Camellia - Gamgee - Took - Glad you enjoyed the last chapter. We're back to Frodo and Lotho again in this one, but first we'll look in on Bilbo.
Heartofahobbit - Lotho is unlikely to let himself be won over by Frodo's good character, but he may see his own shortcomings by comparison someday. Lotho might not succeed in something like blaming the cave - in on Frodo, but you can bet he will have his own version of the story.
Endymion2 - Perhaps Frodo should have whacked Lotho over the head for his rude comments! I myself know nothing about re-locating a shoulder that's out of place, besides watching Mel Gibson do it in "Lethal Weapon" by slamming himself into a wall. If it worked for Mel, why not? More interaction between Lotho and Frodo is coming up.
Amelia Rose - Being stuck in a dark hole with Lotho is certainly not the way I would want to spend my time! If they want to survive, they will have to help each other.
FantasyFan - Frodo is too good, especially under these circumstances. Lotho wouldn't go quite so far as to kill Frodo and claim he died in the accident. In fact, Lotho's not much good for digging right now, and he needs Frodo if he wants to get out of there.
Aratlithiel - Lotho is in the presence of something too big and too great for him to understand. Frodo's spirit certainly does shine even in the darkest of places.
LotRseer3350 - Frodo will not say anything specific about what happened in Bree, but he will give some indication in this chapter that the memories are still very strong.
Iorhael - As we know, Lotho never truly learns his lesson, not completely. This might have been an opportunity for him to have done so. Frodo isn't having any more problems from his illness, at least not for the time being.
TTTurtle - Lotho and Frodo will not become friends as a result of this experience, and that is entirely Lotho's decision.
Shire Baggins - Frodo may not be able to realize how far Lotho will go, because his mind doesn't work like Lotho's. Lotho won't try to kill Frodo in the cave - in, but he's feeling pretty angst - ridden with the whole situation right now.
Anime Princess 4 - You want Frodo to punch Lotho? Who knows! Maybe I can arrange that at some time in this story!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 17 - Missing
~*~
Author's note - this chapter contains a reference to events that occurred in "On the Banks of the Brandywine."
~*~
Bilbo paced nervously, unable to remain seated as his thoughts nagged at him. Frodo should have returned hours ago, but there had been no sign of him. For the third time in an hour, Bilbo walked out onto the front step and stood looking down the path in hopes that Frodo would suddenly appear, apologizing for his tardiness.
Frodo did not appear, and Bilbo sighed. As he turned to go back indoors, he caught sight of Sam and the Gaffer in the garden, working diligently. Bilbo made a detour into the garden and called to them.
"Hamfast! Samwise! Have you seen Frodo? He should have been home by teatime and I haven't heard from him." Surprise and concern were evident in the faces of the gardeners as they recalled when they had last glimpsed Frodo that day.
"I haven't seen him since before luncheon," Sam offered. "He had his pack with him and he went off somewheres."
"Aye, that's true," the Gaffer confirmed. "Come to think on it, I've not seen the boy since then myself."
"Did he mention where he might be going?" Bilbo asked hopefully. "The last he told me of his plans was that he intended to go walking and might find a good place to stop and read for a while."
"I know Mr. Frodo likes to do those things," Sam said. "But I was busy out here and I didn't get to talk with him."
Bilbo nodded. So Frodo was late in arriving home, and none of them knew his exact whereabouts. Perhaps someone in town had seen him. "I'm going to ask around. Would you both like to take a rest from your chores and join me?"
"We just finished getting them taters weeded, so I don't see no harm in it," the Gaffer said thoughtfully. It would be dark soon anyway, and they could make an early start of it the following morning.
The Gamgees stowed their tools in the shed, and Sam hurried back home to tell his mother where they were going. No sense having the entire Row in an uproar, and everyone wondering where everyone else had got to.
They asked anyone they met along the way if they had seen Frodo, and by the time they reached the Ivy Bush they had no more information than when they had started. Bilbo sighed wearily as he opened the door and trudged into the inn.
"Good afternoon, my dear," Bilbo addressed the barmaid. "I seem to be short one tweenage lad, and I'm wondering if you've seen Frodo recently?"
She thought for a moment, and the name and face clicked in her mind. "Oh, yes, Master Baggins. It was earlier this afternoon, some hours ago. He stopped in for an ale and a bite, and left soon after."
Just as Bilbo was about to question her further, the door banged open and Otho and Lobelia tromped in. They looked about the room intently, and Lobelia scowled when her gaze fell upon Bilbo and the Gamgees. She made a beeline for them as Otho hurried to keep up.
"Bilbo Baggins! Has that Bucklander of yours got my Lotho into trouble?" she shrilled angrily.
"My dear Lobelia, whatever are you going on about?" Bilbo asked sharply. "I should ask a similar question of you, as Frodo has not returned from his outing today." His eyes narrowed. "We both know every time something untoward has come about that Lotho was never far away."
"How dare you insinuate - " Otho stepped in and held up a hand to still Lobelia's tirade.
"Forgive me, Bilbo, but I just don't want to hear any more on the subject." He looked at Lobelia. "From either of you." Lobelia's mouth hung open as she gaped at her husband. Otho must be irritated indeed, for he never interrupted her.
Otho continued. "We have come looking for Lotho, who is also late to table. Neither of us will make any progress in our searches if we stand here and argue."
"I cannot dispute that," Bilbo said, glad of Otho's bold intervention. The last thing his current mood would tolerate was one of Lobelia's rants. To the room at large, Bilbo said, "Now that we undoubtedly have everyone's attention, has anyone seen Frodo or Lotho?"
Ted Sandyman had been ignoring the entire exchange up to that point, thinking it was just another bit of feuding between Bilbo and his relations. The mention of Lotho caused him to look up and his brow furrowed as he thought.
Lotho had said he was going to Empty Row, and that he was sure Frodo was going too. He got up from his seat and approached the other hobbits. "Your pardons," he said, "but Lotho said somethin' about going to Empty Row earlier."
"Empty Row?" Lobelia exclaimed. "Why would he go there? There's naught there but a couple of abandoned holes."
Ted quailed but answered the question. "Well he said he was goin'," he offered weakly, tongue - tied in the face of Lobelia's ire.
"What about Frodo? Have you seen him as well?" Bilbo quizzed the tween.
"Lotho thought Frodo was going there too," he gulped, discomfited by so many agitated adults staring at him.
"Frodo AND Lotho went to Empty Row?" Bilbo said incredulously. His face reddened as he turned to Otho and Lobelia. "I don't know just what's going on, but if that boy of yours has brought any harm to Frodo - "
Voices erupted in argument as insults and accusations flew. The Gaffer cleared his throat noisily as Sam looked about ready to bolt. "Beggin' your pardon, Mr. Bilbo," Hamfast began, striving to get the old gentlehobbit's attention. "But hadn't we maybe better go see for ourselves if Mr. Frodo is there? It's goin' to be dark soon."
Bilbo bit back the comment he had been about to hurl at Lobelia and nodded. "Let us make our way there immediately." Bilbo didn't bother to say farewell to the other hobbits, but made for the door hastily with the Gamgees following. Lobelia and Otho stood staring after him for a moment.
Lobelia was the first to recover. "What are you staring at?" She whacked Otho on the arm. "Go after our son. I'll be waiting at home."
There was no arguing with Lobelia in such a mood, and Otho sighed as he walked out the door. He hurried to catch up with Bilbo and the Gamgees. "Hold up," he called, huffing as he half walked, half ran to join the other hobbits. "If we're going to the same place we might as well go together. I've got a cart and pony we can use, if you're willing."
Bilbo nodded. Otho wasn't so bad on his own, he reflected. Lobelia was the greater pain by far, and as long as she wasn't going along, Bilbo figured he could deal with the situation. "Very well, thank you for lending a hand."
"My son is out there too, remember," Otho said by way of explanation. "I wonder what they'd be doing together. I didn't think they liked each other."
Bilbo's expression was as sour as unripe berries. "I share your confusion on the matter," he said as the group turned down the path toward the Sackville - Baggins residence to retrieve the cart.
~*~
Frodo reached into the pack and pulled out an apple. He had re - lit the candle briefly so he could see as he used a small knife to cut the apple into slices. He then sawed a couple of chunks off the loaf of bread and brought forth a small flask of water. "It isn't much, but we've little choice, I'm afraid." He handed Lotho his share and munched on a slice of the apple.
"Thanks," Lotho said as he followed suit. "At this point I think I would settle for a bite of anything that didn't bite me first." Bread and apples had never tasted so good to him before.
Frodo shifted uncomfortably as he leaned back against the wall. "It's getting stuffy in here," he commented. They had to break through to fresh air soon, he thought grimly. He wondered how much oxygen was left to them and how long it would last. He and Lotho both looked at the candle at the same time, and Frodo put it out.
"I'm not saying we're going to die or anything like that," Lotho began. "But it sure would be a stupid way to go." He stared into the darkness. "Have you ever thought about it, Frodo? About dying?"
The question caught Frodo off guard. "Well, yes, sometimes," he admitted. He really didn't want to talk about it right then.
"Do you think you'll be afraid, y'know? When the time comes?" Lotho asked blandly.
"I don't know," Frodo answered. He thought he might be, depending upon the circumstances. He had been fairly sure that his parents had been frightened as the river's currents pulled them deeper. He shuddered, suddenly glad of the concealing darkness. "It would depend. If I were very ill, I imagine I wouldn't be afraid. I would just be aware of how terrible I felt."
Lotho nodded. "If it were an accident, it might happen too fast for you to be afraid," he offered. "I wonder what it's like to suffocate," he said morosely.
"Let's not talk about it anymore, all right?" Frodo couldn't keep his voice from catching in his throat. He knew more than he wanted to share about the subject. He remembered hands around his throat, squeezing tighter and tighter, and struggling desperately for a single breath of life - sustaining air.
"All right," Lotho agreed after a brief silence. Frodo had shown no signs of agitation until that moment, and Lotho wondered what it was about his question that had made Frodo so upset.
They finished their simple meal in silence, and Frodo rose to resume his turn at digging.
~*~
The cart rattled along the road with Otho and Bilbo in the front and Sam and the Gaffer riding in the back. Bilbo directed Otho as they went, for he was quite familiar with the areas around Hobbiton from his wanderings.
The sun was low in the western sky, promising that nightfall was not far off. Bilbo hoped nothing untoward had occurred and that they found the tweens before darkness fell.
Bilbo's mind bombarded him with a litany of possible disasters that could have kept Frodo from his timely return. He pictured Frodo injuring himself in a fall, being unable to make his way home. He frowned as other possibilities entered his mind. He was more disturbed than he wanted to let on regarding the fact that Lotho was missing as well. Follow the scent of trouble, and you would surely find Lotho! What if Lotho had resorted to something more sinister than mere dirty tricks?
Bilbo glanced at Otho, whose eyes were fixed on the road ahead. Did Otho know anything about Lotho's possible involvement in Frodo's previous mishaps? He was certain Lobelia would have told her husband of their conversation a few months back when Bilbo had warned her to keep Lotho away from Frodo. It seemed his demands had not been taken seriously, at least not by the tween in question.
If Lotho had it in his mind to thrash Frodo, Bilbo was certain that Frodo could handle himself. He'd seen the lad retaliate against a slightly larger assailant at Brandy Hall, and he had noticed a surprising amount of strength in the wiry young hobbit. Frodo was quick on his feet, too. If he couldn't outfight Lotho, he could likely outrun him. There had to be a good explanation for the absence of the two lads, and Bilbo was quite eager to learn of it.
They rounded a bend and the hill where the empty holes were located came into view. Otho stopped the cart a short distance away, and the four hobbits climbed down to investigate. The Gaffer was the first one to reach the mouth of the first hole, and he peered inside.
"Mighty dark in there," he said, turning to look back at the cart. "Is there a lantern around?" he called.
Otho produced a lantern from the cart and lit it. He held it out to Hamfast, who again examined the tunnel. Sam glanced down and saw footprints leading into the darkness beyond. There were two sets, one a little smaller than the other.
"Someone's been here," he said as he pointed. "Those are fresh, Mr. Bilbo."
Bilbo leaned down and examined the prints. "Frodo!" he called down the tunnel. "Are you there, lad?" There was no answer, and Bilbo motioned to Hamfast to give him the lantern. He walked into the tunnel and the others followed his slow progress as he investigated.
"Eru, no!" Bilbo gasped as he came to a place where the tunnel was completely blocked by fallen rock and earth. It was a new fall, he could tell, as the dirt was not tightly compacted but feathered away to the floor at the touch of his hand. He nearly dropped the lantern in his haste to put it down, and began to claw at the obstacle with his bare hands, shouting, "Frodo! Frodo!"
Otho was white as table linen as he looked on in disbelief.
The Gaffer stepped up behind Bilbo and rested a hand on the old hobbit's shoulder. "If we're to be of any use to them, Mr. Bilbo, we'll need more help and some proper tools."
Bilbo forced himself to calm down and listen to his gardener. "Go back and get those sturdy lads of yours, Hamfast. Bring shovels and more lanterns. Hurry!"
Otho bolted out of the hole toward the cart with Hamfast following. Bilbo made no move to join them, but stood staring at the mass of dirt and stone that separated him from someone he cherished. Sam stood beside him, looking on with a mournful expression.
"We'll get Mr. Frodo out safe, Mr. Bilbo," Sam said hopefully. "You'll see."
"We must, Samwise," Bilbo said haltingly.
With nothing better to do until help arrived, Sam began to dislodge the largest rocks he could carry from the pile and toss them aside one by one. Bilbo leaned against the wall of the tunnel with an expression of fear and anguish on his face as Sam worked away at the obstruction with a grim face and stolid determination.
~*~To be continued~*~
Heartofahobbit - Lotho is unlikely to let himself be won over by Frodo's good character, but he may see his own shortcomings by comparison someday. Lotho might not succeed in something like blaming the cave - in on Frodo, but you can bet he will have his own version of the story.
Endymion2 - Perhaps Frodo should have whacked Lotho over the head for his rude comments! I myself know nothing about re-locating a shoulder that's out of place, besides watching Mel Gibson do it in "Lethal Weapon" by slamming himself into a wall. If it worked for Mel, why not? More interaction between Lotho and Frodo is coming up.
Amelia Rose - Being stuck in a dark hole with Lotho is certainly not the way I would want to spend my time! If they want to survive, they will have to help each other.
FantasyFan - Frodo is too good, especially under these circumstances. Lotho wouldn't go quite so far as to kill Frodo and claim he died in the accident. In fact, Lotho's not much good for digging right now, and he needs Frodo if he wants to get out of there.
Aratlithiel - Lotho is in the presence of something too big and too great for him to understand. Frodo's spirit certainly does shine even in the darkest of places.
LotRseer3350 - Frodo will not say anything specific about what happened in Bree, but he will give some indication in this chapter that the memories are still very strong.
Iorhael - As we know, Lotho never truly learns his lesson, not completely. This might have been an opportunity for him to have done so. Frodo isn't having any more problems from his illness, at least not for the time being.
TTTurtle - Lotho and Frodo will not become friends as a result of this experience, and that is entirely Lotho's decision.
Shire Baggins - Frodo may not be able to realize how far Lotho will go, because his mind doesn't work like Lotho's. Lotho won't try to kill Frodo in the cave - in, but he's feeling pretty angst - ridden with the whole situation right now.
Anime Princess 4 - You want Frodo to punch Lotho? Who knows! Maybe I can arrange that at some time in this story!
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Chapter 17 - Missing
~*~
Author's note - this chapter contains a reference to events that occurred in "On the Banks of the Brandywine."
~*~
Bilbo paced nervously, unable to remain seated as his thoughts nagged at him. Frodo should have returned hours ago, but there had been no sign of him. For the third time in an hour, Bilbo walked out onto the front step and stood looking down the path in hopes that Frodo would suddenly appear, apologizing for his tardiness.
Frodo did not appear, and Bilbo sighed. As he turned to go back indoors, he caught sight of Sam and the Gaffer in the garden, working diligently. Bilbo made a detour into the garden and called to them.
"Hamfast! Samwise! Have you seen Frodo? He should have been home by teatime and I haven't heard from him." Surprise and concern were evident in the faces of the gardeners as they recalled when they had last glimpsed Frodo that day.
"I haven't seen him since before luncheon," Sam offered. "He had his pack with him and he went off somewheres."
"Aye, that's true," the Gaffer confirmed. "Come to think on it, I've not seen the boy since then myself."
"Did he mention where he might be going?" Bilbo asked hopefully. "The last he told me of his plans was that he intended to go walking and might find a good place to stop and read for a while."
"I know Mr. Frodo likes to do those things," Sam said. "But I was busy out here and I didn't get to talk with him."
Bilbo nodded. So Frodo was late in arriving home, and none of them knew his exact whereabouts. Perhaps someone in town had seen him. "I'm going to ask around. Would you both like to take a rest from your chores and join me?"
"We just finished getting them taters weeded, so I don't see no harm in it," the Gaffer said thoughtfully. It would be dark soon anyway, and they could make an early start of it the following morning.
The Gamgees stowed their tools in the shed, and Sam hurried back home to tell his mother where they were going. No sense having the entire Row in an uproar, and everyone wondering where everyone else had got to.
They asked anyone they met along the way if they had seen Frodo, and by the time they reached the Ivy Bush they had no more information than when they had started. Bilbo sighed wearily as he opened the door and trudged into the inn.
"Good afternoon, my dear," Bilbo addressed the barmaid. "I seem to be short one tweenage lad, and I'm wondering if you've seen Frodo recently?"
She thought for a moment, and the name and face clicked in her mind. "Oh, yes, Master Baggins. It was earlier this afternoon, some hours ago. He stopped in for an ale and a bite, and left soon after."
Just as Bilbo was about to question her further, the door banged open and Otho and Lobelia tromped in. They looked about the room intently, and Lobelia scowled when her gaze fell upon Bilbo and the Gamgees. She made a beeline for them as Otho hurried to keep up.
"Bilbo Baggins! Has that Bucklander of yours got my Lotho into trouble?" she shrilled angrily.
"My dear Lobelia, whatever are you going on about?" Bilbo asked sharply. "I should ask a similar question of you, as Frodo has not returned from his outing today." His eyes narrowed. "We both know every time something untoward has come about that Lotho was never far away."
"How dare you insinuate - " Otho stepped in and held up a hand to still Lobelia's tirade.
"Forgive me, Bilbo, but I just don't want to hear any more on the subject." He looked at Lobelia. "From either of you." Lobelia's mouth hung open as she gaped at her husband. Otho must be irritated indeed, for he never interrupted her.
Otho continued. "We have come looking for Lotho, who is also late to table. Neither of us will make any progress in our searches if we stand here and argue."
"I cannot dispute that," Bilbo said, glad of Otho's bold intervention. The last thing his current mood would tolerate was one of Lobelia's rants. To the room at large, Bilbo said, "Now that we undoubtedly have everyone's attention, has anyone seen Frodo or Lotho?"
Ted Sandyman had been ignoring the entire exchange up to that point, thinking it was just another bit of feuding between Bilbo and his relations. The mention of Lotho caused him to look up and his brow furrowed as he thought.
Lotho had said he was going to Empty Row, and that he was sure Frodo was going too. He got up from his seat and approached the other hobbits. "Your pardons," he said, "but Lotho said somethin' about going to Empty Row earlier."
"Empty Row?" Lobelia exclaimed. "Why would he go there? There's naught there but a couple of abandoned holes."
Ted quailed but answered the question. "Well he said he was goin'," he offered weakly, tongue - tied in the face of Lobelia's ire.
"What about Frodo? Have you seen him as well?" Bilbo quizzed the tween.
"Lotho thought Frodo was going there too," he gulped, discomfited by so many agitated adults staring at him.
"Frodo AND Lotho went to Empty Row?" Bilbo said incredulously. His face reddened as he turned to Otho and Lobelia. "I don't know just what's going on, but if that boy of yours has brought any harm to Frodo - "
Voices erupted in argument as insults and accusations flew. The Gaffer cleared his throat noisily as Sam looked about ready to bolt. "Beggin' your pardon, Mr. Bilbo," Hamfast began, striving to get the old gentlehobbit's attention. "But hadn't we maybe better go see for ourselves if Mr. Frodo is there? It's goin' to be dark soon."
Bilbo bit back the comment he had been about to hurl at Lobelia and nodded. "Let us make our way there immediately." Bilbo didn't bother to say farewell to the other hobbits, but made for the door hastily with the Gamgees following. Lobelia and Otho stood staring after him for a moment.
Lobelia was the first to recover. "What are you staring at?" She whacked Otho on the arm. "Go after our son. I'll be waiting at home."
There was no arguing with Lobelia in such a mood, and Otho sighed as he walked out the door. He hurried to catch up with Bilbo and the Gamgees. "Hold up," he called, huffing as he half walked, half ran to join the other hobbits. "If we're going to the same place we might as well go together. I've got a cart and pony we can use, if you're willing."
Bilbo nodded. Otho wasn't so bad on his own, he reflected. Lobelia was the greater pain by far, and as long as she wasn't going along, Bilbo figured he could deal with the situation. "Very well, thank you for lending a hand."
"My son is out there too, remember," Otho said by way of explanation. "I wonder what they'd be doing together. I didn't think they liked each other."
Bilbo's expression was as sour as unripe berries. "I share your confusion on the matter," he said as the group turned down the path toward the Sackville - Baggins residence to retrieve the cart.
~*~
Frodo reached into the pack and pulled out an apple. He had re - lit the candle briefly so he could see as he used a small knife to cut the apple into slices. He then sawed a couple of chunks off the loaf of bread and brought forth a small flask of water. "It isn't much, but we've little choice, I'm afraid." He handed Lotho his share and munched on a slice of the apple.
"Thanks," Lotho said as he followed suit. "At this point I think I would settle for a bite of anything that didn't bite me first." Bread and apples had never tasted so good to him before.
Frodo shifted uncomfortably as he leaned back against the wall. "It's getting stuffy in here," he commented. They had to break through to fresh air soon, he thought grimly. He wondered how much oxygen was left to them and how long it would last. He and Lotho both looked at the candle at the same time, and Frodo put it out.
"I'm not saying we're going to die or anything like that," Lotho began. "But it sure would be a stupid way to go." He stared into the darkness. "Have you ever thought about it, Frodo? About dying?"
The question caught Frodo off guard. "Well, yes, sometimes," he admitted. He really didn't want to talk about it right then.
"Do you think you'll be afraid, y'know? When the time comes?" Lotho asked blandly.
"I don't know," Frodo answered. He thought he might be, depending upon the circumstances. He had been fairly sure that his parents had been frightened as the river's currents pulled them deeper. He shuddered, suddenly glad of the concealing darkness. "It would depend. If I were very ill, I imagine I wouldn't be afraid. I would just be aware of how terrible I felt."
Lotho nodded. "If it were an accident, it might happen too fast for you to be afraid," he offered. "I wonder what it's like to suffocate," he said morosely.
"Let's not talk about it anymore, all right?" Frodo couldn't keep his voice from catching in his throat. He knew more than he wanted to share about the subject. He remembered hands around his throat, squeezing tighter and tighter, and struggling desperately for a single breath of life - sustaining air.
"All right," Lotho agreed after a brief silence. Frodo had shown no signs of agitation until that moment, and Lotho wondered what it was about his question that had made Frodo so upset.
They finished their simple meal in silence, and Frodo rose to resume his turn at digging.
~*~
The cart rattled along the road with Otho and Bilbo in the front and Sam and the Gaffer riding in the back. Bilbo directed Otho as they went, for he was quite familiar with the areas around Hobbiton from his wanderings.
The sun was low in the western sky, promising that nightfall was not far off. Bilbo hoped nothing untoward had occurred and that they found the tweens before darkness fell.
Bilbo's mind bombarded him with a litany of possible disasters that could have kept Frodo from his timely return. He pictured Frodo injuring himself in a fall, being unable to make his way home. He frowned as other possibilities entered his mind. He was more disturbed than he wanted to let on regarding the fact that Lotho was missing as well. Follow the scent of trouble, and you would surely find Lotho! What if Lotho had resorted to something more sinister than mere dirty tricks?
Bilbo glanced at Otho, whose eyes were fixed on the road ahead. Did Otho know anything about Lotho's possible involvement in Frodo's previous mishaps? He was certain Lobelia would have told her husband of their conversation a few months back when Bilbo had warned her to keep Lotho away from Frodo. It seemed his demands had not been taken seriously, at least not by the tween in question.
If Lotho had it in his mind to thrash Frodo, Bilbo was certain that Frodo could handle himself. He'd seen the lad retaliate against a slightly larger assailant at Brandy Hall, and he had noticed a surprising amount of strength in the wiry young hobbit. Frodo was quick on his feet, too. If he couldn't outfight Lotho, he could likely outrun him. There had to be a good explanation for the absence of the two lads, and Bilbo was quite eager to learn of it.
They rounded a bend and the hill where the empty holes were located came into view. Otho stopped the cart a short distance away, and the four hobbits climbed down to investigate. The Gaffer was the first one to reach the mouth of the first hole, and he peered inside.
"Mighty dark in there," he said, turning to look back at the cart. "Is there a lantern around?" he called.
Otho produced a lantern from the cart and lit it. He held it out to Hamfast, who again examined the tunnel. Sam glanced down and saw footprints leading into the darkness beyond. There were two sets, one a little smaller than the other.
"Someone's been here," he said as he pointed. "Those are fresh, Mr. Bilbo."
Bilbo leaned down and examined the prints. "Frodo!" he called down the tunnel. "Are you there, lad?" There was no answer, and Bilbo motioned to Hamfast to give him the lantern. He walked into the tunnel and the others followed his slow progress as he investigated.
"Eru, no!" Bilbo gasped as he came to a place where the tunnel was completely blocked by fallen rock and earth. It was a new fall, he could tell, as the dirt was not tightly compacted but feathered away to the floor at the touch of his hand. He nearly dropped the lantern in his haste to put it down, and began to claw at the obstacle with his bare hands, shouting, "Frodo! Frodo!"
Otho was white as table linen as he looked on in disbelief.
The Gaffer stepped up behind Bilbo and rested a hand on the old hobbit's shoulder. "If we're to be of any use to them, Mr. Bilbo, we'll need more help and some proper tools."
Bilbo forced himself to calm down and listen to his gardener. "Go back and get those sturdy lads of yours, Hamfast. Bring shovels and more lanterns. Hurry!"
Otho bolted out of the hole toward the cart with Hamfast following. Bilbo made no move to join them, but stood staring at the mass of dirt and stone that separated him from someone he cherished. Sam stood beside him, looking on with a mournful expression.
"We'll get Mr. Frodo out safe, Mr. Bilbo," Sam said hopefully. "You'll see."
"We must, Samwise," Bilbo said haltingly.
With nothing better to do until help arrived, Sam began to dislodge the largest rocks he could carry from the pile and toss them aside one by one. Bilbo leaned against the wall of the tunnel with an expression of fear and anguish on his face as Sam worked away at the obstruction with a grim face and stolid determination.
~*~To be continued~*~