Yay for the next chapter. Oh, and I'm sorry, but I don't feel like signing on to the internet and finding out, but someone a couple chapters back said that this story is a bit slow moving....and I'd just like to say 1.) sorry if you don't like it and 2.) it's going to speed up a little in a few chapters, so hang tight! ;) ya, so here's the next chapter:

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The four hobbits did not lead Flavia very far. At first she thought they were going to Frodo's house. Instead, they all went inside Sam's. she quietly snuck around the side of the house and peered in a few windows until she found one where she could easily see them. Her eyes quickly scanned the room, and when she was sure that no one was looking at the window, she opened it a crack. Sam had the common round windows, without locks, but as she pushed it inwards, it squeaked. She instantly pressed herself as close to the wall as she possibly could.

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Inside, Sam was just serving the drinks when they all heard a squeak from the window. Pippin jumped up, "What was that?" they all looked a little pale, except Sam. "Just the wind, it does that all the rime." He set down his tray of cups and went to the window. Instead of closing it, however, he opened it all the way and peered out into the inky blackness of night. "That's odd," he said, "there seems to be no wind tonight." Pippin looked as if he would faint. "Do you suppose someone knows what we're up to?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as he looked around the room.

"How could they?" came Fredegar's reply.

"Who knows?" piped in Merry, who seemed to have already gotten over his fright.

"Strange," said Sam as he closed the window and finished serving the drinks he went to the kitchen to put the tray away, and then sat down in a chair.

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Flavia almost sighed with relief, but now a new problem had arisen: How would she get the window open without them noticing? She looked around and a bed of tulips caught her eye. She crawled over to them, silently apologized to Sam, and plucked two pedals off one of the flowers.

She creeped back over to the window and stuffed the pedals around the hinges; careful to stay out of sight. When that was complete, she silently prayed that it would work...and pushed. All was quiet. She smiled to herself and resumed her well-known position under the window.

It took a while for them to say anything of interest. First they had refreshments and drinks, which took quite some time. Then they talked for a bit about the party. Finally, talk began to drift towards the Ring. Merry explained how he had seen Bilbo use it once to get away from the Sackville- Baginses. They decided that Bilbo had given the Ring to Frodo.

"I expect he'll follow after ol' Bilbo soon enough," put in Fatty. They all nodded their heads in agreement. "So, as his friends, I think we ought to do all we can for him." Again, all nodded. "We should find out more about this ring of his," said Merry, "We need to know more about everything....what we need....is a spy!"

Flavia paled. They knew she was there. What would they do to her? Was she for them or against them? Her mind raced, she expected to see their faces pressed against the window any second. But nothing happened, they were trying to decide who would be the best for the job. She reprimanded herself for jumping to conclusions and being so paranoid.

"I nominate Sam," Pippin said, "He's always around Frodo's...trimming the hedges...near the windows and things." They all stood in shock for a moment since this brilliant idea belonged to Pippin. "Yes...it should be Sam!" Merry agreed, after the minute or two of shocked silence.

Sam refused at first, but the decision was unanimous. Sam was the insider.

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Wow. That's like the longest chapter so far! Did you like the shorter paragraphs? I don't know if I do, but I'd be willing to do that more if my readers like it better. It doesn't matter. Ya, so on to the reviews!

INSANE1: I'm so glad you like it so much. It's always encouraging for an author to hear praise for their works. I'm very, very glad you enjoy it!

Yay, I've already started the next chapter, so that should be up soon too! Keep checking back!