The Golden Perch Inn

[Tevildo]

The Doc carefully examined the fallen man and then clucked his tongue in exasperation. "Fortunately, he'll survive, but I am afraid this is what comes of living life on the edge! I expect this fellow has been out gallivanting on the roads and having no regular home life.... Listen all you young folk ! Do what your parents say and stick close to your burrow or farmhouse. That is, unless you want to end up collapsing in a heap on someone else's doorstep!"

Tollers could have sworn that the Doc had stared straight at him when he began moralising about the evils of a life lived on the road. The young hobbit wondered if his own parents had said anything to the Doc about their son's secret dreams of going out to see the world. As he'd been taught to do when younger, Tollers bit down on his tongue so as not to snap back and insult one of his elders. Privately, however, Tollers thought it would not be such a bad thing to collapse in a dramatic heap in someone else's parlor and have people rushing about to help, all curious about where you'd come from and what had caused you to collapse.

Doc gave more instructions about the stranger, saying that he should be gently lifted up and taken to one of the rooms and then put in bed. Since the fellow had already flipped the coin down, and it was enough to pay for his room and board that night, and at least two more nights to follow, no one had the heart or inclination to contradict the good doctor. Tollers and several other guests of the Inn grabbed onto the man's arms and legs and took him off down the hallway where the big folk's rooms were.