[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

BUCKLEBURY FERRY at last!!! Only about 10 more miles and I'll be out of the Shire. Lunch at the Maggot's was great. Mrs. M makes the best mushrooms this side of the Misty Mountains.

Ring-a-dong dillo, I'll gag you with a pillow!

Raefindel: I have to admit that I sometimes feel like that about Mr. Bombadil too.

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'I want Mr. Baggins. Have you seen him?' said a muffled voice--but the voice was the voice of Merry Brandybuck. A dark lantern was uncovered, and its light fell on the astonished face of the farmer.
...As he came out of the mist and their fears subsided, he seemed suddenly to diminish to ordinary hobbit-size. He was riding a pony, and a scarf was swathed round his neck and over his chin to keep out the fog.
...'Where did you find them, Mr. Maggot? In your duck-pond?'
'No, I caught 'em trespassing,' said the farmer, 'and nearly set my dogs on 'em; but they'll tell you all the story, I've no doubt. Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Merry and Mr. Frodo and all, I'd best be turning for home. Mrs. Maggot will be worriting with the night getting thick.'
...He lit his lanterns, and got up. Suddenly he produced a large basket from under the seat. 'I was nearly forgetting,' he said. 'Mrs. Maggot put this up for Mr. Baggins, with her compliments.' He handed it down and moved off, followed by a chorus of thanks and good-nights.
They watched the pale rings of light round his lanterns as they dwindled into the foggy night. Suddenly Frodo laughed: from the covered basket he held, the scent of mushrooms was rising.