"And is there in the world no more legitimate heir than we?" inquired Samouard hesitantly.
"None, I assure you, mon fils," replied Frodia. "After the death of Sauron and Fredegario, an end came to all the legitimate owners of this property in Terre-moyenne. If ever we escape together from prison, we will share our blessing; if you escape alone, it is yours."
"I have no right to it," protested the younger hobbite. "Its totality should belong to you."
"No, my son, you are the child of my captivity. Érou has sent you to me in order to console both the hobbite who could not father children by Cassiopie de Touc, and the prisoner who could not be free."
The two hobbites continued their digging as best they could, given the frail condition of the abbé, who (as he had warned Samouard) was subject to epileptic attacks on 6 Narquélaire and 13 Soûlimôse of every year, on account of some unfortunate incidents involving rings and spiders, and about with the savant was not very forthcoming. It was therefore vital that they finish the excavation before the latter date, which, according to Frodia's calculations, was due to arrive in 21 days.
