"Out of the shadows the hobbits peeped, gazing back down the slope: little
furtive figures that in the dim light looked like elf-children in the deeps of
time peering out of the Wild Wood in wonder at their first Dawn."
And more of that hobbit humor and pluck:
"You seem to have been doing well, Master Took," said Merry. "You will get
almost a chapter in old Bilbo's book, if ever I get a chance to report to him.
Good work: especially guessing that hairy villain's little game, and playing up
to him. But I wonder if anyone will ever pick up your trail and find that
brooch. I should hate to loose mine, but I am afraid your is gone for good. [Of
course, the reader knows that the joke is on Merry]."
"I shall have to brush up on my toes, if I am to get level with you. Indeed
Cousin Brandybuck is going in front now. This is where he comes in. I don't
suppose you have much notion where we are; but I spent my time in Rivendell
rather
better."
