[Noinkling]

Benat smiled widely at Derufin’s question. ‘I can’t speak for Denegal, but Cook is arranging a meeting for me tomorrow . . . with someone who knows something of one the Hobbits who used to live around here. He visited us once; Mr. Baggins, did . . . or rather my grandfather. And I wished to pay him a return visit. Or at least find out what happened to him once he left my Grandda’s house.’

He whistled to Cullen who was ranging far afield, his nose following some trail. Cullen looked up, his great head swiveling about to catch sight of his master, his tail wagging furiously. Benat laughed at the dog’s delight and waved him on about his business. Cullen bent once more to his task and was soon lost among the trees that edged this side of the Inn property.