Tipper gathered together a set of clothes and his spyglass, which was a present from the Bagginses, they being friends of the family and all. It was also the only thing of any value that he owned. Then when all was dark in the house, he gathered up all the food he could fit into his pack and quickly scrawled a note to the family on a piece of parchment.
Dear Mum and Papa,
I've gone to find Willow. I'm sorry you disapprove, but this is something I have to do. She's always been there for me and now it's my turn to be there for her. When you start to worry, just keep in mind, I am descended from a great family. I am of the same blood as Samwise the Brave. I love you all dearly, but I must go.
Goodbye,
Tipper
With that he slipped out the door and headed for Bilbo's home.
As he trudged slowly down the road, his eyes were constantly scanning for anyone who might see him and tell his parents. His thoughts began to stray. What would Bilbo say? What if he thought Tipper too young for this task also? What if he sent him home, or worse yet, told his parents? What would he do then?
He thought of not going to Bilbo at all, but then he remembered that Bilbo kept collections of maps and other relics from other lands and ancient days. He was much like the original Mister Bilbo. Tipper wouldn't get very far without a map. Fortunately he had been educated in how to read them. He must go to Bilbo's.
Bilbo's face lit up when he saw young Tipper standing on his doorstep, but then his face changed and he was quite somber, knowing why Tipper had come. "What are you doing out of bed at this hour, little master?" he asked politely, though he knew.
"I... I need to ask you a favor," Tipper said softly. "I want to go after Willow, but I need a map. I know how to read them, but haven't any. Would you borrow me one?"
"I'd borrow you my left arm if ye needed it," said Bilbo with a half hearted smile. "You'd best come in. It's too cold to be standing on my doorstep."
He led Tipper to a little room in the very back of the hole. It was bare except for a crowded desk and a bookshelf. The bookshelf was even more crowded than the desk. Both were littered with papers, books, maps, and letters, anything imaginable that told of the history of Hobbiton. Bilbo rummaged threw them with surprising speed. When he had found the one that he wanted, he whistled softly and poked his head out of the pile of papers. "Here it is, young master."
"What is it?" asked Tipper with curiosity.
"I'll show you," said Bilbo with a smile.
He took the map to the kitchen and laid it out on the table. He slipped a small pair of wire-rimmed glasses onto his nose and pointed. "This," he said, as he pointed to a spot on the map, "is us."
"I know that, sir" Tipper said, trying to sound calm. "I know how to read it. I just need to borrow it. I'm in a hurry. I'm going to find Willow." He stressed this point in case the old hobbit had forgotten why he had come.
"Well, in that case," said Bilbo with a twinkle in his eye, "you'll be needing a few other things too."
With a sudden energy, he scampered off to his bedroom and returned with a large bundle. "These were entrusted to me by my father. He intended me to keep them as heirlooms and pass them on to my children, but as I don't have any, and I think you need them more than I, here you are." As he spoke he unrolled the bundle. He pulled the items out one by one. "This," he said, "is the Mithril coat given to the original Mister Bilbo by the dwarves long ago. When dear Mister Frodo left it to my father, he wrapped it up and never took it out again. It reminded him too much of his dear master."
"Why are you giving me this?" Tipper asked.
"Shh, I'm not finished yet," Bilbo said. As he spoke he drew out the Phial of Galadriel. "This is the Phial of Galadriel. It contains the light of the evenstar. It was a gift to Master Frodo. I'm sure you know that story."
"Yes sir," Tipper said as he stared wide-eyed at the things in the bundle. Then Bilbo drew out a magnificent blade. It glittered in the light.
"This," Bilbo said with pride, "is Sting. It served Master Bilbo and Master Frodo well. May it serve you well also." As he spoke he took the blade in his hand and gently put the hilt in Tipper's hand. "You're a brave little one and I wish you all the luck in the world! Find Willow and do not fail! Something ill has befallen her. I can feel it."
Tipper took the mithril coat and put it on under his clothes. He sheathed Sting and hung it about his belt and hung the Phial of Galadriel about his neck. He looked up at Bilbo and smiled gratefully. No words could he find to express his amazement, wonder and pleasure at wearing the things of the brave Frodo Baggins of the Shire.