of Mirkwood, and were resting almost beneath the great overhanging
boughs of its outer trees. Their trunks were huge and gnarled, their
branches twisted, their
     “Well, here is Mirkwood!” said Gandalf. “The greatest of the forests
of the Northern world. I hope you like the look of it. Now you must
send back these excellent ponies you have borrowed.”
     The dwarves were inclined to grumble at this, but the wizard told them
they were fools. “Beorn is not as far off as you seem to think, and
you had better keep your promises anyway, for he is a bad enemy. Mr.
Baggins’ eyes are sharper than yours, if you have not seen each night
after dark a great bear going along with us or sitting far of in the
moon watching our camps. Not only to guard you and guide you, but to
keep an eye on the ponies too. Beorn may be your friend, but he loves
his animals as his children. You do not guess what kindness he has
shown you in letting dwarves ride them so far and so fast, nor what
would happen to you, if you tried to take them into the forest.” “What
about the horse, then?” said Thorin. “You don’t mention sending that
back.”
     “I don’t, because I am not sending it.”
     “What about your promise then?”