Replies

I like these chapters because it's where the hobbits and Strider actually "become friends." It starts with a little doubt on the part of the hobbits:

'Not a "short cut", I hope,' said Pippin. 'Our last short cut through woods nearly ended in disaster.'

But they follow Strider's lead pretty much without complaint. Okay...there were the Neekbreekers in the marsh, but Strider warned them about that. Every time Frodo wakes up during the night, there is Strider alert and keeping watch...even when it isn't his turn.

[As an aside, Frodo is eager to meet Gandalf before they get to Rivendell: "But surely we were hoping to find Gandalf there?" Does anyone else think that Frodo says this because he'd rather rely on his old friend rather than trust someone he's known for only a short while?]

At Weathertop after Frodo's been stabbed:

Strider ordered them to pick him up and lay him near the fire, and then he disappeared. That was now a good while ago.
Sam plainly was beginning to have doubts again about Strider; but while they were talking he returned, appearing suddenly out of the shadows. They started, and Sam drew his sword and stood over Frodo; but Strider knelt down swiftly at his side.
'I am not a Black rider, Sam,' he said gently,'nor in league with them.'

After Weathertop, the hobbits "pull together" with Strider for Frodo's sake:

'What is the matter with my master?' asked Sam in a low voice, looking appealingly at Strider. 'His wound was small, and it is already closed. There's nothing to be seen but a cold white mark on his shoulder.'
'Frodo has been touched by the weapons of the Enemy,' said Strider, 'and there is some poison or evil at work that is beyond my skill to drive out. But do not give up hope, Sam!'