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Perhaps it was a little obvious, simply charging into the pack of ruffians. Perhaps it was a little melodramatic of Pippin, to shout at the top of his voice "Flee, Drinlo! Save yourself !" and of Drinlo to shout back, "I'm not leaving you, Fine Captain Peregrin!" The Ruffians, however, were so overjoyed and flabbergasted by their luck that they laughed off any budding caution. In seconds, Pippin had been dragged off his pony and bound almost as tightly as he had been when he'd been with the Orcs. Beside him, Drinlo was pretending to struggle, before choosing the most perfectly realistic time to submit to being tied up.

Pippin grinned to himself. So far, everything was going to plan and they were altogether having a lot of fun. He and Drinlo were thrown together in the center of the camp, as the Ruffians discussed them frantically.

"We've got one of them!" Pippin heard one shout. "One of the four who are causing so much trouble!"

"Peregrin Took, his name is," said another, much calmer voice. "Son of the so-called Thain, in No-Go land." Pippin perked up in surprise. They knew him? He was expecting to have to drop hints. This was potentially quite bad. He was also slightly offended. No-go land? He had been expecting something slightly more vile than that.

"Who cares who he is?" said the younger, more excited Ruffian, "take him back to Sharkey's, the other three will bow to our will."

"Yes, perhaps they would," said the older one, "but considering the way they behaved when they were 'arrested,' I wouldn't count on it. Honestly, boy, didn't you hear me tell you he was the Thain's son? He's practically a direct invitation into Tuckborough!"

The younger ruffian laughed. "So, we're going to be able to get those Tooks at last? Sharkey will be pleased."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" said a third ruffian, "Let's be off!"

Pippin and Drinlo were hauled to their feet and dragged onto a horse. Pippin grinned. So they were bound for Tookland. Brilliant.

Pervinca felt the wind in her hair as she shot out into the daylight. Flanked by Everard and Negrinard, she galloped forth into fields that had before never looked so green. It had been barely a minute since Pimpernel had given the signal, and her heart sailed lightly like a feather.

Despite herself and despite everything, Pervinca laughed. For the first time in one long year, she was free.

"Vinca! What are we going to do now?" she heard Everard shout above the wind.

Without breaking her pace, Pervinca turned in her saddle, grinning maniacally. "I don't know," she shouted, "Who cares?"

Negrinard grinned at Everard, rolling his eyes. "I know somewhere," he called back, "While we're there, we can ask how everything is, and if all's well we can make for Buckland tomorrow! It's quite a way away, but we'll be there by nightfall!"

"The further the better," cried Pervinca.

Everard laughed. "I'm not sure your pony would agree with that, Vinca. Where is it, Neggy?"

Negrinard cringed at the hated childhood nickname. "I'll show you. It's a farm, run by a farmer and his daughter. It's called Long Cleeve."

"Is she pretty?" Everard asked.

"Who?" Negrinard shot back.

"The farmer's daughter!" Everard replied

Negrinard smiled to himself. "Oh, yes. Diamond of Long Cleeve is very pretty."

"Wonder how Mr Pippin plans on getting into Tookland," mentioned Sam in a conversational tone.

Frodo and Merry, for some reason, suddenly burst out laughing.

"What," said Sam indignantly. "I was just wondering."

At this, Merry just laughed harder. Frodo, however, managed to get a hold on himself.

"No, it's not you, Sam," said Frodo, "It's just the thought of what Pippin could possibly have decided to do. Because whatever it is, it's bound to be overly extravagant and dramatic."

Sam chuckled. "Well, Mr Pippin is a bit of a Drama Queen."

It was a little past five o'clock when Pervinca, Everard and Negrinard arrived at the old, downcast farm. After putting their ponies in the stables, they carefully approached the rather large hobbit hole. Negrinard hesitated for a second, and then knocked on the door.

Someone stirred within the hole. Slow, cautious footsteps approached the door, accompanied by sharp, ragged breathing. Several locks clicked, and the door opened ever so slightly. A middle aged hobbit peered out.

"Good evening, Uncle," said Negrinard in a low tone.

The farmer shook his head and opened the door. "Alas, lad," he said. "Evening it may be, but a good one it is not. It has been a long time since there was last a good evening. But how did you get out of Tuckborough? Come inside, you have much to explain."

The farmer moved a little to the side to let Negrinard pass, then beckoned to Pervinca and Everard to follow him. They hesitated for a moment, then moved inside.

The farmer's home was beautifully furnished. The wooden floorboards were polished so that they shone, and the antique-looking furniture was decorated with many valuable-looking ornaments. Pervinca shuffled inside, afraid to touch anything lest she break or taint it.

The farmer led the trio into a small, dining room. He waved at the table, saying "Take a seat. Diamond just went to fetch the water. She will be back soon and we shall eat." He then busied himself in the kitchen. "Introduce us, Negrinard," he called.

Negrinard nodded. "Uncle, this is Pervinca Took, daughter of the Thain, and Everard Took. Ed, Vinca, this is Jarred Took," he said.

"Well, don't we have a big family tree," Jarred Took chuckled. "Daughter of the Thain, eh? Well, I'm honoured to have you. If you don't mind, It'll be good for Diamond to have another girl close to her own age around. She rarely does have good company."

Pervinca smiled. "Thank you, Uncle," she replied. "I'm honoured to be here. It's very good of you to take us in for the night, and I'm looking forward to meeting Diamond."

"I could hardly leave you out starving, now could I?" said Jarred gruffly, "As tempting as it would be to leave Negrinard out. Besides, Diamond and I both like a good story, which you doubtless have."

They heard a knock on the door. "That'll be Diamond," said Jarred, "Negrinard, could you get the door?"

Negrinard dutifully got up and walked out, smiling. Pervinca heard a high-pitched squeal and two very warm, enthusiastic greetings. A few minutes later, Negrinard re-entered the room, accompanied by a slender girl with jet black hair.

"Ed, Vinca, this is Diamond Took. Diamond, this is Pervinca Took and Everard Took, from Great Smials."

Diamond stuck out her hand. "Pleased to meet you," she said. "How on earth did you get of Tookland?"

Pervinca smiled. "Sit down, I'll explain."

Later that night, Pervinca and Diamond lay on their mattresses, talking in hushed tones.

"I wish I had a big family," Diamond sighed. "As long as I can remember, it's just been me and dad, and Negrinard when he comes to stay. You have a brother and three sisters!"

"Had a brother," Pervinca reminded her. "He disappeared before the Ruffians came."

"He could well still be alive, Vinca. Have a little faith!"

"Maybe," Pervinca sighed, "but I'd rather not get my hopes up."

"But why give up hope now?" Diamond responded, "It's one of the last things we have left. Back in Tuckborough, there must be a lot of hopes riding on you. You wouldn't want to let them down, would you?"

"No. You're right," Pervinca replied. "Besides, Pippin has a knack for getting into trouble and surviving."

"I'm always right," Diamond smirked. "I wonder what your brother would do if he was in your situation."

Pervinca burst out laughing. "Whatever it was, it'd be ridiculous," she said between giggles. "He's a bit of a Drama Queen"

Rollin sat mounted, hidden from the ruffians' view, watching Pippin and Drinlo's ridiculous display. "What a Drama Queen," he grinned.

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