Book 1, Chapter 5 Summary

The hobbits cross the river on the ferry. When they arrive at the farther bank, they see a black-cloaked shape sniffing the ground on the other side. Without explaining things to Merry, the hobbits quickly depart. Soon enough, the hobbits arrive at the house that Frodo bought. Frodo, Pippin and Sam explain to Merry and Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger what happened with the Black Riders on the way. Instead of being horrified, however, Merry is disappointed that he missed an adventure.

Then, as the hobbits are sitting comfortably by the fire, Frodo decides that it is time to tell his friends that he and Sam will be leaving the Shire. However, once he tells of his intentions, Merry, Pippin and Fatty simply laugh and tell him that they already knew that he is leaving. In fact, Merry and Pippin have decided to...