13. "Short cuts make delays, but inns make longer ones."

     'All right!' said Pippin. 'I will follow you into every bog and ditch. But it is hard! I had counted on passing the Golden Perch at Stock before sundown. The best beer in the Eastfarthing, or used to be: it is a long time since I tasted it.'
     'That settles it!' said Frodo. 'Short cuts make delays, but inns make longer ones. At all cost we must keep you away from the Golden Perch. We want to get to Bucklebury before dark. What do you say, Sam?'
     'I will go along with you, Mr. Frodo,' said Sam (in spite of private misgiving and a deep regret for the best beer in the Eastfarthing).  (97)

Here's one difference between reading LotR as a kid and as an adult: an appreciation for good beer with good company!  Poor Sam.  (As a side note, these early chapters are why a walking tour in the  Cotswolds is on my bucket list).

"Tolkien 365" is a (hopefully) daily reflection on a quote from the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, beginning with The Lord of the Rings and branching into his other writings as opportunity and inspiration allow.  Comments are especially welcome.  Page references are from the hardcover American Second Edition, published by Houghton Mifflin.