Farmer Maggot and Tom Bombadil

[Birdland]

"Old Maggot is a shrewd fellow," said Merry. "A lot goes on behind his round face that does not come out in his talk. I've heard that he used to go into the Old Forest at one time, and he has the reputation of knowing a good many strange things." - Fellowship of the Ring, Book I, Chapter 5, "A Conspiracy Unmasked"

There you are, LMP. That supports your theory that Maggot may have relayed lots of info to old Bombadil. I suppose it is possible that Maggot could have ventured into the Old Forest after his meeting with Frodo and company and let Tom know that Hobbits were on the way, and to keep a look out for them.

[ October 21, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]