Boromir smiles good naturedly, privately amused at the hobbit's response. How oddly they must do things in the Shire if one who would voluntarily risk his life on the most perilous quest middle earth has ever seen, gives himself no more prospects upon returning home than to continue being a manservant.

"Then do it for him Sam, do it for him." He returns to his wood collecting, and drops the subject to save Sam the embarassment. "Tell me about your companions, master Gamgee. I understand that Frodo is a gentlehobbit, as you say, but what of masters Meriadoc and Peregrin? They act with the assurance of such, but your ways seem strange to one from so far off and I would scarce like to guess at them for fear of offering insult."