At the risk of sounding clichèd, this is one of the most interesting chapters in the whole of LotR, and the poem is one of the best I have ever encountered (indeed, one of the few I have memorized).
What I most like about this chapter is how Strider's character unfolded. As Esty mentioned above, the hobbits, as well as the readers, are left uncertain of his true identity. He could easily be mistaken as someone in league with the Enemy, what with his physical appearance and the way he looked at and conversed with Frodo in the previous chapter. But as we see, Strider's looks are in direct contradiction with his character. He "looks foul and feels fair," as the book mentioned. But in the way he carried himself in the chapter, I discerned an air of nobility in him even before I realized his true status.
Quote:
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I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and if by life or death I can save you, I will.
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Terribly touching. If I were Frodo, I would have cried right there and then.
Speaking of touching, we see more of the loyalty Sam has for Frodo. We see him doubting Strider's intentions. I could not blame him for that. After all, it would be really hard to trust anyone in a place you barely know. This distrust may seem something negative, but I believe that Sam's doubt is caused by his genuine concern for Frodo's welfare, not wanting him to be fooled nor betrayed by anyone.
Lastly, in the end we have seen a glimpse of Merry's "accidental bravery" as he tried to come after the Ringwraiths. What he did was a lot helpful, though he wasn't aware of it, as we will see in the (near) horror of the next chapter.