Book 1, Chapter 10 Summary

Frodo, Sam and Pippin return to their room and stir the fire back to life before they notice that Strider is in the room with them. Since they have an agreement to meet, Frodo asks Strider about the information that may be important to them. However, Strider says that he will only give up information for a price: that he be allowed to act as guide on their journey. Still wary, Frodo does not agree to his price. This actually pleases Strider, because it shows him that Frodo is finally learning to be cautious.

Strider explains that he followed the hobbits after they got back on the road by the Barrow-downs and he sneaked over the gate after them. In addition, Strider tells them that Black Riders have passed through Bree and Bill Ferny may be in league with them. Then...