And so Samouard began his remarkable education, learning everything from the correct pronunciation of "Yéni únótime" to the intricacies of the Mordorian legal system. Although quite uneducated, he was a quick learner, and rapidly absorbed every lesson in philology, philosophy, science, and haute couture that the consummate polymath imparted to him. Through constant interaction with Frodia, Gamgès acquired some of the abbé's urbanity of speech and lost his rustic accent; and he never forgot what the learned hobbite told him: "No one will ever take you seriously until you stop adding 'et c'est un fait, ça' to every other sentence."
They did not give up their dream of escape. Every night, they spent a few hours digging in what the abbé had determined through geomancy to be the best direction. They were always careful to return to their cells and conceal the passageway before the jailer made the rounds.
One day, the abbé Frodia said, in the most solemn voice Samouard had ever heard him use, "Listen, O son; I have something of the highest importance to communicate to you."
"I'm listening," replied Gamgès.
"I know a treasure that, should it come into your possession, will endow you with power and wealth beyond your wildest dreams. It is hidden on the volcanic island of Monte Fato, last remnant of the ancient realm of Mordor, that was whelmed with waves."
