No longer a serf, but a freeman and a landholder, Gurth sprung upon his feet, and twice bounded aloft to almost his own height from the ground. “A smith and a file,” he cried, “to do away the collar from the neck of a freeman!⁠—Noble master! doubled is my strength by your gift, and doubly will I fight for you!⁠—There is a free spirit in my breast⁠—I am a man changed to myself and all around.⁠—Ha, Fangs!” he continued⁠—for that faithful cur, seeing his master thus transported, began to jump upon him, to express his sympathy⁠—“knowest thou thy master still?”

“Ay,” said Wamba, “Fangs and I still know thee, Gurth, though we must needs abide by the collar; it is only thou art likely to forget both us and thyself.”

“I shall forget myself indeed ere I forget thee, true comrade,” said Gurth; “and were freedom fit for thee, Wamba, the master would not let thee want it.”