A few days later and the Water had turned back into a placid little river once more, still a bit muddy and deep as it murmured against its battered banks.  The garden at Bag End was looking a bit less ragged as well, with the extra help Halfred had been glad to provide.

But home and work were waiting in Tighfield, likely impatiently, for the travellers to return.

"Uncle?" Sam walked towards Andwise, who was checking over the pony cart one last time while Halfred said his goodbyes.

"Yes, Samwise?"

"Would you take a message back to Aunt Cammie?"

"Surely. What is it lad?"

"I been thinkin' about the Gammidgy Knot."

Andwise smiled then, his eyes dancing. "And?"

"Well, at first I thought it would be a mighty good thing to just take an axe or even Mister Bilbo's sword and have at it, like she said. Just chop it into pieces."

Andwise nodded.

"But then it would just be little pieces of rope, and-- well-- you ropers have taught me you should'na waste good rope."

Andwise grinned. "That's true."

"Are you gonna learn Hamson the secret? Someday?" Sam asked.

"I am," Andwise nodded. "Just like my da taught me and his da taught him."

Sam was thoughtful. "I'm just thinking. If'n I was Hamson, I'd leave it be. It's a sound knot, but it's mighty old rope. No point in untying and retying it just to be doin' it. You risk the rope that way."

"No point a'tall," Andwise agreed with a wink.

Sam grinned.

"You certain you don't want to come to Tighfield and make a roper, Samwise Gamgee?" Andwise said quickly, as he swung up into the seat of the cart. "You'd sure make a fine un."

"No sir." Sam glanced up the Hill at Frodo standing there, his hands in his pockets, watching them solemnly. "I've a garden to look after."

*******
FINIS

As always, thanks to my incomparable betas Carole and Connie!

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