[Overtaxed]

Actually, of the entire departure from Bree, my very favorite part is Bill Ferny:

'Morning, Longshanks!' he said. 'Off early? Found some friends at last?' Strider nodded, but did not answer.

I like this part:

Sam turned quickly. 'And you, Ferny,' he said, 'put your ugly face out of sight, or it will get hurt.' With a sudden flick, quick as lightning, an apple left his hand and hit Bill square on the nose. He ducked too late, and curses came from behind the hedge. 'Waste of a good apple,' said Sam regretfully, and strode on.

[ksen]

Sam turned quickly. 'And you, Ferny,' he said, 'put your ugly face out of sight, or it will get hurt.' With a sudden flick, quick as lightning, an apple left his hand and hit Bill square on the nose. He ducked too late, and curses came from behind the hedge. 'Waste of a good apple,' said Sam regretfully, and strode on.

Heh, heh, you gotta love Sam. ;^)

-Kevin