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With the gifting away of three casks to the winners of the contest, Fordogrim was soon out of beer to give away for free. Luckily for him, the gathered crowd had drunk deep and were well satisfied -- even for hobbits. Several of those gathered about had taken perhaps a bit too much of the beer and these soon fell asleep on the grass. For his part Fordogrim took out his pipe and filled it with the best Old Toby. As soon as he had it in full blow he turned to his cousins and directed them to pack up the bar and utensils. "Now Master Tim," he said turning to the lad. "You've been a right good help today and no mistake. A fine fellow for all that you're a bit clumsy now and again, but let bygones be bygones I always say, and as I said I shan't mention it again. Now, if you could just help us tidy us away this last bit of mess I shall be glad to a-give you a silver coin for your trouble." The boy's eyes went wide at the offer and soon he was helping the three hobbits stack mugs and empty casks into the cart.
When they had finished, Fordogrim sent Gerdy and Fatty to stow the three casks that had been set aside for the party. Turning to Tim, he then suggested that they go in for some lunch, as the smells coming to them from within were setting their bellies to sound. As they crossed the yard Fordogrim turned to Tim once more. "Tell me now about that lass as you were tussling with. Is it some trouble as is none of my business or perhaps it's something that I can be useful with?"
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