Book 1, Chapter 8:
But what should happen, as soon as the Hobbits leave?
Of course they would go off-track, and be captured!
While searching through mist and cloud to find their way,
The foul home of a Barrow-wight they found instead!
A terror in his Barrow, full of evil treasure, and he was now their Master!
Frodo awoke from cold terror, only to find a sword on the necks of friends!
He hewed away at groping hand and dark song,
Then sang away for help from Tom Bombadil!
No sooner had he finished than came another song, a happy tune,
For Tom had heard the Hobbit's cry and came!
Free now rode the Hobbits with their friend Tom
To the borders of his land, and in sight of the Prancing Pony inn.
For there it was, he said
A good stopping-place,
Rest and peace and bed,
And, said Merry, beer in case!
Book 1, chapter 9:
The Prancing Pony was a lively old inn,
And after supper, the Hobbits joined the throng in the main room.
Frodo sat for some time, then answered questions:
His purpose, so he said, was to write a book about other Hobbits,
And many stories he then received from the Bree-landers,
When Strider, a dark, solid man in the corner, beckoned him.
"You might do well to quiet your friend, there," he was told,
For this man seemed to know more than he said.
The friend was Pippin, who was giving the story of Bilbo.
The Ring! Frodo thought, so he stood and made a speech.
He thanked the Hobbits in the room for their help,
Then sang a silly little ditty about cows and moons and drink;
The second time he sang, he jumped with the cow leaping in the song.
He landed on a pile of dishes, and the Ring slipped on his finger.
The party was ruined for the night, and they all retired.
And the Hobbits' danger greatly increased.
For Dark Strider knew much,
As did an evil in the room,
He sought more evil as such,
And brought the Hobbits close to Doom.
Book 1, Chapter 10:
Strider Dark appeared in the parlor after the Hobbits.
He wanted just for Frodo to take him on as guide for their journey,
For he seemed to know much about the surrounding lands—and Riders.
Frodo questioned him, but before an answer was to come,
Old, rustic Innkeeper Butterbur entered the room.
A letter he had for a Mr. Baggins, straight from Gandalf months before.
"Leave the Shire!" the letter warned, "And trust Strider—if he is true."
Though late in coming, the letter did good.
But the Riders were close behind! Late was their knowledge.
Their rooms must not be occupied, lest they be taken!
Butterbur, though forgetful, kindly had the beds disguised like Hobbits.
In the parlor they waited, for Strider guarded them greatly.
Strider built the fire up,
Then blew the candles out,
The Hobbits slept till sunup,
For their hearts were stout.