I've a short series of thoughts besides that of the heights of hobbits (although I have indeed thought about the image of a 2 foot hobbit running around the Men in Bree). Of the quotation, all boldings and italics are my own, and I did indeed slice a few words out here and there.
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The Authorites... differ whether this last question was a mere 'question' and not a 'riddle'... but all agree that... Gollum was bound by his promise. And Bilbo pressed him to keep his word; for the thought came to him that this slimy creature might prove false, even though such promises were held sacred, and of old all but the wickedest things feared to break them.
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Just who were these Authorities, and do they just sit around all day judging the fairness of riddle games? I assume no. For them to know of the true finding of the Ring, Gandalf
must have been involved, otherwise The Authorites would be busy discussing the ethics of Bilbo keeping the Ring AND making Gollum show him the way out instead. Who do you think made up this group of Authorities... the White Council?
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all but the wickedest things feared to break them
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If everybody (excepting those wicked 'uns) feared the reprocussions of said promises, then just what were the punishments given to the oath-breakers of Riddles? They must be pretty harsh for so many people to be afraid to test them.