After the loss of the "Eagle" the boys resumed their old sport of
swimming and gathering wood. About this time, owing no doubt to
the complaints of the riverside inhabitants, the city authorities
determined to stop all further rows and displays of nudity. The orders
against naked bathing were strictly enforced by a constable named Sam
Long. Before the boys got thoroughly acquainted with him, he often
captured an offender's clothing, which he detained until the boy came
ashore. Then Sam would escort him to the Mayor's office to receive a
stern reprimand, or his parents would be compelled to pay a small fine.
Paul was never caught, for he was always on the outlook for the watchful
Sam. On the constable's approach he would swim rapidly to his wardrobe
which always lay conveniently close to the water. As it was neither
weighty nor large, he would pile it on his head, tie it with a string
under his chin; then swim swiftly off to the first pier of the bridge.
This was fully fifty yards out in the stream, and here Paul would sit on
the abutment rocks until Sam's patience was worn out and he would
depart. Then Paul would swim leisurely to the shore, dress himself and
go home.
Paul's elder brother, Michael, was a studious sedate boy who took no
pleasure in the sports and adventures of his aquatic brother.
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