[2Jedismom]

Actually, of the entire departure from Bree, my very favorite part is Bill Ferny:

'Morning, Longshanks!' he said. 'Off early? Found some friends at last?' Strider nodded, but did not answer.

This takes me back to the scene in the inn with Strider.

'But I must admit,' he added with a queer laugh, 'that I hoped you would take to me for my own sake. A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship. But there, I believe my looks are against me.'

Knowing Strider and the whole story, this just breaks my heart.

[Overtaxed]

Actually, of the entire departure from Bree, my very favorite part is Bill Ferny:

'Morning, Longshanks!' he said. 'Off early? Found some friends at last?' Strider nodded, but did not answer.

I like this part:

Sam turned quickly. 'And you, Ferny,' he said, 'put your ugly face out of sight, or it will get hurt.' With a sudden flick, quick as lightning, an apple left his hand and hit Bill square on the nose. He ducked too late, and curses came from behind the hedge. 'Waste of a good apple,' said Sam regretfully, and strode on.