Story Summary: Twelve-year-old Pippin Took is led into mischief by his distantly related cousin of the same age, Sancho Proudfoot. When some of their mischief culminates in a huge disaster, the Took's learn the dark secret the Proudfoot family has been keeping for generations.
Chapter Two Summary:
During a visit to Bag End, Bilbo tries to talk to Pippin about his choice of friends at Merry's urging, but to no avail. Back at Whitwell, Pippin makes another poor decision when Sancho turns up again.
"Who Needs Enemies…"
Chapter Two
"Do you really think that's a good idea, Merry?"
"It's all I've been thinking about for days." Merry scuffed his foot in the loose dirt around the edge of the flower garden then squatted next to Frodo and heaved a sigh. His cousin looked up from his task and studied him with some concern.
"I don't trust that little-"
"Merry. He is your cousin."
"Yes, about twenty times removed! I don't trust him and I'm not afraid to say it. I know Sancho is up to something-"
"When isn't he?" Frodo interrupted, the corner of his mouth quirked up slightly as he returned to spading up the soil around the newly set flowers.
"I mean, I think he's planning something to get Pippin in trouble again. And I've a feeling it may even be something dangerous."
Frodo hesitated then sat back on his heels. He wiped his sweaty brow with the back of his hand then dropped the spade at his side. "Tell me why you think that." Frodo plopped down on the ground and sat cross-legged, eyeing his younger cousin impatiently. "Have you actually heard Sancho talking about doing anything?"
Merry twisted his brow into a knot of dismay, his consternation apparent. Finally he sighed and settled on the ground next to him. "Well. . .no. Not exactly. But-"
"But what? How can we go and accuse him of something he hasn't done yet? And what could we say to his parents that wouldn't sound like we were making up falsehoods against him for some purpose of our own? Think about it, Merry. If Sancho is up to something then all we'd do is make him aware we suspect him."
Merry grunted and retrieved the spade, poking at the ground in disgust. "I think we should have a simple talk with the lad, that's all. Let him know what's going to happen if he steps out of line again and Pippin ends up taking the brunt of it."
"Better that we keep an eye out for trouble, just in case, and not say anything for the time being. Then if we do hear something we can talk to Pippin."
"He won't listen! He thinks Sancho is his best friend. He follows him around like a puppy just waiting for his next command." Merry snorted derisively. "I bet if Sancho threw a stick Pip would fetch it for him!"
"Merry! That was uncalled for." Frodo cuffed him sharply in the back of his head.
"Oww!" Merry rubbed his head in irritation and frowned at his cousin.
"Do I detect a bit of jealousy? Are you upset because Pippin is spending all of his time with Sancho these days?"
"Hardly. Pippin can do whatever he wants. I'm not his keeper. I just don't want to see him getting into trouble all the time. And I have a difficult time watching Pip make a fool of himself." Merry frowned. "It doesn't suit him. He's smarter than that and his idea of mischief is never malicious. But I wouldn't put anything at all past Sancho. He's a conniving, plotting little scoundrel!"
"And I agree." Frodo patted Merry on the back. "But we can't make accusations that aren't founded. That will only create more problems, and maybe even make it harder for Pippin. If he sees us taking sides he'll get defensive and Sancho will see that and use it to his advantage." Frodo gathered his tools and Merry trotted after him to the shed.
"I suggest we wait and watch. See what happens."
"Frodo-"
"Merry, I know it's difficult but unless we have a specific reason I am not going to Sancho or his parents. You know how they tend to dote on him. That's a big part of his problem. He's been too coddled."
"You mean he's spoiled rotten?"
Frodo chuckled as he cleaned the gardening tools. "Something like that."
"Well, I'm going to keep both eyes on him. I can't abide how he gets away with things while Pippin ends up getting punished. Do you know his father actually laughed about the piglets they stole? I heard Uncle Pad telling Aunt Tina that Sancho's da thought the whole incident was a huge jest. 'Lads will be lads' he said."
"Oh, I bet Paladin was about ready to explode." Frodo grimaced.
"But still they've stopped short of forbidding Pippin to go about with Sancho. I wish they would. It's likely the only way to keep him out of trouble."
"Perhaps they want Pippin to learn from his mistakes. If they don't give him leave to do that how will he know what to do differently next time?"
"Pippin makes plenty of other mistakes he can learn from," Merry grumbled.
"Merry, Pippin has to learn how to say no. That's his responsibility. You can not protect him from that. If he has to get his hide tanned a few times to learn right from wrong-"
"You mean a few hundred times."
"Yes, after all he is very nearly as stubborn as you!"
Frodo laughed and ducked when a bag of seed flew in his direction. "Besides, I thought you wanted more opportunity to be with the older lads instead of having your baby cousin tag along after you all the time. Didn't you make that rather clear to Pippin at Berilac's birthday party recently?" Frodo started up the path to Bag End.
"Well. . ."
Frodo raised an eyebrow in question.
"Like I said, I don't like Sancho getting away with things while Pippin gets in trouble. It just isn't right."
Frodo placed an arm around Merry's shoulders. "I don't either. So we'll keep an eye on them both, all right? But Pippin still has to learn his own lessons."
Merry grudgingly agreed.
"Come then, it's time for supper. If you like, we can discuss your concerns with Bilbo. When Pippin arrives tomorrow perhaps dear Bilbo can have a little chat with him, hmm?"
Merry brightened. "That may be just the thing. All right, I have a whole list of concerns I'll ask Bilbo to talk to him about."
"You're getting carried away again." Frodo followed, shaking his head as Merry darted past him.
III
"But I don't want to! I thought we were going to have some fun?"
"We will Pippin, after we help Bilbo take these plants down to the Gaffer's." Frodo frowned. "What is the matter with you today? This isn't like you at all. What put you in such a foul mood?"
Pippin tossed a look at Merry and pressed his lips into a thin line. Merry ignored him and continued helping load the plants onto the little cart. Finally Pippin leaned close and whispered in Frodo's ear. "Merry's angry with me."
Frodo glanced at their cousin who continued about his business as if he hadn't heard anything. "What does Merry have to be angry with you about?"
Pippin didn't answer.
"Come lads!"
Their exchange was interrupted by Bilbo's cheerful voice as he came out the door. The old hobbit surveyed his charges with a twinkle in his eyes before proceeding to the front of the pony cart and climbing in. They all followed suit, Merry and Frodo climbing into the back while Pippin hopped nimbly up to sit by Bilbo.
"Well young sir! 'Tis a fine day for a ride, so why are you all a bluster?"
"Hmph." Pippin crossed his arms in front of him.
"Ah well, have it your way then my lad. The day is too magnificent to waste on a grumpy mood." Bilbo urged the pony on his way.
Not one to be quiet for long, Pippin began to brighten when they reached the Gaffer's home a short time later and he leaped to the ground as soon as the little cart came to a halt. Merry and Frodo followed suit and it wasn't long before they had the flowers placed carefully in the shed.
Frodo nudged his cousin and nodded at Pippin who was watching Sam's youngest sister adoringly. Merry grinned at him. It was no secret that Pippin had a crush on Marigold.
"Perhaps Sam's sister can help get Pippin back into a more cordial mood, hmm?"
Merry snickered
"I'd thought Pippin a bit young for that but then wonders never cease where he's concerned." Frodo looked up at the sound of his name and hurried to join Bilbo and Hamfast Gamgee.
Bilbo and his young charges were soon on the way again, the little pony cart making it's way lazily down the lane. A morning spent by the water would be the perfect way to begin another warm day. Bilbo thought over what Merry had told him last evening as he maneuvered the little wagon giving the pony free rein at times. Perhaps a bit of a chat with young Pippin might persuade the youngster to reconsider the folly of his ways before he ended up over Paladin's knee again. Sancho was an overindulged and inconsiderate lad, no doubt about it, and Bilbo was hard pressed to understand just what the boy got out of his penchant for real trouble.
"Why don't you sit here and talk with your old cousin for a spell, Peregrin?" Bilbo patted the ground next to him and leaned against the great boulder while lighting his pipe. Pippin eyed him curiously and darted a look at Frodo and Merry before seating himself where he was bid. Bilbo raised his brow at the older two and taking the hint they quickly made an excuse to trail off on their own. Bilbo settled in contentedly and placed an arm around the small shoulders. Pippin looked up at him and blinked.
"Ah, yes. Fine day it is."
"You've said that a great many times today, Cousin Bilbo." Pippin eyed him, puzzled. "Is everything all right?"
"Good gracious me! Of course it is lad. Why do you ask?"
"Well, it isn't often that you ask me to sit with you while Frodo and Merry go off on their own." Pippin tugged at the grass and tossed a couple pebbles in the water. "What do you want to talk about?"
Bilbo sighed. The boy was just a bit too discerning at times. "Well, now that you mention it, there is something I've been meaning to discuss with you."
"What?Are you upset with me? Have I done something wrong? Why, I haven't even been here an entire day yet. What-"
"Oh, do settle down. I never said I was upset with you, did I?"
Bilbo hesitated. "Pippin, I understand you have been spending a fair amount of time with Sancho Proudfoot lately." Pippin eyed the old hobbit warily.
Bilbo sighed again, louder this time. "Peregrin, that lad has an overdeveloped sense of trouble. It seems to follow him wherever he goes. Perhaps you should-"
"Merry's been talking to you?" He leaped up and scowled in the direction his cousins had gone. "Merry has no right poking his nose into everything I do and then telling on me. I'm going to-"
Bilbo reached over and pulled the youngster down beside him. "You're going to do nothing except sit here and afford me the courtesy of listening to what I have to say." Bilbo frowned. Pippin huffed and hugged his legs up to his chin, rocking back and forth, but said no more.
"Now, all I want to do is tell you to use a little common sense before you get yourself in over your head. Sancho has a way of getting into some silly and sometimes even dangerous situations, and he's all too willing to take his friends along with him. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Pippin snorted. "I understand. You don't think I have the sense to know who my friends should be or whether or not they're getting me into trouble. I can't believe you're scolding me about Sancho, too. You don't understand either. Oh, I'm going to let Merry have it." Pippin jumped to his feet again.
Bilbo caught his arm. "You'll do no such thing. Now sit down and listen to me."
Pippin sat reluctantly.
Supper had been a quiet affair. A disgruntled Pippin said very little to anyone as they shared the table in near silence. Afterward he went to his room early and closed the door, refusing to speak to anyone.
"If he keeps up this attitude we're all going to have a miserable visit," Merry lamented.
"No, because if he insists upon continuing with his sulking and pouting I will turn him over my knee and blister his backside," Bilbo assured him. He sighed. "There's no doubt in my mind that he's headed for trouble. He needs to be brought to his senses and it will be none too soon when he is."
"Do you think we should have a talk with Sancho?"
"No, Merry. I think Frodo is right. It would do nothing save put the little rascal on alert, perhaps even make him more vindictive."
"Well then, would you have a talk with Uncle Paladin then? Please Bilbo?"
The old hobbit patted Merry on the back. "I'll consider it lad. I want to think it over first. I learned a rather long time ago that poking my nose into the business of others, particularly when it concerns the raising of children, is something that should not be taken lightly."
Merry glanced at Frodo, his unhappiness plain to read. His cousin said nothing.
III
Pippin was itching to get released from his chores his first morning back from the visit to Bag End. The weekend had been so much fun, and he'd had all that free time to go about with his cousins and not have to be concerned with other responsibilities. He danced from one foot to the other, listening impatiently to his father's instructions and waiting for another opportunity to interject his opinion.
"Here lad, take this in to young Tom, will you now?" Paladin indicated the small lean-to where their ponies were shod. "Then get back here straight away. I've a list of things for you to get done this morning."
Pippin stared at the box of tools in dismay. It didn't seem his father had listened to a word he'd said. Frowning, he accepted the bundle and obediently ran his errand. Trotting back to where his father worked in the barnyard he began to plead his case again. Paladin sighed, his patience all but worn completely out. He stood and turned to his son.
"Pippin, you are staying put for the time being. I already told you that. Several times in fact. Don't be keeping this up or I'll-"
"But, Da! I'll be good! Please don't make me stay home today."
"I'll not be telling you again, lad. 'Tis not about my concern with your past behaviour." Pippin's face fell at his father's words. Paladin patted his son's shoulder. "Peregrin, you have chores and other responsibilities to your family. You can't have every single moment free to run wild with your friends."
"But Da, there isn't anything I'm supposed to do that couldn't wait 'til later. Just let me go for a -"
Paladin's face darkened. "No, Peregrin. What part of this conversation are you not understanding? No means exactly that, and it's time you listened. Now, I will not see you carrying on like a faunt one moment longer. You'd best stop and get busy before I'm tempted to. . ."
Pippin gulped and hurried away, not caring to hear what his da might be tempted to do. He muttered to himself about the unfair expectations of parents and the enormous amount of chores he was expected to shoulder. He was still muttering when he tripped over Sancho hiding behind the barn door. His cousin grinned at him and winked.
"In trouble again, Pip?"
Pippin scowled. "You best not be seen. Da is not exactly happy with me at the moment. Or you either, for that matter."
"Hmph, what else is new? Come on, sneak away with me. You can do it. They'll never even know you're gone."
Pippin shook his head. "Don't tempt me. I'm supposed to be doing my chores. If Da finds I've gone without his say so I'll be in big trouble when I get home."
"Come Pip, it'll be worth it!" Sancho's eyes gleamed.
"Hmph, for you maybe. I don't want to get another strapping. It hurts, you know."
"Oh, not that bad. You can take it. Come, let's go!" Sancho tugged on his arm before slipping out the door.
Pippin darted a helpless look around the barn before sprinting after his cousin. "I can't come with you I said. You heard my da. I have to stay home today. I got it good last week for sneaking off. I'd like to be able to sit down again before I go risking my backside another time."
Sancho smirked. "You're afraid."
"Aye! I am! I just said so!"
"Sheesh Pip, afraid of a little strapping. Fauntling."
"That's easy for you to say. You hardly ever get a thrashing, do you?"
"No, never. I'm too good for that."
"Whatever are you talking about?"
"I'm too smart to get caught. Unlike others I know." Sancho laughed.
Pippin crossed his arms, scowling. "I can keep from getting caught when I want to."
"Right, prove it then."
Pippin hesitated, chewing on his lower lip. He didn't like the idea of appearing frightened in front of Sancho. On the other hand he wasn't looking forward to getting punished again, either.
"I knew it. You can't do it."
"I can so. I just don't want to right now, that's all."
"Right, Pip. Certainly. That's all it is." Sancho shook his head. "It's not at all about you being so scared of your da you don't dare disobey him. I bet you'd wet your britches if he even raised his voice right now."
Pippin blushed furiously at the taunt. "All right then," he hissed, "Let's go!"
Sancho grinned. "That's the spirit," he chortled.
They crouched behind a stack of hay and watched until Paladin turned away. Sancho leaped to his feet grabbing Pippin by the arm and dragging him along. "Hurry! Now's our chance!"
Pippin groaned inwardly and tore after his cousin. Not again, he thought. I must be completely out of my mind.
