Book I, Chapter 4: "A Short Cut to Mushrooms"
Continuing their journey to Crickhollow, the Hobbits hear for the first time the
blood-chilling call of the Black Riders to one another. The Hobbits arrive at land owned
by Farmer Maggot, from whom Frodo used to try and steal mushrooms. They find
Maggot wary of travelers, for he has had a strange encounter with a Black Rider asking
for "Baggins." In addition, Maggot harbors a "natural mistrust of the inhabitants of other
parts of the Shire." Even so, Maggot offers the travelers hospitality. After hosting them
at dinner, he drives the Hobbits to a ferry across the Brandywine River, where Merry
meets them. Farmer Maggot sends them on their way with his best wishes-and a basket
of warm, fresh mushrooms.
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