Granny Greenhill’s remark about the availability of the Inn’s ponies proved true. Will, of course, was not available to make them ready for the search party, and so it was the Innkeeper himself who helped outfit the group. Four of the local Hobbit lads had offered to go as well as several of the Big Folk. By just a little past mid-day the stout-hearted group was on their way, heading down river as they sought for clues to the cook’s disappearance.
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(Away from the Inn – Gardenia Boffin’s place)
It was early afternoon by the time Gardenia Boffin’s little place hove into view. Will breathed a sigh of relief at the nearing end of his little journey. He pulled up on the rise of a lowlying hill and leaned forward along his pony’s neck.
‘Good lad, Thistle!’ he said, giving the pony’s neck a pat. ‘We’re almost there, boy.’ With a slight kick to his mount’s flanks he urged Thistle onward.
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