domestic arrangement. Sir might take control of the finances and put his boy on an allowance, of course: But having said that, Sir, one remembers the late (and much missed) Robert Davolt saying that he needed a boy to keep his finances in order for him.

One remembers learning, Sir, that a slave must be transparent, as does a boy.  A slave submits his will to his Master, as a boy does to his Sir.  But a boy might ask for an explanation, or question his Owner’s reasons, and even think he is entitled to an answer if that is the nature of their relationship, where as this would be strictly forbidden for a slave.

So the short answer, Sir (and the boy apologizes for taking so long to get to it, Sir) is that the distinctions between Master/slave and Sir/boy relationships are dependent on the needs and expectations of the Master/Sir and boy/slave in question.  These distinctions will likely change from day to day, or night to night, or even moment to moment, Sir, to suit their shared needs – with, of course, the Master/Sir, calling the shots. In these situations, Sir, the boy/slave must be alert to his Owner’s expectations and desires as to whether his Owner wants a silent companion at his feet, someone to laugh with at his side, and/or someone to attend to his needs without question.