14. Bucklebury Ferry
[Nightfall comes. A Black Rider is patrolling the area. The hobbits hide
behind the trees.]
Sam: "Anything?"
Frodo: "Nothing."
Pippin: "What is going on?"
Merry: "That Black Rider was looking for something… or someone. Frodo?"
Sam: "Get down!"
[The Black Rider feigns leaving the area.]
Frodo: "I have to leave the Shire. Sam and I must get to Bree."
Merry: "Right. Buckleberry Ferry. Follow me."
[A second Black Rider appears along their path. Frodo is delayed as the
others run on. The hobbits jump over a fence and run towards the dock. One Rider
is hot on Frodo's heels.]
Pippin: "Run! This way, follow me! Run!"
Merry: "Get the rope Sam!"
[Merry and Sam each uncoil a mooring rope while Pippin starts to push
off.]
Sam: "Frodo!"
Hobbits: "Run Frodo!"
Frodo: "Go!"
Hobbits: "Hurry!"
Sam: "Frodo!"
Hobbits: "Jump Frodo! Go on faster! Jump!"
[Frodo leaps onto the raft. The Rider stops short of the water and once again
squeals in frustration. Looking back the hobbits see the Rider ride away,
followed by two others.]
Frodo: "How far to the nearest crossing?"
Merry: "Brandywine Bridge: twenty miles."
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