The road from Bingle Derry to Hammeron follows the course of the River Whirlijig through miles of rolling hill country. Capo and Slam carried their packs and instrument cases, while the young Traddits, Noodle and Gimlet, frolicked and gamboled in the vanguard. "What's got ye down, Master Capo?" asked Slam Bangbee as he took a bite of a ripe apple, and offered Capo another. "I dunno Slam. It could be the responsibility of carrying the string, and the long hard journey before us...or it could be that infernal frolicking those two are doing. Do they mean to keep it up all the way to Markdown?" A quick word from Slam served to bridle the spirits of the two young Traddits, and Capo continued. "And it isn't just the duty of returning it. I...well, I began to play ever so much better when I put that string on the bouzouki. It's like old Dildo Diggins said, 'there be magic in it, laddy bucko'."

Capo's ruminations were suddenly disturbed by the sight of a distant figure ahead on the road. All of the Traddits fell silent as they drew nearer the strange gnome-like creature who seemed to be playing a mandolin and prancing up a duststorm on the road. This creature appeared utterly unaware of their approach, and as they came nearer, they began to make out the words of a song he was singing

I got swingin doors, a juke box, and a bar stool
my new home has a flashing neon sign
You can stop and see me anytime you want to
'Cause I'm always here at home 'til closin time.

Gimlet and Doodle looked at Slam in alarm, but Slam said "never you worry little ones. He's a Stomper from the land south of the shire known as Digasee. They're fierce fighters and consumers of their native drink, Hooskee, but sincere to a fault." The Stomper either brought his song to a natural denouement, or overheard Slam speaking, because he suddenly ceased, and turned to stare at them. "Y'all the Traddits that Zimmerdalf done told me to wait fer?" The Traddits were taken aback by this, and the Stomper said "you the guy with the String o' Power? You Capo?" They all stood silent, but then the Stomper's face widened into a grin that displayed 4 1/2 teeth, he stuck his hand out, and said "hell, I'm here to help y'all! Name's Acuff Merlie!" He strode forward and shook each of the Traddits' hands with such vigor that various pots, pans, and camping items fell into the road with a clatter.

Abruptly, Acuff Merlie brought his finger to his lips and motioned for silence. The wind sighed through the Plinker Pines, and Slam's stomach growled, but no other sound was detectable..and then, there it was; a low rumble accompanied by a darkening dust cloud that moved toward them. "Quick!" said Acuff, "pick up them utensils and foller me!" They all scrambled, found hiding places among the pine trunks, and as they watched, a dark shape hove into view, or more precisely, a black Mercedes. It slid to a stop, and deep thuds were heard coming from it, accompanied by wails, screeches, wheezes, and rhythmic squeaking, and then the unmistakeable vocal calisthenics of a Deadly Diva. "Sssssh" whispered Acuff. "It senses fear and a moderately disturbing level of talent." The car seemed to pivot on its tires, almost as if seeking a scent. For a second all was silent, and then a high crystalline sound began to mount on the air. "Mute the string!" whispered Acuff. Slam silenced it, the Mercedes rolled slowly forward, hesitated, and then was gone in a cloud of dust.

"What was it?" said Capo. "Dark Rider" responded Acuff. "That was a close un. We better skedaddle." And so the fellowship, now stronger by one, made its cautious way toward the Dark Forest of Okeema.