[Merri]

Elanor ran to Bag-End as fast as her short little legs could carry her, and arrived there moments later, breathless.

"What on Middle Earth is the matter?" Bilbo exclaimed, upon seeing her. "Where are the others? Why aren't you at Ted Sandyman's? Where is the flour?"

She hurriedly explained the situation to him.

"Oh dear!" He gasped, and quickly scrambled back into his hole. He came out with a bag of jingling something- probably gold coins that he would use to save Cami.

Frodo appeared in the entranceway. "Elanor!" He exclaimed, a pleased look coming over his face, which was immediately replaced by a look of the utmost bewilderment. "What are you doing here? Uncle Bilbo? What's going on?"

"Don't you worry about anything, Frodo," Elanor said, putting a false note of cheerfulness in her voice. If he knew about Cami! Suddenly, a stab of jealousy pierced her heart. If Ted Sandyman had taken her prisoner, would Sam, Marigold, and Cami have cared so much about her? She shook her head. Don't be so foolish, Elanor, don't think such selfish thoughts. Now you have to concentrate on saving Cami . . . don't think like that . . .

"Come on, Uncle Bilbo!" She said at last, and the two of them dashed out of Bag-End to meet Sam in Bag-Shot row.

[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]