'A recidivist,' Jack said. 'When Polish serfs run away, their lords hunt 'em down and brand 'em, or cut off this or that piece – saving the pieces that can do useful work, needless to say – so if they're seen out on the roads again they'll be known as runners. That, lass, is what I mean by the Devil's Poor – one who keeps at it regardless – who won't be mastered by any man, nor reformed by any church. As you can see, his perseverance has won him a whole Court of admirers.'