‘To the contrary, Rory, I did not do to Pal what he and others so casually do to me. I told Frodo that Pal is a hard-working, responsible, sober man, stern but fair, who’ll give you a thrashing if you deserve it, and not otherwise. I said Eglantine is a sweet woman who loves children. And I said nothing of Rum! Do you think I would say frightening things to him, as he has heard about me? I have more respect for my boy than that. I’ll not sway his heart by fear and suspicion. Frodo is a damn sight braver and smarter than you here in Buckland give him credit for being.’ Bilbo knew his voice was bitter, and did not care. ‘I said not a word against Pal, nor even against Esmie. I let him know he could choose where he would go, and he picked Bag End. He picked me. It’s better for him.’