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.