Likin’ the Young Master

            “Lad,” began Hamfast Gamgee tentatively, “you’ve been spendin’ a lot of time with the young Master….”

            Sam smiled up at his father.  “Oh, yes, Dad—him’s a right special one, he is!  There’s no one quite like Master Frodo—not nowhere!”

            The Gaffer’s heart twisted at the words.  Oh, my dear ninnyhammer of a son, he thought, but it don’t do t’tie your heart to the likes of Master Frodo, for he’s of a different world.  He’ll be out there, a-dancin’ neath the light of stars, candles, and torches; but you’ll be left here, a-grubbin’ in the dirt!