'So many people coming and going these days... There is one guest though, one I'd rather do without, but coin keeps a room and he comes with coin enough to pay a bill.

'Brooding sort, likes the darker corners of the Inn and speaks to none. Most people are a bit afeared of his ilk.'

Barliman lowers his voice. 'He's one o' them Rangers, he is. Calls himself Strider. From the common room turn left down the hall -- pay no mind to the hobbit in the kitchen -- and keep on until you can only go right. Follow straight down that hall until you're at the foot of the stairs. Strider is in the room to the right of the stairs.'