return

1302 the return of the king
Gandalf. It’s been uncommon good, since you came in the
autumn of last year and put a good word on it. And that’s
been a comfort in trouble, I will say.’
‘Ah!’ said Sam. ‘But he says your beer is always good.’
‘He says?’
‘Of course he does. He’s Strider. The chief of the Rangers.
Haven’t you got that into your head yet?’
It went in at last, and Butterbur’s face was a study in
wonder. The eyes in his broad face grew round, and his
mouth opened wide, and he gasped. ‘Strider!’ he exclaimed
when he got back his breath. ‘Him with a crown and all and
a golden cup! Well, what are we coming to?’
‘Better times, for Bree at any rate,’ said Gandalf.
‘I hope so, I’m sure,’ said Butterbur. ‘Well, this has been
the nicest chat I’ve had in a month of Mondays. And I’ll not
deny that I’ll sleep easier tonight and with a lighter heart.
You’ve given me a powerful lot to think over, but I’ll put that
off until tomorrow. I’m for bed, and I’ve no doubt you’ll be
glad of your beds too. Hey, Nob!’ he called, going to the
door. ‘Nob, you slowcoach!’
‘Nob!’ he said to himself, slapping his forehead. ‘Now what
does that remind me of ?’
‘Not another letter you’ve forgotten, I hope, Mr.
Butterbur?’ said Merry.
‘Now, now, Mr. Brandybuck, don’t go reminding me of
that! But there, you’ve broken my thought. Now where was
I? Nob, stables, ah! that was it. I’ve something that belongs
to you. If you recollect Bill Ferny and the horsethieving: his
pony as you bought, well, it’s here. Come back all of itself, it
did. But where it had been to you know better than me. It
was as shaggy as an old dog and as lean as a clothes-rail, but
it was alive. Nob’s looked after it.’
‘What! My Bill?’ cried Sam. ‘Well, I was born lucky, whatever
my gaffer may say. There’s another wish come true!
Where is he?’ Sam would not go to bed until he had visited
Bill in his stable.
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