It might perhaps be summed up in one sentence: To get the better of his neighbour in his master's service, honestly if possible; if not, by any means that came to his hand down to that of murder.

At the bottom of his dark and mysterious heart Hans worshipped only one god, named Love, not of woman or child, but of my humble self.

His principles were those of a rather sly but very high-class and exclusive dog, neither better nor worse.

Still, when all is said and done, there are lower creatures in the world than high-class dogs.

At least so the masters whom they adore are apt to think, especially if their watchfulness and courage have often saved them from death or disaster..