Page 198 - The Hobbit

This, of. course, in the polite and rather old-fashioned language of such occasions,

meant simply: "You have no business here. We are going on, so make way or we
shall fight you!" They meant to push on between the Mountain and the loop of the
river, for the narrow land there did not seem to be strongly guarded.

Bard, of course, refused to allow the dwarves to go straight on to the
Mountain. He was determined to wait until the gold and silver had been brought
out in exchange for the Arkenstone: for he did not believe that this would be done,
if once the fortress was manned with so large and warlike a company. They had

brought with them a great store of supplies; for the dwarves can carry very heavy
burdens, and nearly all of Dain's folks, in spite of their rapid march, bore huge
packs on their backs in addition to their weapons. They would stand a siege for

weeks, and by that time yet more dwarves might come, and yet more, for Thorin
had many relatives. Also they would be able to reopen and guard some other gate,
so that the besiegers would have to encircle the whole mountain; and for that they
had not sufficient numbers.

These were, in fact, precisely their plans (for the raven-messengers had been
busy between Thorin and Dain); but for the moment the way was barred, so after
angry words the dwarf-messengers retired muttering in their beards. Bard then

sent messengers at once to the Gate; but they found no gold or payment. Arrows
came forth as soon as they were within shot, and they hastened back in dismay. In
the camp all was now astir, as if for battle; for the dwarves of Dain were
advancing along the eastern bank.

"Fools!" laughed Bard, "to come thus beneath the Mountain's arm! They do
not understand war above ground, whatever they may know of battle in the mines.
There are many of our archers and spearmen now hidden in the rocks upon their
right flank. Dwarf-mail may be good, but they will soon be hard put to it. Let us

set on them now from both sides, before they are fully rested!"
But the Elvenking said: "Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold. The
dwarves cannot press us, unless we will, or do anything that we cannot mark. Let
us hope still for something that will bring reconciliation. Our advantage in

numbers will be enough, if in the end it must come to unhappy blows."
But he reckoned without the dwarves. The knowledge that the Arkenstone was
in the hands of the besiegers burned in their thoughts; also they guessed the

hesitation of Bard and his friends, and resolved to strike while they debated.
Suddenly without a signal they sprang silently forward to attack. Bows
twanged and arrows whistled; battle was about to be joined.