Ch 8 The attendant's Story

The young hobbitess entered the Thain's study hesitantly. "Iris Bracegirdle, at your service. You wish to talk to me?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, if you don't mind. I have some questions for you. I understand that several times lately, there were beds slept in after you had already made them. Would it be possible for you to tell me of them?" said Holmes.

"Certainly sir. I have noticed that several times. I would make the bed; then, when I would re-enter the room in order to sweep, the bed would look as if someone had slept in it. I reported it immediately to Mrs. Took. We asked everyone if they slept there, but no one admitted it. The Thain and his wife is very firm-once the beds are made, if you sleep in them, you remake it."

Holmes thought for a moment, and then asked Iris "Do you, by chance remember when this first happened?"

"Certainly, I remember exactly, Mr. Holmes. It was three weeks ago. Actually, it was the day before the Thain's wand disappeared. There is one other piece of information that might be of interest. I noticed some old clothing is missing. There were three shirts and two pairs of pants missing."

Holmes' eyes lit up. He nodded, and said, "Thank you, Miss Iris. I very much appreciate having that information. It fitrs in with the tentative theory I have."

He thanked Iris for taking the time from her busy schedule and coming in to talk to him. He then went to talk to Pippin in the study. Shortly afterwards, two figures slipped from the Great Smials and went to Buckland, where they were warmly greeted.

Meanwhile, Holmes went to investigate the rest of the Smials, as Peregrin and Diamond went about their various duties.

Ah, I see it is bedtime. May the Valar watch over you, and the Illuvator keep you safe until we meet in the morn.