s, and who was looked upon as the champion boxer in
that district, made a dead set on Paul. Jacker had often sought his
friendship, and Paul had as often repulsed his advances. Jacker's own
parentage lay under a cloud, and he felt angry that Paul, whom he
regarded as in a like predicament, should refuse to be friendly with
him. One evening, therefore, when Paul seemed less inclined than ever
to be sociable, Jacker determined to have it out with him. He was
passing through what is called the Church Town, when a number of
youths, among whom Jacker was conspicuous, asked him to go into the
public house. Paul refused. On being asked his reason for his
refusal, he replied that he was on his way to the night-school. A few
minutes later there was an uproar. Things were said about Paul's
parentage that roused the young fellow beyond the pitch of endurance.
"I have borne with you a long time," he said, "but, remember, if you
say that again you shall pay for it."

"Iss, and I be willing to pay for it!" cried Jacker, who was eager for
a fight. The youths had often accused him of being afraid of Paul, and
Jacker, true to his nature, wanted to prove his superiority to any
youth in the district. A little later the group of lads had adjourned
to a field, and Paul and Jacker appeared as combatants. The result of
it was that Paul, in a mad passion, nearly killed his opponent, and was
that same evening apprehended by the police as drunk and disorderly.
He was taken to the nearest lock-up, and detained there until the next
sittings of the magistrate. The landlord at the inn, being Jacker's
friend, had appeared as a witness on his behalf, and had declared that
Jacker was always a quiet, well-behaved youth, while Paul was a surly
villain, with whom it was impossible for quiet lads to live in peace.
Of course the truth presently came out, and, while Paul suffered no
imprisonment, he had to pay a fine for what had taken place, and was
bound over to keep the peace.

This incident, although seemingly unimportant, bore fruit in Paul's
life. It determined him to leave the neighbourhood at once. But where
should he go? He hated Cornwall, hated the Pencarrow Mines, and longed
to get away where he could begin what he regarded as his life's work.
As it happened, a man, whose father had left Cornwall several years
before, paid a visit to St. Mabyn, and declared that there was always
good work for men in Lancashire. When Paul heard of