Fellowship of the Ring Chapter 4

Kind farmer Maggot

     In chapter 4,  Frodo decides that the fastest way to get to Crickhollow is to take a shortcut to the road through the woods. I think that they will get lost very easily. After a big disagreement, the other two agree to follow him through the woods. It is not as easy as it looks and when the hobbits finally reach the road they are exhausted. They know they must continue if they are to make it to Frodo's new house in time.  On the road is Old farmer Maggot's property, who owns guard dogs that will eat you if you trespass. But Frodo used to live near the farmer's house and he would always try to steal his mushrooms wants to say hello again. They experience a near death but are then welcomed in to the house for a quick dinner and then Farmer Maggot offers them a ride to the Brandywine river. I think the farmer was a little wary of Frodo at first. They think they run into a Black Rider, but then it is really Merry. Farmer Maggot presents a basket to Frodo before he leaves and it is filled with mushrooms, since Frodo's passion for mushrooms. The farmer then leaves them standing with Merry at the Brandywine river. I think that the Maggot's aren't so vicious after all and are really kind people, that are allies to Frodo This story is starting to take the place of a hero's journey since the hero (Frodo) is being called into action (the ring). I want to know how they didn't run into any other people along the way to Frodo's new house other than the elves and the Black Riders.