'Now, this hobbit I was telling you about before, he let Big Men buy up all the land...right here in the Shire! I have talked to Ronald Dwale about sending a letter to old Will Whitfoot, the mayor, but I don't know what he can do against a sound contract like the one sent to my door.

'One of my dear friends, Pearlina Gamgee, is away in the Westfarthing looking for a snug hole to start over in, and I told her that I would look after her home while she was away. Those new Men in town have a foul look about them, and I don't much trust them, even if they claim to be here to "help".

'If you could, go down and check on Pearlina Gamgee's residence just east of here in Dwaling. You look like you could hold your own if any of those ruffians gave you any trouble.'