Rizal was exiled to Dapitan by the Spanish authorities. He lived at the parish convent under conditions that he retract errors about religion, make pro-Spanish statements, and conduct himself exemplarily. While in Dapitan, Rizal debated religion with Father Pastells and challenged a Frenchman named Lardet to a duel after a dispute. Rizal maintained friendly relations with Father Sanchez, his former teacher, and beautified the town plaza. In Dapitan, Rizal built homes, taught, practiced medicine, and encountered a friar spy posing as a relative.