The father, terrified that his boy might one day besmirch the family name, immediately dismissed him from the household. And much to the father's surprise, Phin turned and walked out of the house without so much as a flinch, muttering something about "a phony and barmy, old codger." Phin later fell in with a group of rogues in town who were more well known for their drinking and wenching than burglary and guile. After a while however, Phin took over leadership of the gang (known as the Farnsworth Fangs), in hopes of embarressing his father (whom, as a half-witted, false noble, was none to popular anyhow). After a few successful raids (mostly on his fathers household) Phin's face and heritage became too well known by the local authorityes and he gladly skipped town, hoping escape his father's bumbling, narcissistic reputation.

He could not escape his youth entirely though and still has a penchant for using big words and speaks with a Cockney accent. That combined with a dry, sarcastic sense of humour and and undeniable avarice, make him instantly recognizable to anyone from his hometown, where his story has become somewhat of an urban legend.