But whilst they listened to or pondered over his
instructions, they were much distracted by the frolics
of a great seal that came near, stared at them, and
made grunting noises. This was so vexing that one
day Mawes jumped out of his chair and, taking a
big stone in his hand, ran into the shallow water
to try conclusions with the seal. He got near
enough to throw the stone at it, and to hit it on
the head, after which he was no more troubled
with the interruption.
The reason why Mawes settled where he did was probably this. His disciple, Tudy, was a cousin of S. Wenn, who was queen, the wife of Selyf, or Salomon, and Tudy doubtless advised his master to go to Cornwall, and see whether his kinsfolk would do something for them. However, Mawes does not seem to have been long satisfied with his entertainment, for he crossed into Brittany, where he died.
The holy well of S. Mawes is immediately opposite the post office, and supplies the place with drinking water. The pointed arched door is walled up, and two ugly ventilating shafts have been inserted to keep the air sweet above the spring.
From the land side, the castle of S. Mawes is a picturesque object.
One of the main charms of Falmouth and its neighbourhood is the climate. Sharp frosts are almost unknown, the mild and balmy air is wonderfully even in temperature, and the marvellous gardens of Enys show delicate kinds of rhododendron—elsewhere growing in greenhouses—luxuriating in the open air.
