They step onto the ferry and are taken across to Buckland. Many years ago, an original hobbit family crossed over the river and made their own settlement apart from the Shire. In front of the Old Forest, they planted a great hedge many years ago. The hobbits get out of the ferry and have a feeling that they are being followed. Merry makes plans for another supper. After some time they come to Frodo's new house. Frodo knocks on the door and goes inside. It has been furnished with much of his property from Bag End. Pippin wants a bath and they debate who is going to bathe first but see that three baths can be drawn at once. They sing while they bathe:
"'Sing Hey! For the bath at the close of day
That washes the weary mud away!
A loon is he that will not sing:
O! Water Hot is a noble thing!'" Book 1, Chapter 5, pg. 134
After they eat supper, they argue over the remnants of the basket of mushrooms. They talk about the black riders and Pippin wants to know more about them. Frodo tells him that they are searching for either him or Bilbo. Pippin and Merry tell Frodo that they know he means to leave the Shire for a long time. Merry had expected this eventually. He tells Frodo that they plan to accompany him. Frodo tries to convince them otherwise, but to no avail. They know the journey has something to do with the ring. Sam told them everything he had heard from Gandalf. Frodo is worried that he cannot trust them. He gives in and says that they can come with him. He wants to wait another day before they depart but isn't sure if it is safe. Frodo thinks for a while and decides that they must leave in secret the next day. Sam is worried about entering the old forest, but the others are not. Their helper, Fatty Bolger wants to stay behind and keep the house looking like it is inhabited. Frodo tells him to keep a look out for Gandalf. He has trouble sleeping that night and dreams of hearing the far off sea.
