---Locker, K. O. (2003). Business and administrative communication (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO:Irwin/McGraw-Hill.

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I was aware that my legs were surrounded by water, but my top half was almost dry. I seemed to be trapped in something slimy. There was a terrible, sulphurous smell, like rotten eggs, and a tremendous pressure against my chest. My arms were trapped but I managed to free one hand and felt around – my palm passed through the wiry bristles of the hippo’s snout. It was only then that I realised I was underwater, trapped up to my waist in his mouth.

I wriggled as hard as I could, and in the few seconds for which he opened his jaws, I managed to escape. I swam towards Evans, but the hippo struck again, dragging me back under the surface. I’d never heard of a hippo attacking repeatedly like this, but he clearly wanted me dead.

The rumor had spread far and wide, and many had tried to uncover the secret of the treasure, but all had failed. It was said that the hobbit-hole was protected by powerful spells and guarded by ancient spirits, who would stop at nothing to prevent anyone from finding the treasure.

But one day, a young hobbit by the name of Frodo Baggins, Bilbo's nephew and heir, decided to take on the challenge. He gathered a group of trusted companions, including the wise wizard Gandalf, the brave warrior Aragorn, and the loyal hobbits Sam, Merry, and Pippin, and set out to uncover the truth.

As they approached the hobbit-hole, Frodo felt a chill run down his spine. The old door creaked open, and they stepped inside, their hearts pounding with excitement and fear. The air was thick with the scent of ancient magic, and the shadows seemed to writhe and twist around them.

Slowly, they made their way through the winding passages and secret chambers, searching for any clue that might lead them to the treasure. As they went deeper and deeper, the air grew colder and the shadows grew darker, until they finally reached the heart of the hobbit-hole.

There, in a small room, they found a hidden chest, adorned with precious gems and gleaming gold. But as they reached out to open it, a voice boomed out from the shadows, warning them to turn back and leave the treasure alone.

Undeterred, Frodo and his companions stood their ground, and soon they found themselves locked in a fierce battle with the ancient spirits that guarded the treasure. Spells were cast, swords were drawn, and the air was filled with the sound of battle cries and the clash of steel.

But in the end, it was Frodo's courage and determination that prevailed. With a final stroke of his sword, he struck down the ancient spirit, and the treasure was his.

As they emerged from the hobbit-hole, triumphant and exhausted, Frodo and his companions knew that they had uncovered a secret that few had ever known. And as they looked out over the peaceful Shire, they knew that they had truly earned their place in the legends of Middle-earth.