Sam sighs deeply. The Man is right, he supposes; it can't be any easier for him to leave all this than it would have been for Sam to turn around in Lorien and walk back to the Shire. There's work to do everywhere, it seems; and he has no idea how far from his own home the Man really is.

Still, he thinks wistfully, at least it's possible.

"I guess it's no use pining," he says heavily. "That won't bring me home! But it's no good trying to fight a dark army on no sleep neither. I think I'll take these blankets and try to catch a wink or two, if you'll excuse me - and with my thanks for the blankets of course."