Forging Ahead

As Tolkien continued to revise his opening chapters it's obvious writing was, to some degree, painstaking for him. Getting the right names, geography, chronology--not to mention the overarching plot. But with each revision the story gets closer to his masterpiece. Here are a few points of note:

• Farmer Maggot is a far more imposing figure at this point. Bingo had a tense interaction with him years earlier where he killed one of Maggot's dogs out of fear. Maggot threatened Bingo's life. Clearly Maggot remembers as he says to Odo and Frodo: "'But you aren't a Baggins or you'd not be inside here'" (p. 291, The Return of the Shadow).
• Despite the growing importance and treachery of the Ring Tolkien had not disposed of Bingo's joke on Maggot. The beer mug still inexplicably rises and this time Bingo speaks: "'But don't boast again that no Baggins will ever come inside your house. There's one inside now. A thievish Baggins. A very angry Baggins'" (p. 293, The Return of the Shadow).
•  Merry, Frodo, and Odo sing a song like Merry and Pippin in Fellowship but it has a different feel: 

The hunt is up across the land

The Shadow stretches forth its hand.

We must away ere break of day

To where the Towers of Darkness stand.

(p. 300, The Return of the Shadow)

• It's clear all of the hobbits knew exactly where they were going and what they were up against at this point.
• A new development at this stage: Odo remains behind with the purpose of fending of questions and in hope of contacting Gandalf. It's also due to his fear of the Old Forest. 
• A very interesting insertion: A man clad in grey comes to the house at Crickhollow just before the Black Riders arrive. They demanded the house be opened to them. 
• Suddenly an alarm is roused and from around the house comes Gandalf wielding great light causing the Black Riders to flee. 
• I enjoyed this line: "Gandalf was riding to the North Gate with the speed of thunder" (p. 304, The Return of the Shadow).