[Nurumaiel]

Primrose sighed with relief as Annabell came into the room. "Wonderful!" she cried. "Now at last it looks as though we can get started!" She stood up, and then sat down again quickly. "Keep making suggestions, everyone," she said. "I think that's a good way to start our meeting. Then we can discuess these ideas. How do you think we should travel? Should we split up or travel together? And what do you think we'll need for the trip? And where do you think we'll need to go?"

* * *

Bowman Proudfoot stroked the little rodent that stood before him. He loved all animals, and his pet squirrel was his favorite. His love for animals had even convinced his mother not to harm the mice that raided her kitchen, but he had only a few days to do something about it, or his mother would take it into her own hands.

The squirrel suddenly tensed, looking off to the right, and then ran, scurrying up a tree and scolding. Bowman turned around and saw his father coming up the hill.

"Hullo, dad," he said, smiling.

"Well, son, I met Olo and Biffo Proudfoot on the road. We didn't talk, but they were kind of whispering together, and I heard them. You know I have good ears."

"Yes, dad," said Bowman. "What were they talking about?"

"About something I shouldn't tell you, but I will if you can keep a secret," his father said.

"I can keep a secret, you know I can, dad."

"Mr. Bilbo Baggins is planning a surprise party for his cousin Frodo, and they're all going to help out. It sounds as though a couple kids are going to be helping with the party, as well."

"Why wasn't I invited to help?" Bowman asked with disappointment clearly in his voice.

"Oh, I don't know, son." Mr. Proudfoot looked up and saw the squirrel still scolding him. "Still have that critter, eh?"

"Yes, dad," said Bowman, but he wasn't really listening. He was thinking.

"Hmm. Well, I'll be indoors with your mother, all right?" Mr. Proudfoot went inside.

Bowman called his squirrel down and a little smile came to his face. Bilbo Baggins hadn't invited him, but that didn't mean he couldn't help anyway, did it?