As they traveled on again the sound grew louder and was mingled with mumbling and smothered curses. It was Fidu, as usual, who ran ahead and found the object from whence came the mumblings of smothered curses.
When Gud drew near he saw a poor being chained to a great rock. Gud tapped the rock with his staff and discovered from its adamantine nature that it was the Rock of Conservatism. But he could not identify the being who was so securely chained, thereto.
"Who are you," demanded Gud, "and why are you chained up here in this brutal fashion?"
The being only answered with more mumbled cursings.
"If he cannot state his case," said Gud, "why should he expect me to free him?"
"But master, there is a smaller chain across his mouth."
"So there is," observed Gud, and he reached over and severed that smaller chain.
"I thank you," said the prisoner, "but there is little more that I can say, for I am still chained to the Rock of Conservatism."
"Oh, very well," replied Gud, as he severed the great chain also. "And now please tell me who you are and why you are bound here?"
The creature arose and stretched his aching bones. "I am Free Speech," said he, "and who are you?"