Page 190 - The Hobbit

Chapter 16

A Thief in the Night

Now the days passed slowly and wearily. Many of the dwarves spent their time

piling and ordering the treasure; and now Thorin spoke of the Arkenstone of
Thrain, and bade them eagerly to look for it in every comer.
"For the Arkenstone of my father," he said, "is worth more than a river of gold

in itself, and to me it is beyond price. That stone of all the treasure I name unto
myself, and I will be avenged on anyone who finds it and withholds it."
Bilbo heard these words and he grew afraid, wondering what would happen, if
the stone was found-wrapped in an old bundle of tattered oddments that he used as

a pillow. All the same he did not speak of it, for as the weariness of the days grew
heavier, the beginnings of a plan had come into his little head.
Things had gone on like this for some time, when the ravens brought news that

Dain and more than five hundred dwarves, hurrying from the Iron Hills, were now
within about two days' march of Dale, coming from the North-East.
"But they cannot reach the Mountain unmarked," said Róac, "and I fear lest
there be battle in the valley. I do not call this counsel good. Though they are a

grim folk, they are not likely to overcome the host that besets you; and even if
they did so, what will you gain? Winter and snow is hastening behind them. How
shall you be fed without the friendship and goodwill of the lands about you? The
treasure is likely to be your death, though the dragon is no more!"'

But Thorin was not moved. "Winter and snow will bite both men and elves,"
he said, "and they may find their dwelling in the Waste grievous to bear. With my
friends behind them and winter upon them, they will perhaps be in softer mood to
parley with."

That night Bilbo made up his mind. The sky was black and moonless. As soon
as it was full dark, he went to a corner of an inner chamber just within the gate
and drew from his bundle a rope, and also the Arkenstone wrapped in a rag. Then

he climbed to the top of the wall. Only Bombur was there, for it was his turn to
watch, and the dwarves kept only one watchman at a time.
"It is mighty cold!" said Bombur. "I wish we could have a fire up here as they
have in the camp!"

"It is warm enough inside," said Bilbo.