tolkiens legendarium - How did Tom Bombadil respond to Frodo's call so fast?

When Frodo was in the Barrow, He sang Bombadil's rhyme. This rhyme summoned Bombadil to help them. How was Bombadil able to come within a moments notice? If Bombadil was at his house wouldn't it take time for him to get to the Barrow? Was he following Frodo and company?

There was a sudden deep silence, in which Frodo could hear his heart beating. After a long slow moment he heard plain, but far away, as if it was coming down through the ground or through thick walls, an answering voice singing.

How was Tom able to respond after only a moment?

Answer

The idea that Tom can effectively "teleport" anywhere he wants in his domain is probably correct, but there's also a possibility that Tom may have either followed the hobbits or just been wandering in the area.

After Tom recalls their ponies and announces that he's going to accompany them towards Bree, he also says this:

'I've got things to do, my making and my singing, my talking and my walking, and my watching of the country. Tom can't be always near to open doors and willow-cracks. Tom has his house to mind, and Goldberry is waiting.'

I've bolded the relevant part here, which implies in Tom's own words that he was somehow nearby. Of course, this may not be literally nearby (i.e. Tom's definition of "nearby" in this context may just mean that he was being attentive for the hobbits' call) but the suggestion is definitely there.

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