'Well, since I already opened my mouth, I guess I should explain myself a little. I mentioned to the Captain that the Blackwolds seemed a bit stronger than we'd been told, and that we ought to listen to Jon and spy out their camp. If we'd done that, we might have stopped them from grabbing them two hobbits.

'Now, when I says this, the Captain re-assigns me from gate-duty to watching these sheep here. I see brigands making their way through the woods here and there, and I can't help thinking that they are trying to get a good look at us.

'We need to know what they've learned and what they're up to. If ye can, confront one of their spies and see what ye can discover. Bring me any orders or messages ye find. I swear I saw some of their spies sneaking about to the southeast, between here and Bronwe's Folly.'