Birds sang merrily in the trees that hung their bare boughs over the road. Though it was winter, Laurie could imagine how beautiful this countryside would be in the summer. And the people seem nearly as pleasant as their land Laurie mused. Just awhile back, she had stopped a young hobbit lass to ask directions to Farmer Maggot's farm. (She was certain of the direction in which it lay, but did not know the exact location.) The hobbit child had been more than helpful, giving clear instructions through many ill-concealed giggles. Laurie smiled to remember her, it was obvious she had never seen any of the Big Folk before.
A big, wooden gate opened out from the stone hedge that had been following the road and Laurie turned Nell into the lane beyond. They had traveled but a few steps when a tremendous baying sounded out and two very ferocious dogs loped into view, moving straight towards them. Nell danced nervously on the spot, and Laurie, looking around for help, saw a rather thick-set hobbit striding towards them bearing a pitchfork.
"Ay, and who might you be?" He inquired, watching Laurie struggle to control Nell.
|