Page 191 - The Hobbit

"I daresay; but I am bound here till midnight," grumbled the fat dwarf. "A

sorry business altogether. Not that I venture to disagree with Thorin, may his
beard grow ever longer; yet he was ever a dwarf with a stiff neck."
"Not as stiff as my legs," said Bilbo. "I am tired of stairs and stone passages. I

would give a good deal for the feel of grass at my toes."
"I would give a good deal for the feel of a strong drink in my throat, and for a
soft bed after a good supper!"
"I can't give you those, while the siege is going on. But it is long since I

watched, and I will take your turn for you, if you like. There is no sleep in me
tonight."
"You are a good fellow, Mr. Baggins, and I will take your offer kindly. If

there should be anything to note, rouse me first, mind you! I will lie in the inner
chamber to the left, not far away."
"Off you go!" said Bilbo. "I will wake you at midnight, and you can wake the
next watchman." As soon as Bombur had gone, Bilbo put on his ring, fastened his

rope, slipped down over the wall, and was gone. He had about five hours before
him. Bombur would sleep (he could sleep at any time, and ever since the
adventure in the forest he was always trying to recapture the beautiful dreams he

had then); and all the others were busy with Thorin. It was unlikely that any, even
Fili or Kili, would come out on the wall until it was their turn. It was very dark,
and the road after a while, when he left the newly made path and climbed down
towards the lower course of the stream, was strange to him. At last he came to the

bend where he had to cross the water, if he was to make for the camp, as he
wished. The bed of the stream was there shallow but already broad, and fording it
in the dark was not easy for the little hobbit. He was nearly across when he missed
his footing on a round stone and fell into the cold water with a splash. He had

barely scrambled out on the far bank, shivering and spluttering, when up came
elves in the gloom with bright lanterns and searched for the cause of the noise.
"That was no fish!" one said. "There is a spy about. Hide your lights! They
will help him more than us, if it is that queer little creature that is said to be their

servant."
"Servant, indeed!" snorted Bilbo; and in the middle of his snort he sneezed
loudly, and the elves immediately gathered towards the sound.

"Let's have a light!" he said. "I am here, if you want me!" and he slipped off
his ring, and popped from behind a rock.