hobbit

Bilbo, of course, disapproved of the whole turn of affairs. He had by now had more than
enough of the Mountain, and being besieged inside it was not at all to his taste.
"The whole place still stinks of dragon," he grumbled to himself, "and it makes me sick.
And cram is beginning simply to stick in my throat."
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 newsthat 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 Rac, "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.
"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."