Now that you mention it, it does seem kind of odd, considering Tolkien's gift for foreshadowing. But in this case i think it really didnt matter that much. I mean it wasnt so random as to be an annoyance, like all of a sudden a giant spider pops up from nowhere. I think most readers have a good idea by the time the tunnel comes along that something nasty is coming, and that there is no indicaion of what it may be probably adds to the suspense, rather than takeing away from it.
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There long the golden leaves have grown, upon the branching years, while here beyond the sundering seas, now fall the Elven-tears...
but if of ships I now would sing, what ship would come to me, what ship would bear me ever back, across so wide a sea?
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