his mind, and will send me away with the maidens! But no, the last
wains have gone.’
     ‘His message is less bad than that, if not good.’ said Pippin. ‘He
says that if you would prefer it to standing me on my head, you might
show me round the City for a while and cheer my loneliness. I can tell
you some tales of far countries in return.’
     Bergil clapped his hands, and laughed with relief. ‘All is well,’ he
cried. ‘Come then! We were soon going to the Gate to look on. We will
go now.’
     ‘What is happening there?’
     ‘The Captains of the Outlands are expected up the South Road ere
sundown. Come with us and you will see.’
     Bergil proved a good comrade, the best company Pippin had had since he
parted from Merry, and soon they were laughing and talking gaily as
they went about the streets, heedless of the many glances that men
gave them. Before long they found themselves in a throng going towards
the Great Gate. There Pippin went up much in the esteem of Bergil, for
when he spoke his name and the pass-word the guard saluted him and let
him pass through; and what was more, he allowed him to take his
companion with him.