He led the way to the adjoining cell, which, as the reader is apprised, was occupied by Gurth the swineherd.⁠—“Arise, Gurth,” said the Pilgrim, “arise quickly. Undo the postern gate, and let out the Jew and me.”

Gurth, whose occupation, though now held so mean, gave him as much consequence in Saxon England as that of Eumaeus in Ithaca , was offended at the familiar and commanding tone assumed by the Palmer. “The Jew leaving Rotherwood ,” said he, raising himself on his elbow, and looking superciliously at him without quitting his pallet, “and travelling in company with the Palmer to boot⁠—”

“I should as soon have dreamt,” said Wamba, who entered the apartment at the instant, “of his stealing away with a gammon of bacon.”