During the stay in Bree on the return journey from Minas Tirith to the Shire, Nob reunites Sam with an old friend.
"Master Gamgee, are you ready for your bed?" he began, pushing the door open.
Sam bent his head, looking under the pony's neck. "My... my bed?"
Nob sighed, crossing the short distance to where Sam stood beside Old Ferny's animal. Not Ferny's... Nob thought. This pony was well-fed and not the least bit skittish. Bill's his name but not his master.
"We left him outside Moria," Sam said softly. "Was nothing short of murder, to leave him there - or so I thought." He dug into his pocket for a carrot which Bill gladly accepted. "But I was wrong." He nuzzled his head into Bill's mane and sighed contentedly. "I was born lucky, whatever my Gaffer may say."
Nob nodded. He understood; they'd both lived through their journeys, and now they were both going home. Together.
"Your bed's ready when you are," he said, leaving the two old friends to themselves.