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the original version that are significantly different from the later form, citing them from the completed manuscript of that version but with certain passages from the initial drafts given in the notes. (1)
First, however, there is an outline that my father evidently set down before he began work on the chapter. This was written in the rapid and often barely legible soft pencil that was usual for these preliminary sketches, but in this case a good deal of the outline was inked over.
 
    Meeting of the chieftains. Eomer and Gimli return from Deep. (Both wounded and are tended by Aragorn?) Gandalf explains that he had ridden ranged about gathering scattered men. The coming of the King had diverted Isengard from Eodoras. But he [Gandalf] had sent some men back to defend it against marauders. Erkenbrand (2) had been [? ambushed] and the few horses remaining after the disaster at Isenford had been lost.
    He had [?perforce retreated] into hills. They ask Gandalf about the Trees. The answer lies in Isengard, he said. We go now thither speedily - such as will.
    Aragorn, Eomer, Gimli, Legolas, King Théoden and his company and [?a force] .... to Isengard. Erkenbrand. Gamling.
    Repair of Hornburg.

    They pass down a great.... aisle among the trees that [?seems now to have opened]. No orcs to be seen. Strange murmurs and noises and half-voices among the trees. [Added: Gandalf discusses his tactics. Gimli describes the caves. Here the over- writing in ink begins:]
    The sun shines in the plain. They see a tall giant figure striding towards them. The Riders draw swords, and are astonished. The figure greets Gandalf.
    I am Bregalad the Quickbeam, he said. I come from Treebeard.

    What does he wish? said Gandalf.

    He wishes you to hasten. He wants to know what he is to do with Saruman!

    Hm! said Gandalf. That is a problem. Tell him I am coming!
    What was that, said Théoden. And who is Treebeard?

    He was an Ent, said Gandalf. And so is Treebeard.

    They hasten and enter Nan Gurunir. There they find a heap of ruins. The great walls of Isengard were burst and flung down in confusion. Only the tower of Orthanc stood alone in the midst of desolation, from which a great smoke went up. The great arch still stands, but a pile of rubble stands before it. On the top of the pile sat - Merry and Pippin, having lunch. (3) They jumped up, and as Pippin had his mouth full, Merry spoke.
    'Welcome, lords, to Isengard!' he said. 'We are the door- wardens: Meriadoc son of Caradoc of Buckland is my name; and my companion is Peregrin son of Paladin of Tuckborough. (4) Far in the North is our home. The lord Saruman is within, but [alas, he is indisposed and unable to receive guests. o] at the moment he is closeted with one Wormtongue discussing urgent business.'

    'It is possible that we could help in the debate,' laughed Gandalf. 'But where is Treebeard? I have no time to jest with young hobbits.'

    'So we find you at last,' said Aragorn. 'You have given us a long journey.'

    'How long have you been at Isengard?' said Gimli.

    'Less than a day,' said Pippin. (5)
 
I turn now to the first version of the story, that is the first completed and coherent manuscript. In this, Théoden's words with Gandalf about riding to Isengard (TT p. 149) have a different outcome:
 
    'Nonetheless to Isengard I go,' said Gandalf. 'Let those who are weary rest. For soon there will be other work to do. I shall not stay long. My way lies eastward. Look for me in Eodoras, ere the moon is full!'
    'Nay,' said Théoden. 'In the dark hour before dawn I doubted. But we will not part now. I will ride with you, if that is your counsel. And now I will send out messengers with tidings of victory through all the vales of the Mark; and they shall summon all men, old and young, to meet me at Eodoras, ere the moon wanes.'

    'Good!' said Gandalf. 'Then in one hour we ride again....' (6)
    After a brief hour of rest and the breaking of their fast, those who were to ride to Isengard made ready to