The Hunt for the Ring

[Gordis]

I am here...


So, as Alcuin is around, let us continue our investigation.

On 28 September Khamul (D) and E find Crickhollow at night, but do not attack though [Khamûl] is aware that the Ring has been, or is still, there. Khamûl lurks near, and E is sent to bring G [the rider left by the Bridge] and the horses. Road between Bridge and Bree is thus left unwatched. [Early on 29 September Khamûl and the other two Riders] come back to Crickhollow and watch it as night passes. - RC page 164-5

What is interesting here: Khamul apparently could sense not only the Ring as such, but catch a lingering "smell" of the Ring that used to be there 2 days ago!
A question immediately arises: how did they get the horses that were left by the Stonebows bridge to Crickhollow? The answer can only be obtained from a draft published in HOME 7 "The treason of Isengard", p.13:

28th they 'located' him and went to get the help of G. On the night of the 29th DEG crossed the River by the Ferry.

WOW! The nazgul crossed the river by ferry! That was an act of supreme courage on the part of beings who " feared water, and were unwilling, except in dire need, to enter it or to cross streams unless dryshod by a bridge. -UT"

Note that according to the later version in RC, it were our bold G (the bridge-guardian), and H (Khamul's buddy from Dol-Guldur) who did the deed. Hundred points to GH!
Khamul remained in Crickhollow, watching the house, and did it badly, as he missed Fatty's flight. 50 points from Khamul.

Now questions.
1. Why didn't Khamul and E attack immediately on the night of Sept.28? Did they need an additional nazgul so badly? Or did they need horses to escape immediately after an attack on the house?
2. Why couldn't E and G and the 3 horses force their way through the Gate of Buckland on their way to Khamul? Was secrecy really that important to justify all this trouble with the ferry?
3. Why in Middle-Earth did they wait all night long by the door of an empty house?