TolkienThe Lord of the Rings – Chapter 3
Three Is Company
Part 1
Frodo did not leave Bag End until summer was nearly over, and the birthday was near. Gandalf had not returned, and Frodo began to feel restless. He still thought of Bilbo, and he often looked at the old maps of Middle-earth that hung in the hall. The maps made him feel a desire for travel and adventure, though he also felt some fear.
At last, he made a decision. He sold Bag End to the Sackville-Bagginses. They were very happy, because they had always wanted Bag End. Frodo pretended that he was simply moving to a small house that he had bought in Crickhollow, near Buckland. He told everyone this story, and most hobbits believed it. But his real plan was different. He meant to leave the Shire quietly and begin a secret journey.
Frodo was not alone in this plan. Sam Gamgee, his gardener, knew the truth, because Gandalf had told him to watch Frodo carefully. Sam was faithful and brave, though he sometimes felt afraid of the big world outside the Shire. Another companion was Peregrin Took, or Pippin, a young cousin of Frodo. Pippin loved adventures and was always ready to follow Frodo.
So it was arranged. Frodo would not go alone. Sam and Pippin would walk with him on the first stage of the journey.
The last week in Bag End was difficult. The Sackville-Bagginses were eager to take possession, and they asked Frodo many questions. He grew tired of them, but he kept calm and polite. His neighbors came to say goodbye, and many of them were sorry to see him go.
Finally, on a cool autumn morning, Frodo, Sam, and Pippin set out. The sun shone brightly, the air was fresh, and the road stretched before them. Frodo carried a small pack with food, clothes, and other things. Sam had a heavy bag, full of cooking gear and blankets. Pippin, cheerful as always, carried less, and he sang loudly as they went.
Frodo looked back at Bag End. For a moment he felt a sharp sadness. He was leaving his home, perhaps forever. But then he turned and followed the road east.
The journey had begun.
Part 2
The hobbits walked easily at first. They did not hurry. Frodo said he wanted to enjoy his last walk through the Shire, and also he hoped people would not notice his sudden disappearance. They followed the lane from Hobbiton and crossed the Water by the stone bridge. Soon they left the village behind and passed through fields and meadows, where farmers were still busy with their harvest.