The Hobbit: Chapter 13 - Not at Home

Summary

In the depths of the dragon's lair, the dwarves and Bilbo face darkness and silence, their situation growing dire. Desperate for escape, they venture down the tunnel where Bilbo, using his ring, discovers the Arkenstone, a gem of immense value. As they explore the treasure hoard, their excitement is tempered by the looming threat of the dragon's return. Eventually, they find their way to the front gate and the outside world, but the mystery of Smaug's absence looms large as they seek refuge and plan their next move.

Takeaways

• 🌑 The dwarves are trapped in darkness and silence, unable to eat, speak, or move much, fearing the dragon Smaug's return.
• 🕰️ Time becomes meaningless for the dwarves, and they struggle with the lack of air and the oppressive silence.
• 🚪 Thorin suggests trying to open the door, desperate for fresh air and willing to risk Smaug's wrath.
• 🗻 The upper end of the tunnel is blocked with broken rock, leaving the dwarves with a sense of hopelessness.
• 💡 Bilbo feels a strange lightening of heart and decides to venture down the tunnel once more, despite the risks.
• 👣 Bilbo leads the dwarves down the tunnel, emphasizing stealth and caution, hoping to avoid Smaug's detection.
• 🔥 The dwarves, with Bilbo, make their way through the darkness, eventually reaching the treasure hall where Smaug was believed to reside.
• 💎 Bilbo discovers the Arkenstone, a magnificent gem, and secretly pockets it, feeling its enchantment and knowing its significance.
• 🎶 The dwarves, upon finding the treasure, forget their fear and caution, becoming bold and even joyful in their exploration.
• 🛡️ The dwarves arm themselves with mail and weapons from the treasure, with Thorin appearing regal in his newfound attire.
• 🚶 The company leaves the treasure hall, following Thorin's guidance through the mountain's passages in search of an escape.

Q & A

What is the main concern of the dwarves while they are trapped in the darkness?

The dwarves are concerned about the lack of air and the possibility of the dragon Smaug's return. They are also fearful of some cunning trickery by the dragon, which adds to their despair.

Why does Thorin suggest trying the door after being trapped for days?

Thorin suggests trying the door because he feels the need to feel the wind on his face or die, as he would rather face Smaug in the open than suffocate in the blocked tunnel.

What does Bilbo feel when he decides to go down the tunnel for the third time?

Bilbo feels a strange lightening of the heart, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from under his waistcoat, which gives him a sense of hope and courage to explore the tunnel again.

Why does Bilbo slip on his ring before reaching the bottom of the tunnel?

Bilbo slips on his ring to become invisible, hoping to avoid detection by Smaug or any other potential dangers as he ventures into the unknown darkness.

What significant discovery does Bilbo make when he reaches the top of the treasure mound?

Bilbo discovers the Arkenstone, the heart of the mountain, which is a large and heavy gem that shines with its own inner light and is cut and fashioned by the dwarves.

How does Bilbo feel after pocketing the Arkenstone?

Bilbo feels that he has truly become a burglar with the possession of the Arkenstone, but he also has an uncomfortable feeling that taking the gem might lead to trouble.

What does the sudden draft of air and the sight of daylight signify for the dwarves?

The draft of air and the sight of daylight signify that the dwarves have found a way out of the dragon's lair and are now outside, which brings them hope and a renewed sense of freedom.

Why do the dwarves decide to rest at the old lookout post?

The dwarves decide to rest at the old lookout post because it offers them a hidden and sheltered place to observe their surroundings without being seen, which is crucial for their safety.

What does the gathering of birds in the south indicate to the dwarves?

The gathering of birds in the south is a mysterious sign for the dwarves, and they are unsure of its meaning. It could potentially be a sign of Smaug's presence or activity, but they cannot be certain.

Why does Bilbo express concern about the dragon Smaug's whereabouts?

Bilbo is concerned about Smaug's whereabouts because the dragon's presence could mean danger for the group. He fears that Smaug might be watching them from the mountain, which would put them all at risk.

What does Thorin mean when he says he will guide the group through the palace?

Thorin means that he knows the layout of the palace very well and can lead the group through it, as he is familiar with the ways of his former home before it was taken over by Smaug.

Outlines

00:00

🐉 Trapped in Darkness

The dwarves are trapped in a dark, silent tunnel with no food or ability to measure time. Desperate for air, they attempt to open the door but find it blocked. Thorin suggests they try the door, but they discover escape is impossible. Bilbo, however, feels a sudden lift in spirits and decides to explore the tunnel again, despite previous encounters with the dragon. The dwarves, out of options, agree to follow him. They descend cautiously, and Bilbo, using his ring for stealth, reaches the hall below. There, he finds darkness and silence, with no sign of the dragon. He calls for light, and the dwarves, though nervous, provide it. With a torch, Bilbo explores the treasure-filled hall, finding the Arkenstone, a magnificent gem, and pockets it despite a sense of unease.

05:00

🔥 Light in the Depths

Bilbo ventures further into the treasure hall, climbing a mound and finding the Arkenstone, which he takes despite misgivings. He continues exploring, calling out for the dwarves to join him. They do, reluctantly, and are filled with awe and greed as they handle the treasures. Thorin, in particular, searches for the Arkenstone but keeps his quest secret. The dwarves arm themselves with weapons from the walls and Bilbo is gifted a coat of mail and a helm. Bilbo, however, remains wary, urging the dwarves to focus on escape rather than treasure. They decide to leave, and Thorin guides them through the mountain's passages, eventually reaching a ruined feast hall and a river that leads outside.

10:02

🌅 Escape into the Light

The dwarves and Bilbo escape the dragon's lair, reaching the front gate and the light of day. They marvel at the sunlight and the valley below, but the cold wind reminds them of the harsh reality. Bilbo realizes how hungry and tired he is, and they decide to find a safer place to rest and eat. They plan to reach the old lookout post, which involves a five-hour march. They ford the river and climb to an old road, eventually finding a dell where they have a modest breakfast. They continue on, reaching the hill path that leads to the lookout post, a place that was once used for guarding the mountain. They rest there, discussing their next move and wondering about the dragon's whereabouts.

15:04

👥 The Watch Post

The group reaches the old watch post, a place that was once used for guarding the mountain. They find it deserted and use it to rest and discuss their situation. Bilbo is exhausted and collapses on the ground. They talk about the dragon's possible location, but see no sign of him. They notice a gathering of birds but are unsure of its meaning. They decide to stay the night at the watch post, hoping to remain hidden from the dragon's view. They acknowledge the risk of being seen but decide it's a chance they must take. They settle in for the night, some sleeping while others discuss their plans.

Keywords

💡Dwarves

Dwarves are a fantasy race often depicted as short, stocky humanoids known for their skill in mining, craftsmanship, and combat. In the script, the dwarves are trapped in darkness, reflecting their traditional association with underground realms. They are also shown to be desperate and resourceful, as they seek a way out of their predicament.

💡Dragon

A dragon is a mythical creature typically portrayed with serpentine or reptilian traits, capable of flight and breathing fire. In the script, the dragon 'Smog' is a threat looming over the dwarves, creating tension and fear. The dragon's absence is as significant as its presence, as it influences the dwarves' actions and the overall atmosphere of the story.

💡Bilbo Baggins

Bilbo Baggins is a central character and a hobbit, a race of small, human-like beings known for their love of peace, comfort, and good food. Bilbo's role as a burglar and his resourcefulness are highlighted in the script, as he uses his wits and courage to navigate the darkness and lead the dwarves.

💡Darkness and Silence

These elements create a sense of isolation and despair for the characters. The dwarves' entrapment in darkness and silence emphasizes their vulnerability and the oppressive nature of their situation. It also heightens the drama and suspense of their quest.

💡Treasure

The treasure, particularly the Arkenstone, symbolizes the dwarves' lost wealth and their quest to reclaim it. It is a driving force behind their actions and a source of conflict, as seen when Bilbo finds the Arkenstone and contemplates its significance.

💡Despair and Hope

These contrasting emotions are central to the dwarves' journey. Despair is evident in their entrapment and perceived hopelessness, while hope is embodied by Bilbo's optimism and the eventual discovery of a way out. This dichotomy underscores the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.

💡Echoes

Echoes in the script serve to heighten the sense of emptiness and vastness of the space the characters are in. They also reflect the internal state of the characters, amplifying their fears and the eerie silence of their surroundings.

💡Ring

The ring that Bilbo uses is a magical item that makes him invisible, symbolizing the power of secrecy and stealth. Its use in the script illustrates Bilbo's unique abilities and the strategic elements of their escape plan.

💡Arkenstone

The Arkenstone is a precious gem and a significant plot device. It represents the heart of the mountain and the pinnacle of dwarvish craftsmanship. Bilbo's discovery and subsequent concealment of the Arkenstone introduce a moral dilemma and foreshadow future conflicts.

💡Escape

Escape is a central theme and action in the script. The dwarves' quest to escape their confinement drives the narrative forward. It symbolizes the struggle for freedom and the will to survive against overwhelming odds.

💡Dwarvish Hearts

This phrase refers to the dwarves' inherent nature and their deep connection to their treasure. The 'fire of their dwarvish hearts' is reignited by the sight of gold and jewels, illustrating their passion and the transformative power of wealth.

Highlights

The dwarves are trapped in darkness and silence, unable to count time or move freely.

Thorin expresses a desperate desire for fresh air, preferring to face Smaug than suffocate.

Bilbo experiences a strange, uplifting sensation, suggesting a change in their circumstances.

Bilbo decides to venture down the tunnel for the third time, against the presence of Smaug.

The dwarves agree to follow Bilbo in desperation, with Thorin leading the way.

Bilbo and the dwarves descend into the darkness, encountering no sound or resistance.

Bilbo accidentally discovers the treasure hall in complete darkness.

Bilbo finds the Arkenstone, the heart of the mountain, and is captivated by its beauty.

Bilbo pockets the Arkenstone, feeling both triumphant and uneasy about the potential consequences.

The dwarves, upon seeing the treasure, become bold and forget their fear and caution.

The dwarves arm themselves with weapons from the treasure hall, regaining their courage.

Bilbo is given a coat of mail and a helm, feeling magnificent but also a bit absurd.

The group decides to leave the treasure hall, seeking an escape route and fearing Smaug's return.

Thorin leads the group through the palace's secret passages, evading Smaug.

The group emerges from the mountain, seeing the daylight and feeling the cold wind.

The group reaches the old lookout post, seeking shelter and planning their next move.

The dwarves discuss Smaug's whereabouts, noticing a gathering of birds but no sign of the dragon.

Transcripts

chapter 13

not at home

in the meanwhile the dwarves sat in

darkness and utter silence fell about

them

little they ate and little they spoke

they could not count the passing of time

and they scarcely dared to move for the

whisper of their voices echoed and

rustled in the tunnel

if they dozed they woke still to

darkness and to silence going on

unbroken

at last after days and days of waiting

as it seemed when they were becoming

choked and dazed for want of air they

could bear it no longer

they would almost have welcomed sounds

from below of the dragon's return

in the silence they feared some cunning

devilry of his but they could not sit

there forever

thorin spoke

let us try the door he said

i must feel the wind on my face soon or

die

i think i would rather be smashed by

smog in the open than suffocate in here

so several of the dwarves got up and

groped back to where the door had been

but they found that the upper end of the

tunnel had been shattered and blocked

with broken rock

neither key nor the magic it had once

obeyed would ever open that door again

we are trapped they groaned this is the

end we shall die here

but somehow just when the dwarves were

most despairing bilbo felt a strange

lightening of the heart as if a heavy

weight had gone from under his waistcoat

come come he said while there's life

there's hope as my father used to say

and third time pace for all

i am going down the tunnel once again

i have been that way twice when i knew

there was a dragon at the other end so i

will risk a third visit when i am no

longer sure

anyway the only way out is down and i

think this time you had better all come

with me

in desperation they agreed and thorin

was the first to go forward by bilbo's

side

now do be careful whispered the hobbit

and as quiet as you can be

there may be no smog at the bottom but

then again there may be

don't let us take any unnecessary risks

down down they went

the dwarves could not of course compare

with the hobbit in real stealth and they

made a deal of puffing and shuffling

which echoes magnified alarmingly but

though every now and again bilbo in fear

stopped and listened not a sound stirred

below

near the bottom as well as he could

judge bilbo slipped on his ring and went

ahead

but he did not need it the darkness was

complete and they were all invisible

ring or no ring

in fact so black was it that the hobbit

came to the opening unexpectedly

put his hand on air stumbled forward and

rolled headlong into the hall

there he lay face downwards on the floor

and did not dare to get up or hardly

even to breathe

but nothing moved

there was not a gleam of light unless as

it seemed to him when at last he slowly

raised his head there was a pale white

glint above him and far off in the gloom

but certainly it was not a spark of

dragon fire though the worm stench was

heavy in the place and the taste of

vapor was on his tongue

at length mr baggins could bear it no

longer

confound you smog you worm he squeaked

aloud stop playing hide and seek give me

a light and then eat me if you can catch

me

faint echoes ran round the unseen hall

but there was no answer

bilbo got up and found that he did not

know in what direction to turn

now i wonder what on earth smog is

playing at he said he's not at home

today or tonight or whatever it is i do

believe

if owen and glowen have not lost their

tinder boxes perhaps we can make a

little light and have a look round

before the luck turns

light he cried

can anybody make a light

the dwarves of course were very alarmed

when bilbo fell forward down the step

with a bump into the hall

and they sat huddled just where he had

left them at the end of the tunnel

shh

they hissed when they heard his voice

and though that helped the hobbit to

find out where they were it was some

time before he could get anything else

out of them

but in the end when bilbo actually began

to stamp on the floor and screamed out

light at the top of his shrill voice

thorin gave way and owen and glowen were

sent back to their bundles at the top of

the tunnel

after a while a twinkling gleam showed

them returning owen with a small pine

torch a light in his hand and glowing

with a bundle of others under his arm

quickly bilbo trotted to the door and

took the torch but he could not persuade

the dwarves to light the others or to

come and join him yet

as thorin carefully explained mr baggins

was still officially their expert

burglar and investigator

if he liked to risk a light that was his

affair

they would wait in the tunnel for his

report

so they sat near the door and watched

they saw the little dark shape of the

hobbit start across the floor holding

his tiny light aloft

every now and again while he was still

near enough they caught a glint and a

tinkle as he stumbled on some golden

thing

the light grew smaller as he wandered

away into the vast hall

then it began to rise dancing into the

air

bilbo was climbing the great mound of

treasure

soon he stood upon the top and still

went on

then they saw him halt and stoop for a

moment but they did not know the reason

it was the arkhan stone

the heart of the mountain

so bilbo guessed from thorin's

description but indeed there could not

be two such gems even in so marvelous a

horde even in all the world

ever as he climbed the same white gleam

had shone before him and drawn his feet

towards it

slowly it grew to a little globe of

pallid light

now as he came near it was tinged with a

flickering sparkle of many colors at the

surface reflected and splintered from

the wavering light of his torch

at last he looked down upon it

and he caught his breath

the great jewel shone before his feet of

its own inner light and yet

cut and fashioned by the dwarves who had

dug it from the heart of the mountain

long ago it took all light that fell

upon it and changed it into ten thousand

sparks of white radiance shot with

glints of the rainbow

suddenly bilbo's arm went towards it

drawn by its enchantment

his small hand would not close about it

for it was a large and heavy gem

but he lifted it

shut his eyes

and put it in his deepest pocket

now i am a burglar indeed thought he but

i suppose i must tell the dwarves about

it sometime

they did say i could pick and choose my

own share and i think i would choose

this if they took all the rest

all the same he had an uncomfortable

feeling that the picking and choosing

had not really been meant to include

this marvelous gem

and that trouble would yet come of it

now he went on again down the other side

of the great mound he climbed and the

spark of his torch vanished from the

site of the watching dwarves

but soon they saw it far away in the

distance again

bilbo was crossing the floor of the hall

he went on until he came to the great

doors at the further side and there a

draft of air refreshed him but it almost

puffed out his light

he peeped timidly through and caught a

glimpse of great passages and of the dim

beginnings of wide stairs going up into

the gloom

and still there was no sight nor sound

of smog

he was just going to turn and go back

when a black shape swooped at him and

brushed his face

he squeaked and started stumbled

backwards and fell

his torch dropped head downwards and

went out

only a bat i suppose and hope he said

miserably but now what am i to do

which is east south north or west

thorin barlin owen glowin

feely keely he cried as loud as he could

it seemed a thin little noise in the

wide blackness

the light's gone out someone come and

find me and help me

for the moment his courage had failed

altogether

faintly the dwarves heard his small

cries though the only word they could

catch was help

now what on earth or under it has

happened said thorin certainly not the

dragon or he would not go on squeaking

they waited a moment or two and still

there were no dragon noises no sound at

all in fact but bilbo's distant voice

come one of you get another light or two

thorin ordered it seems we have got to

go and help our burglar it is about our

turn to help said balin and i am quite

willing to go

anyway i expect it is safe for the

moment

glowing lit several more torches and

then they all crept out one by one and

went along the wall as hurriedly as they

could

it was not long before they met bilbo

himself coming back towards them his

wits had quickly returned as soon as he

saw the twinkle of their lights

only a and a drop torch nothing worse he

said in answer to their questions

though they were much relieved they were

inclined to be grumpy at being

frightened for nothing but what they

would have said if he had told them at

that moment about the arkenstone i don't

know

the mere fleeting glimpses of treasure

which they had caught as they went along

had rekindled all the fire of their

dwarvish hearts and when the heart of a

dwarf even the most respectable is

awakened by gold and by jewels he grows

suddenly bold and he may become fierce

the dwarves indeed no longer needed any

urging all were now eager to explore the

hall while they had the chance and

willing to believe that for the present

smog was away from home

each now gripped a lighted torch and as

they gazed first on one side and then on

another they forgot fear and even

caution

they spoke aloud and cried out to one

another as they lifted old treasures

from the mound or from the wall and held

them in the light caressing and

fingering them

philly and keeley were almost in merry

mood

and findings still hanging there many

golden harps strung with silver

they took them and struck them

and being magical and also untouched by

the dragon who had small interest in

music they were still in tune

the dark hall was filled with a melody

that had long been silent

but most of the dwarves were more

practical

they gathered gems and stuffed their

pockets and let what they could not

carry fall back through their fingers

with a sigh

thorin was not least among these but

always he searched from side to side for

something which he could not find

it was the arkanstone but he spoke of it

yet to no one

now the dwarves took down mail and

weapons from the walls and armed

themselves

royal indeed did thorin look clad in a

coat of gold-plated rings with a

silver-hafted axe in a belt crusted with

scarlet stones

mr baggins he cried

here is the first payment of your reward

cast off your old coat and put on this

with that he put on bilbo a small coat

of mail wrought for some young elf

prince long ago

it was of silver steel which the elves

call mithril and with it went a belt of

pearls and crystals

a light helm of figured leather

strengthened beneath with hoops of steel

and studded about the brim with white

gems was set upon the hobbit's head

i feel magnificent he thought but i

expect i look rather absurd

how they would laugh on the hill at home

still i wish there was a looking glass

handy

all the same mr baggins kept his head

more clear of the bewitchment of the

horde than the dwarves did

long before the dwarves were tired of

examining the treasures he became weary

of it and sat down on the floor

and he began to wonder nervously what

the end of it all would be

i would give a good many of these

precious goblets he thought for a drink

of something cheering out of one of

bayern's wooden bowls

thorin he cried aloud what next we are

armed but what good has any armor ever

been before against smog the dreadful

this treasure is not yet won back we are

not looking for gold yet but for a way

of escape and we have tempted luck too

long

you speak the truth answered thorin

recovering his wits let us go i will

guide you not in a thousand years should

i forget the ways of this palace

then he hailed the others and they

gathered together and holding their

torches above their heads they passed

through the gaping doors not without

many a backward glance of longing

their glittering mail they had covered

again with their old cloaks and their

bright helms with their tattered hoods

and one by one they walked behind thorin

a line of little lights in the darkness

that halted often listening in fear once

more for any rumor of the dragons coming

though all the old adornments were long

muldered or destroyed and though all was

befouled and blasted with the comings

and goings of the monster thorin knew

every passage and every turn

they climbed long stairs and turned and

went down wide echoing ways and turned

again and climbed yet more stairs and

yet more stairs again

these were smooth cut out of the living

rock broad and fair and up up the

dwarves went

and they met no sign of any living thing

only furtive shadows that fled from the

approach of their torches fluttering in

the drafts

the steps were not made all the same for

hobbit legs and bilbo was just feeling

that he could go on no longer when

suddenly the roof sprang high and far

beyond the reach of their torchlight

a white glimmer could be seen coming

through some opening far above and the

air smelt sweeter

before them light came dimly through

great doors that hung twisted on their

hinges and half burnt

this is the great chamber of thraw said

thorin the hall of feasting and of

counsel not far off now is the front

gate

they passed through the ruined chamber

tables were rotting there

chairs and benches were lying there

overturned charred and decaying

skulls and bones were upon the floor

among flagons and bowls and broken

drinking horns and dust

as they came through yet more doors at

the further end a sound of water fell

upon their ears and the grey light grew

suddenly more full

there is the birth of the running river

said thorin from here it hastens to the

gate let us follow it

out of a dark opening in a wall of rock

there issued a boiling water and it

flowed swirling in a narrow channel

carved and made straight and deep by the

cunning of ancient hands

beside it ran a stone paved road wide

enough for many men abreast

swiftly along this they ran and round a

wide sweeping turn

and behold

before them stood the broad light of day

in front there rose a tall arch still

showing the fragments of old carvin work

within worn and splintered and blackened

though it was

a misty sun sent its pale light between

the arms of the mountain and beams of

gold fell on the pavement at the

threshold

a whirl of bats frightened from slumber

by their smoking torches flurried over

them

as they sprang forward their feet

slithered on stones rubbed smooth and

slimed by the passing of the dragon

now before them the water fell noisily

outward and foamed downwards toward the

valley

they flung their pale torches to the

ground and stood gazing out with dazzled

eyes

they were come to the front gate and

were looking out upon dale

well said bilbo i never expected to be

looking out of this door and i never

expected to be so pleased to see the sun

again and to feel the wind on my face

but ow this wind is cold it was a bitter

easterly breeze blew with a threat of

oncoming winter

it swirled over and round the arms of

the mountain into the valley and sighed

among the rocks

after their long time in the stewing

depths of the dragon haunted caverns

they shivered in the sun

suddenly bilbo realized that he was not

only tired but also very hungry indeed

it seems to be late morning he said and

so i suppose it is more or less

breakfast time

if there is any breakfast to have but i

don't feel that smog's front doorstep is

the safest place for a meal

do let's go somewhere where we can sit

quiet for a bit

quite right said barlin and i think i

know which way we should go we ought to

make for the old lookout post at the

southwest corner of the mountain

how far is that asked the hobbit five

hours march i should think it will be

rough going the road from the gate along

the left edge of the stream seems all

broken up but look down there the river

loops suddenly east across dale in front

of the ruined town

at that point there was once a bridge

leading to steep stairs that climbed up

the right bank and so to a road running

towards ravenhill there is or was a path

that left the road and climbed up to the

post a hard climb too even if the old

steps are still there

dear me grumbled the hobbit more walking

and more climbing without breakfast i

wonder how many breakfasts and other

meals we have missed inside that nasty

clockless timeless hole

as a matter of fact two nights and the

day between had gone by and not all

together without food since the dragon

smashed the magic door

but bilbo had quite lost count and it

might have been one night or a week of

nights for all he could tell

come come said thorin laughing his

spirits had begun to rise again and he

rattled the precious stones in his

pockets

don't call my palace a nasty hole you

wait till it has been cleaned and

redecorated

that won't be till smog's dead said

bilbo glumly

in the meanwhile where is he i would

give a good breakfast to know

i hope he's not up on the mountain

looking down at us

that idea disturbed the dwarves mightily

and they quickly decided that bilbo and

balin were right

we must move away from here said dory i

feel as if his eyes were on the back of

my head

it's a cold lonesome place said bomber

there may be drink but i see no sign of

food a dragon would always be hungry in

such parts

come on come on cried the others let us

follow balin's path

under the rocky wall to the right there

was no path so on they trudged among the

stones on the left side of the river and

the emptiness and desolation soon

sobered even thorin again

the bridge that balin had spoken of they

found long fallen

and most of its stones were now only

boulders in the shallow noisy stream

but they forded the water without much

difficulty and found the ancient steps

and climbed the high bank

after going a short way

they struck the old road and before long

came to a deep dell sheltered among the

rocks

there they rested for a while and had

such a breakfast as they could

chiefly cram and water

if you want to know what cram is i can

only say that i don't know the recipe

but it is biscuit-ish keeps good

indefinitely is supposed to be

sustaining and is certainly not

entertaining except as a chewing

exercise

it was made by the lake men for long

journeys

after that they went on again and now

the roads struck westwards and left the

river and the great shoulder of the

south pointing mountain spur drew ever

nearer at length they reached the hill

path

it scrambled steeply up and they plodded

slowly one behind the other

till at last in the late afternoon they

came to the top of the ridge and saw the

wintry sun going downwards to the west

here they found a flat place without a

wall on three sides but backed to the

north by a rocky face in which there was

an opening like a door

from that door there was a wide view

east and south and west

here said balin in the old days we used

always to keep watchmen and that door

behind leads into a rock hewn chamber

that was made here as a guard room

there were several places like it round

the mountain but there seemed small need

for watching in the days of our

prosperity and the guards were made over

comfortable perhaps otherwise we might

have had longer warning of the coming of

the dragon and things might have been

different

still here we can now lie hidden

sheltered for a while and can see much

without being seen

not much use if we've been seen coming

here said dory who was always looking up

towards the mountain's peak as if he

expected to see smog perched there like

a bird on a steeple

we must take our chance of that said

thorin we can go no further today

here here cried bilbo and flung himself

on the ground

in the rock chamber there would have

been room for a hundred and there was a

small chamber further in more removed

from the cold outside

it was quite deserted not even wild

animals seemed to have used it in all

the days of smog's dominion

there they laid their burdens and some

threw themselves down at once and slept

but the others sat near the outer door

and discussed their plans

in all their talk they came perpetually

back to one thing

where was smog

they looked west and there was nothing

and east and there was nothing

and in the south there was no sign of

the dragon

but there was a gathering of very many

birds

at that they gazed and wondered

but they were no nearer understanding it

when the first cold stars came out

you