THE HOBBIT

OR
THERE AND BACK AGAIN
BY
J.R.R. TOLKIEN
The Hobbit is a tale of hih a!"e#t$%e& $#!e%ta'e# b( a )o*+a#( of !,a%"es& i#
sea%)h of !%ao#-$a%!e! ol!. A %el$)ta#t +a%t#e% i# this +e%ilo$s .$est is Bilbo
Bai#s& a )o*fo%t-lo"i#& $#a*bitio$s hobbit& ,ho s$%+%ises e"e# hi*self b( his
%eso$%)ef$l#ess a#! his s'ill as a b$%la%.
E#)o$#te%s ,ith t%olls& obli#s& !,a%"es& el"es a#! ia#t s+i!e%s& )o#"e%satio#s ,ith
the !%ao#& /*a$ the 0a#ifi)e#t& a#! a %athe% $#,illi# +%ese#)e at the Battle of
the 1i"e A%*ies a%e so*e of the a!"e#t$%es that befall Bilbo. B$t the%e a%e lihte%
*o*e#ts as ,ell2 oo! fello,shi+& ,el)o*e *eals& la$hte% a#! so#.
Bilbo Bai#s has ta'e# his +la)e a*o# the %a#'s of the i**o%tals of )hil!%e#3s
fi)tio#. 4%itte# fo% 5%ofesso% Tol'ie#3s o,# )hil!%e#& The Hobbit *et ,ith i#sta#t
a))lai* ,he# +$blishe!. It is a )o*+lete a#! *a%"ello$s tale i# itself& b$t it also
fo%*s a +%el$!e to The Lo%! of the Ri#s.
6O#e of the *ost i#fl$e#tial boo's of o$% e#e%atio#3
The Ti*es
CONTENT/
CO7ER 5AGE
TITLE 5AGE
LI/T O1 ILL8/TRATION/
NOTE ON THE TE9T
A8THOR3/ NOTE
CHA5TER I2 AN 8NE95ECTED 5ARTY
CHA5TER II2 ROA/T 08TTON
CHA5TER III2 A /HORT RE/T
CHA5TER I72 O7ER HILL AND 8NDER HILL
CHA5TER 72 RIDDLE/ IN THE DARK
CHA5TER 7I2 O8T O1 THE 1RYING-5AN INTO THE 1IRE
CHA5TER 7II2 :8EER LODGING/
CHA5TER 7III2 1LIE/ AND /5IDER/
CHA5TER I92 BARREL/ O8T O1 BOND
CHA5TER 92 A 4AR0 4ELCO0E
CHA5TER 9I2 ON THE DOOR/TE5
CHA5TER 9II2 IN/IDE IN1OR0ATION
CHA5TER 9III2 NOT AT HO0E
CHA5TER 9I72 1IRE AND 4ATER
CHA5TER 972 THE GATHERING O1 THE CLO8D/
CHA5TER 97I2 A THIE1 IN THE NIGHT
CHA5TER 97II2 THE CLO8D/ B8R/T
CHA5TER 97III2 THE RET8RN JO8RNEY
CHA5TER 9I92 THE LA/T /TAGE
4ORK/ BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN
CO5YRIGHT
ABO8T THE 58BLI/HER
ILL8/TRATION/
Th%o%3s 0a+
The T%olls
The 0o$#tai#-+ath
The 0ist( 0o$#tai#s loo'i# 4est
Beo%#3s Hall
The El"e#'i#3s Gate
La'e To,#
The 1%o#t Gate
The Hall at Ba-E#!
0a+ of 4il!e%la#!
NOTE ON THE TE9T
The Hobbit ,as fi%st +$blishe! i# /e+te*be% ;<=>. Its ;<?; se)o#! e!itio# @fifth i*+%essio#A
)o#tai#s a si#ifi)a#tl( %e"ise! +o%tio# of Cha+te% 7& BRi!!les i# the Da%'&C ,hi)h b%i#s the
sto%( of The Hobbit *o%e i# li#e ,ith its se.$el& The Lo%! of the Ri#s& the# i# +%o%ess.
Tol'ie# *a!e so*e f$%the% %e"isio#s to the A*e%i)a# e!itio# +$blishe! b( Balla#ti#e Boo's i#
1eb%$a%( ;<DD& a#! to the B%itish thi%! e!itio# @siFtee#th i*+%essio#A +$blishe! b( Geo%e
Alle# G 8#,i# late% that sa*e (ea%.
1o% the ;<<? B%itish ha%!)o"e% e!itio#& +$blishe! b( Ha%+e%Colli#s& the teFt of The
Hobbit ,as e#te%e! i#to ,o%!-+%o)essi# files& a#! a #$*be% of f$%the% )o%%e)tio#s
of *is+%i#ts a#! e%%o%s ,e%e *a!e. /i#)e the#& "a%io$s e!itio#s of The Hobbit ha"e
bee# e#e%ate! f%o* that )o*+$te%iHe! teFt file. 1o% the +%ese#t teFt& that file has
bee# )o*+a%e! aai#& li#e b( li#e& ,ith the ea%lie% e!itio#s& a#! a #$*be% of f$%the%
)o%%e)tio#s ha"e bee# *a!e to +%ese#t a teFt that& as )losel( as +ossible& %e+%ese#ts
Tol'ie#3s fi#al i#te#!e! fo%*.
Rea!e%s i#te%este! i# !etails of the )ha#es *a!e at "a%io$s ti*es to the teFt of The
Hobbit a%e %efe%%e! to A++e#!iF A& BTeFt$al a#! Re"isio#al Notes&C of The
A##otate! Hobbit @;<IIA& a#! J. R. R. Tol'ie#2 A Des)%i+ti"e Biblio%a+h( b( 4a(#e
G. Ha**o#!& ,ith the assista#)e of Do$las A. A#!e%so# @;<<=A.

Do$las A. A#!e%so#
0a( LMM;
A$tho%Os Note
This is a sto%( of lo# ao. At that ti*e the la#$aes a#! lette%s ,e%e .$ite !iffe%e#t f%o* o$%s
of to!a(. E#lish is $se! to %e+%ese#t the la#$aes. B$t t,o +oi#ts *a( be #ote!. @;A I#
E#lish the o#l( )o%%e)t +l$%al of !,a%f is !,a%fs& a#! the a!Pe)ti"e is !,a%fish. I# this sto%(
!,a%"es a#! !,a%"ish a%e $se!
Q
& b$t o#l( ,he# s+ea'i# of the a#)ie#t +eo+le to ,ho* Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! a#! his
)o*+a#io#s belo#e!. @LA O%) is #ot a# E#lish ,o%!. It o))$%s i# o#e o% t,o +la)es b$t is
$s$all( t%a#slate! obli# @o% hobobli# fo% the la%e% 'i#!sA. O%) is the hobbits3 fo%* of the
#a*e i"e# at that ti*e to these )%eat$%es& a#! it is #ot )o##e)te! at all ,ith o$% o%)& o%'&
a++lie! to sea-a#i*als of !ol+hi#-'i#!.
R$#es ,e%e ol! lette%s o%ii#all( $se! fo% )$tti# o% s)%at)hi# o# ,oo!& sto#e& o%
*etal& a#! so ,e%e thi# a#! a#$la%. At the ti*e of this tale o#l( the D,a%"es *a!e
%e$la% $se of the*& es+e)iall( fo% +%i"ate o% se)%et %e)o%!s. Thei% %$#es a%e i# this
boo' %e+%ese#te! b( E#lish %$#es& ,hi)h a%e '#o,# #o, to fe, +eo+le. If the %$#es
o# Th%o%3s 0a+ a%e )o*+a%e! ,ith the t%a#s)%i+tio#s i#to *o!e%# lette%s
R
R
& the al+habet& a!a+te! to *o!e%# E#lish& )a# be !is)o"e%e! a#! the abo"e %$#i)
title also %ea!. O# the 0a+ all the #o%*al %$#es a%e fo$#!& eF)e+t fo% 9. I a#! 8
a%e $se! fo% J a#! 7. The%e ,as #o %$#e fo% : @$se C4AS #o% fo% T @the !,a%f-%$#e
*a( be $se! if %e.$i%e!A. It ,ill be fo$#!& ho,e"e%& that so*e si#le %$#es sta#! fo%
t,o *o!e%# lette%s2 th& #& eeS othe% %$#es of the sa*e 'i#! @ ea a#! stA ,e%e
also so*eti*es $se!. The se)%et !oo% ,as *a%'e! D . 1%o* the si!e a ha#! +oi#te!
to this& a#! $#!e% it ,as ,%itte#2
The last T,o %$#es a%e the i#itials of
Th%o% a#! Th%ai#. The *oo#-%$#es %ea! b( El%o#! ,e%e2
O# the 0a+ the )o*+ass +oi#ts a%e *a%'e! i# %$#es& ,ith East at the to+& as $s$al i#
!,a%f-*a+s& a#! so %ea! )lo)',ise2 E@astA& /@o$thA& 4@estA& N@o%thA.
Cha+te% I
AN 8NE95ECTED 5ARTY
I# a hole i# the %o$#! the%e li"e! a hobbit. Not a #ast(& !i%t(& ,et hole& fille! ,ith the e#!s of
,o%*s a#! a# ooH( s*ell& #o% (et a !%(& ba%e& sa#!( hole ,ith #othi# i# it to sit !o,# o# o% to
eat2 it ,as a hobbit-hole& a#! that *ea#s )o*fo%t.
It ha! a +e%fe)tl( %o$#! !oo% li'e a +o%thole& +ai#te! %ee#& ,ith a shi#( (ello, b%ass
'#ob i# the eFa)t *i!!le. The !oo% o+e#e! o# to a t$be-sha+e! hall li'e a t$##el2 a
"e%( )o*fo%table t$##el ,itho$t s*o'e& ,ith +a#elle! ,alls& a#! floo%s tile! a#!
)a%+ete!& +%o"i!e! ,ith +olishe! )hai%s& a#! lots a#! lots of +es fo% hats a#!
)oatsUthe hobbit ,as fo#! of "isito%s. The t$##el ,o$#! o# a#! o#& oi# fai%l( b$t
#ot .$ite st%aiht i#to the si!e of the hillUThe Hill& as all the +eo+le fo% *a#( *iles
%o$#! )alle! itUa#! *a#( little %o$#! !oo%s o+e#e! o$t of it& fi%st o# o#e si!e a#!
the# o# a#othe%. No oi# $+stai%s fo% the hobbit2 be!%oo*s& bath%oo*s& )ella%s&
+a#t%ies @lots of theseA& ,a%!%obes @he ha! ,hole %oo*s !e"ote! to )lothesA&
'it)he#s& !i#i#-%oo*s& all ,e%e o# the sa*e floo%& a#! i#!ee! o# the sa*e +assae.
The best %oo*s ,e%e all o# the left-ha#! si!e @oi# i#A& fo% these ,e%e the o#l(
o#es to ha"e ,i#!o,s& !ee+-set %o$#! ,i#!o,s loo'i# o"e% his a%!e#& a#!
*ea!o,s be(o#!& slo+i# !o,# to the %i"e%.
This hobbit ,as a "e%( ,ell-to-!o hobbit& a#! his #a*e ,as Bai#s. The Bai#ses
ha! li"e! i# the #eihbo$%hoo! of The Hill fo% ti*e o$t of *i#!& a#! +eo+le
)o#si!e%e! the* "e%( %es+e)table& #ot o#l( be)a$se *ost of the* ,e%e %i)h& b$t
also be)a$se the( #e"e% ha! a#( a!"e#t$%es o% !i! a#(thi# $#eF+e)te!2 (o$ )o$l!
tell ,hat a Bai#s ,o$l! sa( o# a#( .$estio# ,itho$t the bothe% of as'i# hi*. This
is a sto%( of ho, a Bai#s ha! a# a!"e#t$%e& a#! fo$#! hi*self !oi# a#! sa(i#
thi#s altoethe% $#eF+e)te!. He *a( ha"e lost the #eihbo$%s3 %es+e)t& b$t he
ai#e!U,ell& (o$ ,ill see ,hethe% he ai#e! a#(thi# i# the e#!.
The *othe% of o$% +a%ti)$la% hobbitU,hat is a hobbitV I s$++ose hobbits #ee! so*e
!es)%i+tio# #o,a!a(s& si#)e the( ha"e be)o*e %a%e a#! sh( of the Bi 5eo+le& as
the( )all $s. The( a%e @o% ,e%eA a little +eo+le& abo$t half o$% heiht& a#! s*alle%
tha# the bea%!e! D,a%"es. Hobbits ha"e #o bea%!s. The%e is little o% #o *ai) abo$t
the*& eF)e+t the o%!i#a%( e"e%(!a( so%t ,hi)h hel+s the* to !isa++ea% .$ietl( a#!
.$i)'l( ,he# la%e st$+i! fol' li'e (o$ a#! *e )o*e bl$#!e%i# alo#& *a'i# a
#oise li'e ele+ha#ts ,hi)h the( )a# hea% a *ile off. The( a%e i#)li#e! to be fat i# the
sto*a)hS the( !%ess i# b%iht )olo$%s @)hiefl( %ee# a#! (ello,AS ,ea% #o shoes&
be)a$se thei% feet %o, #at$%al leathe%( soles a#! thi)' ,a%* b%o,# hai% li'e the
st$ff o# thei% hea!s @,hi)h is )$%l(AS ha"e lo# )le"e% b%o,# fi#e%s& oo!-#at$%e!
fa)es& a#! la$h !ee+ f%$it( la$hs @es+e)iall( afte% !i##e%& ,hi)h the( ha"e t,i)e a
!a( ,he# the( )a# et itA. No, (o$ '#o, e#o$h to o o# ,ith. As I ,as sa(i#& the
*othe% of this hobbitUof Bilbo Bai#s& that isU,as the fa*o$s Bella!o##a Too'&
o#e of the th%ee %e*a%'able !a$hte%s of the Ol! Too'& hea! of the hobbits ,ho
li"e! a)%oss The 4ate%& the s*all %i"e% that %a# at the foot of The Hill. It ,as ofte#
sai! @i# othe% fa*iliesA that lo# ao o#e of the Too' a#)esto%s *$st ha"e ta'e# a
fai%( ,ife. That ,as& of )o$%se& abs$%!& b$t )e%tai#l( the%e ,as still so*ethi# #ot
e#ti%el( hobbitli'e abo$t the*& a#! o#)e i# a ,hile *e*be%s of the Too'-)la# ,o$l!
o a#! ha"e a!"e#t$%es. The( !is)%eetl( !isa++ea%e!& a#! the fa*il( h$she! it $+S
b$t the fa)t %e*ai#e! that the Too's ,e%e #ot as %es+e)table as the Bai#ses&
tho$h the( ,e%e $#!o$bte!l( %i)he%.
Not that Bella!o##a Too' e"e% ha! a#( a!"e#t$%es afte% she be)a*e 0%s. B$#o
Bai#s. B$#o& that ,as Bilbo3s fathe%& b$ilt the *ost l$F$%io$s hobbit-hole fo% he%
@a#! +a%tl( ,ith he% *o#e(A that ,as to be fo$#! eithe% $#!e% The Hill o% o"e% The
Hill o% a)%oss The 4ate%& a#! the%e the( %e*ai#e! to the e#! of thei% !a(s. /till it is
+%obable that Bilbo& he% o#l( so#& altho$h he loo'e! a#! beha"e! eFa)tl( li'e a
se)o#! e!itio# of his soli! a#! )o*fo%table fathe%& ot so*ethi# a bit .$ee% i# his
*a'e-$+ f%o* the Too' si!e& so*ethi# that o#l( ,aite! fo% a )ha#)e to )o*e o$t.
The )ha#)e #e"e% a%%i"e!& $#til Bilbo Bai#s ,as %o,# $+& bei# abo$t fift( (ea%s
ol! o% so& a#! li"i# i# the bea$tif$l hobbit-hole b$ilt b( his fathe%& ,hi)h I ha"e P$st
!es)%ibe! fo% (o$& $#til he ha! i# fa)t a++a%e#tl( settle! !o,# i**o"abl(.
B( so*e )$%io$s )ha#)e o#e *o%#i# lo# ao i# the .$iet of the ,o%l!& ,he# the%e
,as less #oise a#! *o%e %ee#& a#! the hobbits ,e%e still #$*e%o$s a#!
+%os+e%o$s& a#! Bilbo Bai#s ,as sta#!i# at his !oo% afte% b%ea'fast s*o'i# a#
e#o%*o$s lo# ,oo!e# +i+e that %ea)he! #ea%l( !o,# to his ,ooll( toes @#eatl(
b%$she!AUGa#!alf )a*e b(. Ga#!alfW If (o$ ha! hea%! o#l( a .$a%te% of ,hat I ha"e
hea%! abo$t hi*& a#! I ha"e o#l( hea%! "e%( little of all the%e is to hea%& (o$ ,o$l!
be +%e+a%e! fo% a#( so%t of %e*a%'able tale. Tales a#! a!"e#t$%es s+%o$te! $+ all
o"e% the +la)e ,he%e"e% he ,e#t& i# the *ost eFt%ao%!i#a%( fashio#. He ha! #ot
bee# !o,# that ,a( $#!e% The Hill fo% aes a#! aes& #ot si#)e his f%ie#! the Ol!
Too' !ie!& i# fa)t& a#! the hobbits ha! al*ost fo%otte# ,hat he loo'e! li'e. He ha!
bee# a,a( o"e% The Hill a#! a)%oss The 4ate% o# b$si#esses of his o,# si#)e the(
,e%e all s*all hobbit-bo(s a#! hobbit-i%ls.
All that the $#s$s+e)ti# Bilbo sa, that *o%#i# ,as a# ol! *a# ,ith a staff. He ha!
a tall +oi#te! bl$e hat& a lo# %e( )loa'& a sil"e% s)a%f o"e% ,hi)h his lo# ,hite
bea%! h$# !o,# belo, his ,aist& a#! i**e#se bla)' boots.
BGoo! 0o%#i#WC sai! Bilbo& a#! he *ea#t it. The s$# ,as shi#i#& a#! the %ass ,as
"e%( %ee#. B$t Ga#!alf loo'e! at hi* f%o* $#!e% lo# b$sh( e(eb%o,s that st$)'
o$t f$%the% tha# the b%i* of his sha!( hat.
B4hat !o (o$ *ea#VC he sai!. BDo (o$ ,ish *e a oo! *o%#i#& o% *ea# that it is a
oo! *o%#i# ,hethe% I ,a#t it o% #otS o% that (o$ feel oo! this *o%#i#S o% that it
is a *o%#i# to be oo! o#VC
BAll of the* at o#)e&C sai! Bilbo. BA#! a "e%( fi#e *o%#i# fo% a +i+e of toba))o o$t
of !oo%s& i#to the ba%ai#. If (o$ ha"e a +i+e abo$t (o$& sit !o,# a#! ha"e a fill of
*i#eW The%e3s #o h$%%(& ,e ha"e all the !a( befo%e $sWC The# Bilbo sat !o,# o# a
seat b( his !oo%& )%osse! his les& a#! ble, o$t a bea$tif$l %e( %i# of s*o'e that
saile! $+ i#to the ai% ,itho$t b%ea'i# a#! floate! a,a( o"e% The Hill.
B7e%( +%ett(WC sai! Ga#!alf. BB$t I ha"e #o ti*e to blo, s*o'e-%i#s this *o%#i#. I
a* loo'i# fo% so*eo#e to sha%e i# a# a!"e#t$%e that I a* a%%a#i#& a#! it3s "e%(
!iffi)$lt to fi#! a#(o#e.C
BI sho$l! thi#' soUi# these +a%tsW 4e a%e +lai# .$iet fol' a#! ha"e #o $se fo%
a!"e#t$%es. Nast( !ist$%bi# $#)o*fo%table thi#sW 0a'e (o$ late fo% !i##e%W I )a#3t
thi#' ,hat a#(bo!( sees i# the*&C sai! o$% 0%. Bai#s& a#! st$)' o#e th$*b
behi#! his b%a)es& a#! ble, o$t a#othe% e"e# bie% s*o'e%i#. The# he too' o$t
his *o%#i# lette%s& a#! bea# to %ea!& +%ete#!i# to ta'e #o *o%e #oti)e of the ol!
*a#. He ha! !e)i!e! that he ,as #ot .$ite his so%t& a#! ,a#te! hi* to o a,a(. B$t
the ol! *a# !i! #ot *o"e. He stoo! lea#i# o# his sti)' a#! aHi# at the hobbit
,itho$t sa(i# a#(thi#& till Bilbo ot .$ite $#)o*fo%table a#! e"e# a little )%oss.
BGoo! *o%#i#WC he sai! at last. B4e !o#3t ,a#t a#( a!"e#t$%es he%e& tha#' (o$W
Yo$ *iht t%( o"e% The Hill o% a)%oss The 4ate%.C B( this he *ea#t that the
)o#"e%satio# ,as at a# e#!.
B4hat a lot of thi#s (o$ !o $se Goo! *o%#i# fo%WC sai! Ga#!alf. BNo, (o$ *ea#
that (o$ ,a#t to et %i! of *e& a#! that it ,o#3t be oo! till I *o"e off.C
BNot at all& #ot at all& *( !ea% si%W Let *e see& I !o#3t thi#' I '#o, (o$% #a*eVC
BYes& (es& *( !ea% si%Ua#! I !o '#o, (o$% #a*e& 0%. Bilbo Bai#s. A#! (o$ !o
'#o, *( #a*e& tho$h (o$ !o#3t %e*e*be% that I belo# to it. I a* Ga#!alf& a#!
Ga#!alf *ea#s *eW To thi#' that I sho$l! ha"e li"e! to be oo!-*o%#i#e! b(
Bella!o##a Too'3s so#& as if I ,as selli# b$tto#s at the !oo%WC
BGa#!alf& Ga#!alfW Goo! %a)io$s *eW Not the ,a#!e%i# ,iHa%! that a"e Ol! Too'
a +ai% of *ai) !ia*o#! st$!s that faste#e! the*sel"es a#! #e"e% )a*e $#!o#e till
o%!e%e!V Not the fello, ,ho $se! to tell s$)h ,o#!e%f$l tales at +a%ties& abo$t
!%ao#s a#! obli#s a#! ia#ts a#! the %es)$e of +%i#)esses a#! the $#eF+e)te!
l$)' of ,i!o,s3 so#sV Not the *a# that $se! to *a'e s$)h +a%ti)$la%l( eF)elle#t
fi%e,o%'sW I %e*e*be% thoseW Ol! Too' $se! to ha"e the* o# 0i!s$**e%3s E"e.
/+le#!i!W The( $se! to o $+ li'e %eat lilies a#! s#a+!%ao#s a#! lab$%#$*s of fi%e
a#! ha# i# the t,iliht all e"e#i#WC Yo$ ,ill #oti)e al%ea!( that 0%. Bai#s ,as
#ot .$ite so +%os( as he li'e! to belie"e& also that he ,as "e%( fo#! of flo,e%s. BDea%
*eWC he ,e#t o#. BNot the Ga#!alf ,ho ,as %es+o#sible fo% so *a#( .$iet la!s a#!
lasses oi# off i#to the Bl$e fo% *a! a!"e#t$%esV A#(thi# f%o* )li*bi# t%ees to
"isiti# el"esUo% saili# i# shi+s& saili# to othe% sho%esW Bless *e& life $se! to be
.$ite i#te%UI *ea#& (o$ $se! to $+set thi#s ba!l( i# these +a%ts o#)e $+o# a ti*e.
I be (o$% +a%!o#& b$t I ha! #o i!ea (o$ ,e%e still i# b$si#ess.C
B4he%e else sho$l! I beVC sai! the ,iHa%!. BAll the sa*e I a* +lease! to fi#! (o$
%e*e*be% so*ethi# abo$t *e. Yo$ see* to %e*e*be% *( fi%e,o%'s 'i#!l(& at a#(
%ate& a#! that is #ot ,itho$t ho+e. I#!ee! fo% (o$% ol! %a#!fathe% Too'3s sa'e& a#!
fo% the sa'e of +oo% Bella!o##a& I ,ill i"e (o$ ,hat (o$ as'e! fo%.C
BI be (o$% +a%!o#& I ha"e#3t as'e! fo% a#(thi#WC
BYes& (o$ ha"eW T,i)e #o,. 0( +a%!o#. I i"e it (o$. I# fa)t I ,ill o so fa% as to se#!
(o$ o# this a!"e#t$%e. 7e%( a*$si# fo% *e& "e%( oo! fo% (o$Ua#! +%ofitable too&
"e%( li'el(& if (o$ e"e% et o"e% it.C
B/o%%(W I !o#3t ,a#t a#( a!"e#t$%es& tha#' (o$. Not to!a(. Goo! *o%#i#W B$t
+lease )o*e to teaUa#( ti*e (o$ li'eW 4h( #ot to*o%%o,V Co*e to*o%%o,W Goo!
b(eWC 4ith that the hobbit t$%#e! a#! s)$ttle! i#si!e his %o$#! %ee# !oo%& a#! sh$t
it as .$i)'l( as he !a%e!& #ot to see* %$!e. 4iHa%!s afte% all a%e ,iHa%!s.
B4hat o# ea%th !i! I as' hi* to tea fo%WC he sai! to hi*self& as he ,e#t to the +a#t%(.
He ha! o#l( P$st ha! b%ea'fast& b$t he tho$ht a )a'e o% t,o a#! a !%i#' of
so*ethi# ,o$l! !o hi* oo! afte% his f%iht.
Ga#!alf i# the *ea#ti*e ,as still sta#!i# o$tsi!e the !oo%& a#! la$hi# lo# b$t
.$ietl(. Afte% a ,hile he ste++e! $+& a#! ,ith the s+i'e o# his staff s)%at)he! a
.$ee% si# o# the hobbit3s bea$tif$l %ee# f%o#t-!oo%. The# he st%o!e a,a(& P$st
abo$t the ti*e ,he# Bilbo ,as fi#ishi# his se)o#! )a'e a#! bei##i# to thi#' that
he ha! es)a+e! a!"e#t$%es "e%( ,ell.
The #eFt !a( he ha! al*ost fo%otte# abo$t Ga#!alf. He !i! #ot %e*e*be% thi#s
"e%( ,ell& $#less he +$t the* !o,# o# his E#ae*e#t Tablet2 li'e this2 Ga#!alf
Tea 4e!#es!a(. Yeste%!a( he ha! bee# too fl$ste%e! to !o a#(thi# of the 'i#!.
J$st befo%e tea-ti*e the%e )a*e a t%e*e#!o$s %i# o# the f%o#t-!oo% bell& a#! the#
he %e*e*be%e!W He %$she! a#! +$t o# the 'ettle& a#! +$t o$t a#othe% )$+ a#!
sa$)e%& a#! a# eFt%a )a'e o% t,o& a#! %a# to the !oo%.
BI a* so so%%( to 'ee+ (o$ ,aiti#WC he ,as oi# to sa(& ,he# he sa, that it ,as
#ot Ga#!alf at all. It ,as a !,a%f ,ith a bl$e bea%! t$)'e! i#to a ol!e# belt& a#!
"e%( b%iht e(es $#!e% his !a%'-%ee# hoo!. As soo# as the !oo% ,as o+e#e!& he
+$she! i#si!e& P$st as if he ha! bee# eF+e)te!.
He h$# his hoo!e! )loa' o# the #ea%est +e& a#! BD,ali# at (o$% se%"i)eWC he sai!
,ith a lo, bo,.
BBilbo Bai#s at (o$%sWC sai! the hobbit& too s$%+%ise! to as' a#( .$estio#s fo% the
*o*e#t. 4he# the sile#)e that follo,e! ha! be)o*e $#)o*fo%table& he a!!e!2 BI
a* P$st abo$t to ta'e teaS +%a( )o*e a#! ha"e so*e ,ith *e.C A little stiff +e%ha+s&
b$t he *ea#t it 'i#!l(. A#! ,hat ,o$l! (o$ !o& if a# $#i#"ite! !,a%f )a*e a#! h$#
his thi#s $+ i# (o$% hall ,itho$t a ,o%! of eF+la#atio#V
The( ha! #ot bee# at table lo#& i# fa)t the( ha! ha%!l( %ea)he! the thi%! )a'e& ,he#
the%e )a*e a#othe% e"e# lo$!e% %i# at the bell.
BEF)$se *eWC sai! the hobbit& a#! off he ,e#t to the !oo%.
B/o (o$ ha"e ot he%e at lastWC That ,as ,hat he ,as oi# to sa( to Ga#!alf this
ti*e. B$t it ,as #ot Ga#!alf. I#stea! the%e ,as a "e%( ol!-loo'i# !,a%f o# the ste+
,ith a ,hite bea%! a#! a s)a%let hoo!S a#! he too ho++e! i#si!e as soo# as the !oo%
,as o+e#& P$st as if he ha! bee# i#"ite!.
BI see the( ha"e be$# to a%%i"e al%ea!(&C he sai! ,he# he )a$ht siht of D,ali#3s
%ee# hoo! ha#i# $+. He h$# his %e! o#e #eFt to it& a#! BBali# at (o$% se%"i)eWC
he sai! ,ith his ha#! o# his b%east.
BTha#' (o$WC sai! Bilbo ,ith a as+. It ,as #ot the )o%%e)t thi# to sa(& b$t the(
ha"e be$# to a%%i"e ha! fl$ste%e! hi* ba!l(. He li'e! "isito%s& b$t he li'e! to '#o,
the* befo%e the( a%%i"e!& a#! he +%efe%%e! to as' the* hi*self. He ha! a ho%%ible
tho$ht that the )a'es *iht %$# sho%t& a#! the# heUas the host2 he '#e, his !$t(
a#! st$)' to it ho,e"e% +ai#f$lUhe *iht ha"e to o ,itho$t.
BCo*e alo# i#& a#! ha"e so*e teaWC he *a#ae! to sa( afte% ta'i# a !ee+ b%eath.
BA little bee% ,o$l! s$it *e bette%& if it is all the sa*e to (o$& *( oo! si%&C sai! Bali#
,ith the ,hite bea%!. BB$t I !o#3t *i#! so*e )a'eUsee!-)a'e& if (o$ ha"e a#(.C
BLotsWC Bilbo fo$#! hi*self a#s,e%i#& to his o,# s$%+%iseS a#! he fo$#! hi*self
s)$ttli# off& too& to the )ella% to fill a +i#t bee%-*$& a#! the# to a +a#t%( to fet)h
t,o bea$tif$l %o$#! see!-)a'es ,hi)h he ha! ba'e! that afte%#oo# fo% his afte%-
s$++e% *o%sel.
4he# he ot ba)' Bali# a#! D,ali# ,e%e tal'i# at the table li'e ol! f%ie#!s @as a
*atte% of fa)t the( ,e%e b%othe%sA. Bilbo +l$*+e! !o,# the bee% a#! the )a'e i#
f%o#t of the*& ,he# lo$! )a*e a %i# at the bell aai#& a#! the# a#othe% %i#.
BGa#!alf fo% )e%tai# this ti*e&C he tho$ht as he +$ffe! alo# the +assae. B$t it ,as
#ot. It ,as t,o *o%e !,a%"es& both ,ith bl$e hoo!s& sil"e% belts& a#! (ello, bea%!sS
a#! ea)h of the* )a%%ie! a ba of tools a#! a s+a!e. I# the( ho++e!& as soo# as the
!oo% bea# to o+e#UBilbo ,as ha%!l( s$%+%ise! at all.
B4hat )a# I !o fo% (o$& *( !,a%"esVC he sai!.
BKili at (o$% se%"i)eWC sai! the o#e. BA#! 1iliWC a!!e! the othe%S a#! the( both s,e+t
off thei% bl$e hoo!s a#! bo,e!.
BAt (o$%s a#! (o$% fa*il(3sWC %e+lie! Bilbo& %e*e*be%i# his *a##e%s this ti*e.
BD,ali# a#! Bali# he%e al%ea!(& I see&C sai! Kili. BLet $s Poi# the th%o#WC
BTh%o#WC tho$ht 0%. Bai#s. BI !o#3t li'e the so$#! of that. I %eall( *$st sit !o,#
fo% a *i#$te a#! )olle)t *( ,its& a#! ha"e a !%i#'.C He ha! o#l( P$st ha! a si+Ui#
the )o%#e%& ,hile the fo$% !,a%"es sat %o$#! the table& a#! tal'e! abo$t *i#es a#!
ol! a#! t%o$bles ,ith the obli#s& a#! the !e+%e!atio#s of !%ao#s& a#! lots of
othe% thi#s ,hi)h he !i! #ot $#!e%sta#!& a#! !i! #ot ,a#t to& fo% the( so$#!e!
*$)h too a!"e#t$%o$sU,he#& !i#-!o#-a-li#-!a#& his bell %a# aai#& as if so*e
#a$ht( little hobbit-bo( ,as t%(i# to +$ll the ha#!le off.
B/o*eo#e at the !oo%WC he sai!& bli#'i#.
B/o*e fo$%& I sho$l! sa( b( the so$#!&C sai! 1ili. BBesi!es& ,e sa, the* )o*i#
alo# behi#! $s i# the !ista#)e.C
The +oo% little hobbit sat !o,# i# the hall a#! +$t his hea! i# his ha#!s& a#!
,o#!e%e! ,hat ha! ha++e#e!& a#! ,hat ,as oi# to ha++e#& a#! ,hethe% the(
,o$l! all sta( to s$++e%. The# the bell %a# aai# lo$!e% tha# e"e%& a#! he ha! to
%$# to the !oo%. It ,as #ot fo$% afte% all& it ,as fi"e. A#othe% !,a%f ha! )o*e alo#
,hile he ,as ,o#!e%i# i# the hall. He ha! ha%!l( t$%#e! the '#ob& befo%e the(
,e%e all i#si!e& bo,i# a#! sa(i# Bat (o$% se%"i)eC o#e afte% a#othe%. Do%i& No%i&
O%i& Oi#& a#! Gloi# ,e%e thei% #a*esS a#! "e%( soo# t,o +$%+le hoo!s& a %e( hoo!&
a b%o,# hoo!& a#! a ,hite hoo! ,e%e ha#i# o# the +es& a#! off the( *a%)he!
,ith thei% b%oa! ha#!s st$)' i# thei% ol! a#! sil"e% belts to Poi# the othe%s. Al%ea!(
it ha! al*ost be)o*e a th%o#. /o*e )alle! fo% ale& a#! so*e fo% +o%te%& a#! o#e fo%
)offee& a#! all of the* fo% )a'esS so the hobbit ,as 'e+t "e%( b$s( fo% a ,hile.
A bi P$ of )offee ha! P$st bee# set i# the hea%th& the see!-)a'es ,e%e o#e& a#!
the !,a%"es ,e%e sta%ti# o# a %o$#! of b$tte%e! s)o#es& ,he# the%e )a*eUa lo$!
'#o)'. Not a %i#& b$t a ha%! %at-tat o# the hobbit3s bea$tif$l %ee# !oo%. /o*ebo!(
,as ba#i# ,ith a sti)'W
Bilbo %$she! alo# the +assae& "e%( a#%(& a#! altoethe% be,il!e%e! a#!
be,$the%e!Uthis ,as the *ost a,',a%! 4e!#es!a( he e"e% %e*e*be%e!. He
+$lle! o+e# the !oo% ,ith a Pe%'& a#! the( all fell i#& o#e o# to+ of the othe%. 0o%e
!,a%"es& fo$% *o%eW A#! the%e ,as Ga#!alf behi#!& lea#i# o# his staff a#!
la$hi#. He ha! *a!e .$ite a !e#t o# the bea$tif$l !oo%S he ha! also& b( the ,a(&
'#o)'e! o$t the se)%et *a%' that he ha! +$t the%e the *o%#i# befo%e.
BCa%ef$ll(W Ca%ef$ll(WC he sai!. BIt is #ot li'e (o$& Bilbo& to 'ee+ f%ie#!s ,aiti# o# the
*at& a#! the# o+e# the !oo% li'e a +o+-$#W Let *e i#t%o!$)e Bif$%& Bof$%& Bo*b$%&
a#! es+e)iall( Tho%i#WC
BAt (o$% se%"i)eWC sai! Bif$%& Bof$%& a#! Bo*b$% sta#!i# i# a %o,. The# the( h$#
$+ t,o (ello, hoo!s a#! a +ale %ee# o#eS a#! also a s'(-bl$e o#e ,ith a lo# sil"e%
tassel. This last belo#e! to Tho%i#& a# e#o%*o$sl( i*+o%ta#t !,a%f& i# fa)t #o othe%
tha# the %eat Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! hi*self& ,ho ,as #ot at all +lease! at falli# flat
o# Bilbo3s *at ,ith Bif$%& Bof$%& a#! Bo*b$% o# to+ of hi*. 1o% o#e thi# Bo*b$%
,as i**e#sel( fat a#! hea"(. Tho%i# i#!ee! ,as "e%( ha$ht(& a#! sai! #othi#
abo$t se%"i)eS b$t +oo% 0%. Bai#s sai! he ,as so%%( so *a#( ti*es& that at last he
%$#te! B+%a( !o#3t *e#tio# it&C a#! sto++e! f%o,#i#.
BNo, ,e a%e all he%eWC sai! Ga#!alf& loo'i# at the %o, of thi%tee# hoo!sUthe best
!eta)hable +a%t( hoo!sUa#! his o,# hat ha#i# o# the +es. B:$ite a *e%%(
athe%i#W I ho+e the%e is so*ethi# left fo% the late-)o*e%s to eat a#! !%i#'W 4hat3s
thatV TeaW No tha#' (o$W A little %e! ,i#e& I thi#' fo% *e.C
BA#! fo% *e&C sai! Tho%i#.
BA#! %as+be%%( Pa* a#! a++le-ta%t&C sai! Bif$%.
BA#! *i#)e-+ies a#! )heese&C sai! Bof$%.
BA#! +o%'-+ie a#! sala!&C sai! Bo*b$%.
BA#! *o%e )a'esUa#! aleUa#! )offee& if (o$ !o#3t *i#!&C )alle! the othe% !,a%"es
th%o$h the !oo%.
B5$t o# a fe, es& the%e3s a oo! fello,WC Ga#!alf )alle! afte% hi*& as the hobbit
st$*+e! off to the +a#t%ies. BA#! P$st b%i# o$t the )ol! )hi)'e# a#! +i)'lesWC
B/ee*s to '#o, as *$)h abo$t the i#si!e of *( la%!e%s as I !o *(selfWC tho$ht 0%.
Bai#s& ,ho ,as feeli# +ositi"el( fl$**oFe!& a#! ,as bei##i# to ,o#!e%
,hethe% a *ost ,%et)he! a!"e#t$%e ha! #ot )o*e %iht i#to his ho$se. B( the ti*e
he ha! ot all the bottles a#! !ishes a#! '#i"es a#! fo%'s a#! lasses a#! +lates a#!
s+oo#s a#! thi#s +ile! $+ o# bi t%a(s& he ,as etti# "e%( hot& a#! %e! i# the fa)e&
a#! a##o(e!.
BCo#f$sti)ate a#! bebothe% these !,a%"esWC he sai! alo$!. B4h( !o#3t the( )o*e
a#! le#! a ha#!VC Lo a#! behol!W the%e stoo! Bali# a#! D,ali# at the !oo% of the
'it)he#& a#! 1ili a#! Kili behi#! the*& a#! befo%e he )o$l! sa( '#ife the( ha!
,his'e! the t%a(s a#! a )o$+le of s*all tables i#to the +a%lo$% a#! set o$t
e"e%(thi# af%esh.
Ga#!alf sat at the hea! of the +a%t( ,ith the thi%tee# !,a%"es all %o$#!2 a#! Bilbo
sat o# a stool at the fi%esi!e& #ibbli# at a bis)$it @his a++etite ,as .$ite ta'e#
a,a(A& a#! t%(i# to loo' as if this ,as all +e%fe)tl( o%!i#a%( a#! #ot i# the least a#
a!"e#t$%e. The !,a%"es ate a#! ate& a#! tal'e! a#! tal'e!& a#! ti*e ot o#. At last
the( +$she! thei% )hai%s ba)'& a#! Bilbo *a!e a *o"e to )olle)t the +lates a#!
lasses.
BI s$++ose (o$ ,ill all sta( to s$++e%VC he sai! i# his +olitest $#+%essi# to#es.
BOf )o$%seWC sai! Tho%i#. BA#! afte%. 4e sha#3t et th%o$h the b$si#ess till late& a#!
,e *$st ha"e so*e *$si) fi%st. No, to )lea% $+WC
The%e$+o# the t,el"e !,a%"esU#ot Tho%i#& he ,as too i*+o%ta#t& a#! sta(e!
tal'i# to Ga#!alfUP$*+e! to thei% feet& a#! *a!e tall +iles of all the thi#s. Off
the( ,e#t& #ot ,aiti# fo% t%a(s& bala#)i# )ol$*#s of +lates& ea)h ,ith a bottle o#
the to+& ,ith o#e ha#!& ,hile the hobbit %a# afte% the* al*ost s.$ea'i# ,ith
f%iht2 B+lease be )a%ef$lWC a#! B+lease& !o#3t t%o$bleW I )a# *a#ae.C B$t the
!,a%"es o#l( sta%te! to si#2
Chi+ the lasses a#! )%a)' the +latesW
Bl$#t the '#i"es a#! be#! the fo%'sW
That3s ,hat Bilbo Bai#s hatesX
/*ash the bottles a#! b$%# the )o%'sW
C$t the )loth a#! t%ea! o# the fatW
5o$% the *il' o# the +a#t%( floo%W
Lea"e the bo#es o# the be!%oo* *atW
/+lash the ,i#e o# e"e%( !oo%W
D$*+ the )%o)'s i# a boili# bo,lS
5o$#! the* $+ ,ith a th$*+i# +oleS
A#! ,he# (o$3"e fi#ishe!& if a#( a%e ,hole&
/e#! the* !o,# the hall to %ollW
That3s ,hat Bilbo Bai#s hatesW
/o& )a%ef$ll(W )a%ef$ll( ,ith the +latesW
A#! of )o$%se the( !i! #o#e of these !%ea!f$l thi#s& a#! e"e%(thi# ,as )lea#e!
a#! +$t a,a( safe as .$i)' as liht#i#& ,hile the hobbit ,as t$%#i# %o$#! a#!
%o$#! i# the *i!!le of the 'it)he# t%(i# to see ,hat the( ,e%e !oi#. The# the(
,e#t ba)'& a#! fo$#! Tho%i# ,ith his feet o# the fe#!e% s*o'i# a +i+e. He ,as
blo,i# the *ost e#o%*o$s s*o'e-%i#s& a#! ,he%e"e% he tol! o#e to o& it
,e#tU$+ the )hi*#e(& o% behi#! the )lo)' o# the *a#tel+ie)e& o% $#!e% the table&
o% %o$#! a#! %o$#! the )eili#S b$t ,he%e"e% it ,e#t it ,as #ot .$i)' e#o$h to
es)a+e Ga#!alf. 5o+W he se#t a s*alle% s*o'e-%i# f%o* his sho%t )la(-+i+e st%aiht
th%o$h ea)h o#e of Tho%i#3s. The# Ga#!alf3s s*o'e-%i# ,o$l! o %ee# a#! )o*e
ba)' to ho"e% o"e% the ,iHa%!3s hea!. He ha! a )lo$! of the* abo$t hi* al%ea!(& a#!
i# the !i* liht it *a!e hi* loo' st%a#e a#! so%)e%o$s. Bilbo stoo! still a#!
,at)he!Uhe lo"e! s*o'e-%i#sUa#! the# he bl$she! to thi#' ho, +%o$! he ha!
bee# (este%!a( *o%#i# of the s*o'e-%i#s he ha! se#t $+ the ,i#! o"e% The Hill.
BNo, fo% so*e *$si)WC sai! Tho%i#. BB%i# o$t the i#st%$*e#tsWC
Kili a#! 1ili %$she! fo% thei% bas a#! b%o$ht ba)' little fi!!lesS Do%i& No%i& a#! O%i
b%o$ht o$t fl$tes f%o* so*e,he%e i#si!e thei% )oatsS Bo*b$% +%o!$)e! a !%$*
f%o* the hallS Bif$% a#! Bof$% ,e#t o$t too& a#! )a*e ba)' ,ith )la%i#ets that the(
ha! left a*o# the ,al'i#-sti)'s. D,ali# a#! Bali# sai!2 BEF)$se *e& I left *i#e i#
the +o%)hWC BJ$st b%i# *i#e i# ,ith (o$WC sai! Tho%i#. The( )a*e ba)' ,ith "iols as
bi as the*sel"es& a#! ,ith Tho%i#3s ha%+ ,%a++e! i# a %ee# )loth. It ,as a
bea$tif$l ol!e# ha%+& a#! ,he# Tho%i# st%$)' it the *$si) bea# all at o#)e& so
s$!!e# a#! s,eet that Bilbo fo%ot e"e%(thi# else& a#! ,as s,e+t a,a( i#to !a%'
la#!s $#!e% st%a#e *oo#s& fa% o"e% The 4ate% a#! "e%( fa% f%o* his hobbit-hole
$#!e% The Hill.
The !a%' )a*e i#to the %oo* f%o* the little ,i#!o, that o+e#e! i# the si!e of The
HillS the fi%eliht fli)'e%e!Uit ,as A+%ilUa#! still the( +la(e! o#& ,hile the sha!o,
of Ga#!alf3s bea%! ,ae! aai#st the ,all.
The !a%' fille! all the %oo*& a#! the fi%e !ie! !o,#& a#! the sha!o,s ,e%e lost& a#!
still the( +la(e! o#. A#! s$!!e#l( fi%st o#e a#! the# a#othe% bea# to si# as the(
+la(e!& !ee+-th%oate! si#i# of the !,a%"es i# the !ee+ +la)es of thei% a#)ie#t
ho*esS a#! this is li'e a f%a*e#t of thei% so#& if it )a# be li'e thei% so# ,itho$t
thei% *$si).
1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s )ol!
To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s ol!
4e *$st a,a( e%e b%ea' of !a(
To see' the +ale e#)ha#te! ol!.
The !,a%"es of (o%e *a!e *iht( s+ells&
4hile ha**e%s fell li'e %i#i# bells
I# +la)es !ee+& ,he%e !a%' thi#s slee+&
I# hollo, halls be#eath the fells.
1o% a#)ie#t 'i# a#! el"ish lo%!
The%e *a#( a lea*i# ol!e# hoa%!
The( sha+e! a#! ,%o$ht& a#! liht the( )a$ht
To hi!e i# e*s o# hilt of s,o%!.
O# sil"e% #e)'la)es the( st%$#
The flo,e%i# sta%s& o# )%o,#s the( h$#
The !%ao#-fi%e& i# t,iste! ,i%e
The( *eshe! the liht of *oo# a#! s$#.
1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s )ol!
To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s ol!
4e *$st a,a(& e%e b%ea' of !a(&
To )lai* o$% lo#-fo%otte# ol!.
Goblets the( )a%"e! the%e fo% the*sel"es
A#! ha%+s of ol!S ,he%e #o *a# !el"es
The%e la( the( lo#& a#! *a#( a so#
4as s$# $#hea%! b( *e# o% el"es.
The +i#es ,e%e %oa%i# o# the heiht&
The ,i#!s ,e%e *oa#i# i# the #iht.
The fi%e ,as %e!& it fla*i# s+%ea!S
The t%ees li'e to%)hes blaHe! ,ith liht.
The bells ,e%e %i#i# i# the !ale
A#! *e# loo'e! $+ ,ith fa)es +aleS
The !%ao#3s i%e *o%e fie%)e tha# fi%e
Lai! lo, thei% to,e%s a#! ho$ses f%ail.
The *o$#tai# s*o'e! be#eath the *oo#S
The !,a%"es& the( hea%! the t%a*+ of !oo*.
The( fle! thei% hall to !(i# fall
Be#eath his feet& be#eath the *oo#.
1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s %i*
To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s !i*
4e *$st a,a(& e%e b%ea' of !a(&
To ,i# o$% ha%+s a#! ol! f%o* hi*W
As the( sa# the hobbit felt the lo"e of bea$tif$l thi#s *a!e b( ha#!s a#! b(
)$##i# a#! b( *ai) *o"i# th%o$h hi*& a fie%)e a#! a Pealo$s lo"e& the !esi%e of
the hea%ts of !,a%"es. The# so*ethi# Too'ish ,o'e $+ i#si!e hi*& a#! he ,ishe!
to o a#! see the %eat *o$#tai#s& a#! hea% the +i#e-t%ees a#! the ,ate%falls& a#!
eF+lo%e the )a"es& a#! ,ea% a s,o%! i#stea! of a ,al'i#-sti)'. He loo'e! o$t of the
,i#!o,. The sta%s ,e%e o$t i# a !a%' s'( abo"e the t%ees. He tho$ht of the Pe,els
of the !,a%"es shi#i# i# !a%' )a"e%#s. /$!!e#l( i# the ,oo! be(o#! The 4ate% a
fla*e lea+t $+U+%obabl( so*ebo!( lihti# a ,oo!-fi%eUa#! he tho$ht of
+l$#!e%i# !%ao#s settli# o# his .$iet Hill a#! 'i#!li# it all to fla*es. He
sh$!!e%e!S a#! "e%( .$i)'l( he ,as +lai# 0%. Bai#s of Ba-E#!& 8#!e%-Hill& aai#.
He ot $+ t%e*bli#. He ha! less tha# half a *i#! to fet)h the la*+& a#! *o%e tha#
half a *i#! to +%ete#! to& a#! o a#! hi!e behi#! the bee%-ba%%els i# the )ella%& a#!
#ot )o*e o$t aai# $#til all the !,a%"es ha! o#e a,a(. /$!!e#l( he fo$#! that the
*$si) a#! the si#i# ha! sto++e!& a#! the( ,e%e all loo'i# at hi* ,ith e(es
shi#i# i# the !a%'.
B4he%e a%e (o$ oi#VC sai! Tho%i#& i# a to#e that see*e! to sho, that he $esse!
both hal"es of the hobbit3s *i#!.
B4hat abo$t a little lihtVC sai! Bilbo a+oloeti)all(.
B4e li'e the !a%'&C sai! all the !,a%"es. BDa%' fo% !a%' b$si#essW The%e a%e *a#(
ho$%s befo%e !a,#.C
BOf )o$%seWC sai! Bilbo& a#! sat !o,# i# a h$%%(. He *isse! the stool a#! sat i# the
fe#!e%& '#o)'i# o"e% the +o'e% a#! sho"el ,ith a )%ash.
BH$shWC sai! Ga#!alf. BLet Tho%i# s+ea'WC A#! this is ho, Tho%i# bea#.
BGa#!alf& !,a%"es a#! 0%. Bai#sW 4e a%e *et toethe% i# the ho$se of o$% f%ie#!
a#! fello, )o#s+i%ato%& this *ost eF)elle#t a#! a$!a)io$s hobbitU*a( the hai% o#
his toes #e"e% fall o$tW all +%aise to his ,i#e a#! aleWUC He +a$se! fo% b%eath a#! fo%
a +olite %e*a%' f%o* the hobbit& b$t the )o*+li*e#ts ,e%e .$ite lost o# +oo% Bilbo
Bai#s& ,ho ,as ,ai# his *o$th i# +%otest at bei# )alle! a$!a)io$s a#!
,o%st of all fello, )o#s+i%ato%& tho$h #o #oise )a*e o$t& he ,as so fl$**oFe!. /o
Tho%i# ,e#t o#2
B4e a%e *et to !is)$ss o$% +la#s& o$% ,a(s& *ea#s& +oli)( a#! !e"i)es. 4e shall
soo# befo%e the b%ea' of !a( sta%t o# o$% lo# Po$%#e(& a Po$%#e( f%o* ,hi)h so*e
of $s& o% +e%ha+s all of $s @eF)e+t o$% f%ie#! a#! )o$#sello%& the i#e#io$s ,iHa%!
Ga#!alfA *a( #e"e% %et$%#. It is a sole*# *o*e#t. O$% obPe)t is& I ta'e it& ,ell '#o,#
to $s all. To the esti*able 0%. Bai#s& a#! +e%ha+s to o#e o% t,o of the (o$#e%
!,a%"es @I thi#' I sho$l! be %iht i# #a*i# Kili a#! 1ili& fo% i#sta#)eA& the eFa)t
sit$atio# at the *o*e#t *a( %e.$i%e a little b%ief eF+la#atio#UC
This ,as Tho%i#3s st(le. He ,as a# i*+o%ta#t !,a%f. If he ha! bee# allo,e!& he ,o$l!
+%obabl( ha"e o#e o# li'e this $#til he ,as o$t of b%eath& ,itho$t telli# a#( o#e
the%e a#(thi# that ,as #ot '#o,# al%ea!(. B$t he ,as %$!el( i#te%%$+te!. 5oo%
Bilbo )o$l!#3t bea% it a#( lo#e%. At *a( #e"e% %et$%# he bea# to feel a sh%ie'
)o*i# $+ i#si!e& a#! "e%( soo# it b$%st o$t li'e the ,histle of a# e#i#e )o*i# o$t
of a t$##el. All the !,a%"es s+%a# $+& '#o)'i# o"e% the table. Ga#!alf st%$)' a
bl$e liht o# the e#! of his *ai) staff& a#! i# its fi%e,o%' la%e the +oo% little hobbit
)o$l! be see# '#eeli# o# the hea%th-%$& sha'i# li'e a Pell( that ,as *elti#. The#
he fell flat o# the floo%& a#! 'e+t o# )alli# o$t Bst%$)' b( liht#i#& st%$)' b(
liht#i#WC o"e% a#! o"e% aai#S a#! that ,as all the( )o$l! et o$t of hi* fo% a lo#
ti*e. /o the( too' hi* a#! lai! hi* o$t of the ,a( o# the !%a,i#-%oo* sofa ,ith a
!%i#' at his elbo,& a#! the( ,e#t ba)' to thei% !a%' b$si#ess.
BEF)itable little fello,&C sai! Ga#!alf& as the( sat !o,# aai#. BGets f$##( .$ee% fits&
b$t he is o#e of the best& o#e of the bestUas fie%)e as a !%ao# i# a +i#)h.C
If (o$ ha"e e"e% see# a !%ao# i# a +i#)h& (o$ ,ill %ealiHe that this ,as o#l( +oeti)al
eFae%atio# a++lie! to a#( hobbit& e"e# to Ol! Too'3s %eat-%a#!-$#)le B$ll%oa%e%&
,ho ,as so h$e @fo% a hobbitA that he )o$l! %i!e a ho%se. He )ha%e! the %a#'s of
the obli#s of 0o$#t G%a* i# the Battle of the G%ee# 1iel!s& a#! '#o)'e! thei% 'i#
Golfi*b$l3s hea! )lea# off ,ith a ,oo!e# )l$b. It saile! a h$#!%e! (a%!s th%o$h the
ai% a#! ,e#t !o,# a %abbit-hole& a#! i# this ,a( the battle ,as ,o# a#! the a*e
of Golf i#"e#te! at the sa*e *o*e#t.
I# the *ea#,hile& ho,e"e%& B$ll%oa%e%3s e#tle% !es)e#!a#t ,as %e"i"i# i# the
!%a,i#-%oo*. Afte% a ,hile a#! a !%i#' he )%e+t #e%"o$sl( to the !oo% of the
+a%lo$%. This is ,hat he hea%!& Gloi# s+ea'i#2 BH$*+hWC @o% so*e s#o%t *o%e o% less
li'e thatA. B4ill he !o& !o (o$ thi#'V It is all "e%( ,ell fo% Ga#!alf to tal' abo$t this
hobbit bei# fie%)e& b$t o#e sh%ie' li'e that i# a *o*e#t of eF)ite*e#t ,o$l! be
e#o$h to ,a'e the !%ao# a#! all his %elati"es& a#! 'ill the lot of $s. I thi#' it
so$#!e! *o%e li'e f%iht tha# eF)ite*e#tW I# fa)t& if it ha! #ot bee# fo% the si# o#
the !oo%& I sho$l! ha"e bee# s$%e ,e ha! )o*e to the ,%o# ho$se. As soo# as I
)la++e! e(es o# the little fello, bobbi# a#! +$ffi# o# the *at& I ha! *( !o$bts.
He loo's *o%e li'e a %o)e% tha# a b$%la%WC
The# 0%. Bai#s t$%#e! the ha#!le a#! ,e#t i#. The Too' si!e ha! ,o#. He
s$!!e#l( felt he ,o$l! o ,itho$t be! a#! b%ea'fast to be tho$ht fie%)e. As fo%
little fello, bobbi# o# the *at it al*ost *a!e hi* %eall( fie%)e. 0a#( a ti*e
afte%,a%!s the Bai#s +a%t %e%ette! ,hat he !i! #o,& a#! he sai! to hi*self2
BBilbo& (o$ ,e%e a foolS (o$ ,al'e! %iht i# a#! +$t (o$% foot i# it.C
B5a%!o# *e&C he sai!& Bif I ha"e o"e%hea%! ,o%!s that (o$ ,e%e sa(i#. I !o#3t
+%ete#! to $#!e%sta#! ,hat (o$ a%e tal'i# abo$t& o% (o$% %efe%e#)e to b$%la%s&
b$t I thi#' I a* %iht i# belie"i#C @this is ,hat he )alle! bei# o# his !i#it(A Bthat
(o$ thi#' I a* #o oo!. I ,ill sho, (o$. I ha"e #o si#s o# *( !oo%Uit ,as +ai#te! a
,ee' aoU& a#! I a* .$ite s$%e (o$ ha"e )o*e to the ,%o# ho$se. As soo# as I
sa, (o$% f$##( fa)es o# the !oo%-ste+& I ha! *( !o$bts. B$t t%eat it as the %iht o#e.
Tell *e ,hat (o$ ,a#t !o#e& a#! I ,ill t%( it& if I ha"e to ,al' f%o* he%e to the East of
East a#! fiht the ,il! 4e%e-,o%*s i# the Last Dese%t. I ha! a %eat-%eat-%eat-
%a#!-$#)le o#)e& B$ll%oa%e% Too'& a#!UC
BYes& (es& b$t that ,as lo# ao&C sai! Gloi#. BI ,as tal'i# abo$t (o$. A#! I ass$%e
(o$ the%e is a *a%' o# this !oo%Uthe $s$al o#e i# the t%a!e& o% $se! to be. B$%la%
,a#ts a oo! Pob& +le#t( of EF)ite*e#t a#! %easo#able Re,a%!& that3s ho, it is
$s$all( %ea!. Yo$ )a# sa( EF+e%t T%eas$%e-h$#te% i#stea! of B$%la% if (o$ li'e.
/o*e of the* !o. It3s all the sa*e to $s. Ga#!alf tol! $s that the%e ,as a *a# of the
so%t i# these +a%ts loo'i# fo% a Job at o#)e& a#! that he ha! a%%a#e! fo% a *eeti#
he%e this 4e!#es!a( tea-ti*e.C
BOf )o$%se the%e is a *a%'&C sai! Ga#!alf. BI +$t it the%e *(self. 1o% "e%( oo!
%easo#s. Yo$ as'e! *e to fi#! the fo$%tee#th *a# fo% (o$% eF+e!itio#& a#! I )hose
0%. Bai#s. J$st let a#( o#e sa( I )hose the
,%o# *a# o% the ,%o# ho$se& a#! (o$ )a# sto+ at thi%tee# a#! ha"e all the ba!
l$)' (o$ li'e& o% o ba)' to !ii# )oal.C
He s)o,le! so a#%il( at Gloi# that the !,a%f h$!!le! ba)' i# his )hai%S a#! ,he#
Bilbo t%ie! to o+e# his *o$th to as' a .$estio#& he t$%#e! a#! f%o,#e! at hi* a#!
st$)' o$t his b$sh( e(eb%o,s& till Bilbo sh$t his *o$th tiht ,ith a s#a+. BThat3s
%iht&C sai! Ga#!alf. BLet3s ha"e #o *o%e a%$*e#t. I ha"e )hose# 0%. Bai#s a#!
that o$ht to be e#o$h fo% all of (o$. If I sa( he is a B$%la%& a B$%la% he is& o% ,ill
be ,he# the ti*e )o*es. The%e is a lot *o%e i# hi* tha# (o$ $ess& a#! a !eal *o%e
tha# he has a#( i!ea of hi*self. Yo$ *a( @+ossibl(A all li"e to tha#' *e (et. No,
Bilbo& *( bo(& fet)h the la*+& a#! let3s ha"e a little liht o# thisWC
O# the table i# the liht of a bi la*+ ,ith a %e! sha!e he s+%ea! a +ie)e of
+a%)h*e#t %athe% li'e a *a+.
BThis ,as *a!e b( Th%o%& (o$% %a#!fathe%& Tho%i#&C he sai! i# a#s,e% to the
!,a%"es3 eF)ite! .$estio#s. BIt is a +la# of the 0o$#tai#.C
BI !o#3t see that this ,ill hel+ $s *$)h&C sai! Tho%i# !isa++oi#te!l( afte% a la#)e. BI
%e*e*be% the 0o$#tai# ,ell e#o$h a#! the la#!s abo$t it. A#! I '#o, ,he%e
0i%',oo! is& a#! the 4ithe%e! Heath ,he%e the %eat !%ao#s b%e!.C
BThe%e is a !%ao# *a%'e! i# %e! o# the 0o$#tai#&C sai! Bali#& Bb$t it ,ill be eas(
e#o$h to fi#! hi* ,itho$t that& if e"e% ,e a%%i"e the%e.C
BThe%e is o#e +oi#t that (o$ ha"e#3t #oti)e!&C sai! the ,iHa%!& Ba#! that is the se)%et
e#t%a#)e. Yo$ see that %$#e o# the 4est si!e& a#! the ha#! +oi#ti# to it f%o* the
othe% %$#esV That *a%'s a hi!!e# +assae to the Lo,e% Halls.C @Loo' at the *a+ at
the bei##i# of this boo'& a#! (o$ ,ill see the%e the %$#es.A
BIt *a( ha"e bee# se)%et o#)e&C sai! Tho%i#& Bb$t ho, !o ,e '#o, that it is se)%et
a#( lo#e%V Ol! /*a$ has li"e! the%e lo# e#o$h #o, to fi#! o$t a#(thi# the%e is
to '#o, abo$t those )a"es.C
BHe *a(Ub$t he )a#3t ha"e $se! it fo% (ea%s a#! (ea%s.C
B4h(VC
BBe)a$se it is too s*all. 6
1i"e feet hih the !oo% a#! th%ee *a( ,al' ab%east
3 sa( the %$#es& b$t /*a$ )o$l! #ot )%ee+ i#to a hole that siHe& #ot e"e# ,he# he
,as a (o$# !%ao#& )e%tai#l( #ot afte% !e"o$%i# so *a#( of the !,a%"es a#! *e#
of Dale.C
BIt see*s a %eat bi hole to *e&C s.$ea'e! Bilbo @,ho ha! #o eF+e%ie#)e of !%ao#s
a#! o#l( of hobbit-holesA. He ,as etti# eF)ite! a#! i#te%este! aai#& so that he
fo%ot to 'ee+ his *o$th sh$t. He lo"e! *a+s& a#! i# his hall the%e h$# a la%e o#e
of the Co$#t%( Ro$#! ,ith all his fa"o$%ite ,al's *a%'e! o# it i# %e! i#'. BHo, )o$l!
s$)h a la%e !oo% be 'e+t se)%et f%o* e"e%(bo!( o$tsi!e& a+a%t f%o* the !%ao#VC
he as'e!. He ,as o#l( a little hobbit (o$ *$st %e*e*be%.
BI# lots of ,a(s&C sai! Ga#!alf. BB$t i# ,hat ,a( this o#e has bee# hi!!e# ,e !o#3t
'#o, ,itho$t oi# to see. 1%o* ,hat it sa(s o# the *a+ I sho$l! $ess the%e is a
)lose! !oo% ,hi)h has bee# *a!e to loo' eFa)tl( li'e the si!e of the 0o$#tai#. That
is the $s$al !,a%"es3 *etho!UI thi#' that is %iht& is#3t itVC
B:$ite %iht&C sai! Tho%i#.
BAlso&C ,e#t o# Ga#!alf& BI fo%ot to *e#tio# that ,ith the *a+ ,e#t a 'e(& a s*all
a#! )$%io$s 'e(. He%e it isWC he sai!& a#! ha#!e! to Tho%i# a 'e( ,ith a lo# ba%%el
a#! i#t%i)ate ,a%!s& *a!e of sil"e%. BKee+ it safeWC
BI#!ee! I ,ill&C sai! Tho%i#& a#! he faste#e! it $+o# a fi#e )hai# that h$# abo$t his
#e)' a#! $#!e% his Pa)'et. BNo, thi#s bei# to loo' *o%e ho+ef$l. This #e,s alte%s
the* *$)h fo% the bette%. /o fa% ,e ha"e ha! #o )lea% i!ea ,hat to !o. 4e tho$ht
of oi# East& as .$iet a#! )a%ef$l as ,e )o$l!& as fa% as the Lo# La'e. Afte% that the
t%o$ble ,o$l! bei#U.C
BA lo# ti*e befo%e that& if I '#o, a#(thi# abo$t the %oa!s East&C i#te%%$+te!
Ga#!alf.
B4e *iht o f%o* the%e $+ alo# the Ri"e% R$##i#&C ,e#t o# Tho%i# ta'i# #o
#oti)e& Ba#! so to the %$i#s of DaleUthe ol! to,# i# the "alle( the%e& $#!e% the
sha!o, of the 0o$#tai#. B$t ,e #o#e of $s li'e! the i!ea of the 1%o#t Gate. The
%i"e% %$#s %iht o$t of it th%o$h the %eat )liff at the /o$th of the 0o$#tai#& a#! o$t
of it )o*es the !%ao# tooUfa% too ofte#& $#less he has )ha#e! his habits.C
BThat ,o$l! be #o oo!&C sai! the ,iHa%!& B#ot ,itho$t a *iht( 4a%%io%& e"e# a
He%o. I t%ie! to fi#! o#eS b$t ,a%%io%s a%e b$s( fihti# o#e a#othe% i# !ista#t la#!s&
a#! i# this #eihbo$%hoo! he%oes a%e s)a%)e& o% si*+l( #ot to be fo$#!. /,o%!s i#
these +a%ts a%e *ostl( bl$#t& a#! aFes a%e $se! fo% t%ees& a#! shiel!s as )%a!les o%
!ish-)o"e%sS a#! !%ao#s a%e )o*fo%tabl( fa%-off @a#! the%efo%e lee#!a%(A. That is
,h( I settle! o# b$%la%(Ues+e)iall( ,he# I %e*e*be%e! the eFiste#)e of a /i!e-
!oo%. A#! he%e is o$% little Bilbo Bai#s& the b$%la%& the )hose# a#! sele)te!
b$%la%. /o #o, let3s et o# a#! *a'e so*e +la#s.C
B7e%( ,ell the#&C sai! Tho%i#& Bs$++osi# the b$%la%-eF+e%t i"es $s so*e i!eas o%
s$estio#s.C He t$%#e! ,ith *o)'-+olite#ess to Bilbo.
B1i%st I sho$l! li'e to '#o, a bit *o%e abo$t thi#s&C sai! he& feeli# all )o#f$se! a#!
a bit sha'( i#si!e& b$t so fa% still Too'ishl( !ete%*i#e! to o o# ,ith thi#s. BI *ea#
abo$t the ol! a#! the !%ao#& a#! all that& a#! ho, it ot the%e& a#! ,ho it
belo#s to& a#! so o# a#! f$%the%.C
BBless *eWC sai! Tho%i#& Bha"e#3t (o$ ot a *a+V a#! !i!#3t (o$ hea% o$% so#V a#!
ha"e#3t ,e bee# tal'i# abo$t all this fo% ho$%sVC
BAll the sa*e& I sho$l! li'e it all +lai# a#! )lea%&C sai! he obsti#atel(& +$tti# o# his
b$si#ess *a##e% @$s$all( %ese%"e! fo% +eo+le ,ho t%ie! to bo%%o, *o#e( off hi*A&
a#! !oi# his best to a++ea% ,ise a#! +%$!e#t a#! +%ofessio#al a#! li"e $+ to
Ga#!alf3s %e)o**e#!atio#. BAlso I sho$l! li'e to '#o, abo$t %is's& o$t-of-+o)'et
eF+e#ses& ti*e %e.$i%e! a#! %e*$#e%atio#& a#! so fo%thCUb( ,hi)h he *ea#t2
B4hat a* I oi# to et o$t of itV a#! a* I oi# to )o*e ba)' ali"eVC
BO "e%( ,ell&C sai! Tho%i#. BLo# ao i# *( %a#!fathe% Th%o%3s ti*e o$% fa*il( ,as
!%i"e# o$t of the fa% No%th& a#! )a*e ba)' ,ith all thei% ,ealth a#! thei% tools to
this 0o$#tai# o# the *a+. It ha! bee# !is)o"e%e! b( *( fa% a#)esto%& Th%ai# the
Ol!& b$t #o, the( *i#e! a#! the( t$##elle! a#! the( *a!e h$e% halls a#! %eate%
,o%'sho+sUa#! i# a!!itio# I belie"e the( fo$#! a oo! !eal of ol! a#! a %eat
*a#( Pe,els too. A#(,a( the( %e, i**e#sel( %i)h a#! fa*o$s& a#! *( %a#!fathe%
,as Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# aai#& a#! t%eate! ,ith %eat %e"e%e#)e b( the *o%tal
*e#& ,ho li"e! to the /o$th& a#! ,e%e %a!$all( s+%ea!i# $+ the R$##i# Ri"e% as
fa% as the "alle( o"e%sha!o,e! b( the 0o$#tai#. The( b$ilt the *e%%( to,# of Dale
the%e i# those !a(s. Ki#s $se! to se#! fo% o$% s*iths& a#! %e,a%! e"e# the least
s'illf$l *ost %i)hl(. 1athe%s ,o$l! be $s to ta'e thei% so#s as a++%e#ti)es& a#! +a(
$s ha#!so*el(& es+e)iall( i# foo!-s$++lies& ,hi)h ,e #e"e% bothe%e! to %o, o% fi#!
fo% o$%sel"es. Altoethe% those ,e%e oo! !a(s fo% $s& a#! the +oo%est of $s ha!
*o#e( to s+e#! a#! to le#!& a#! leis$%e to *a'e bea$tif$l thi#s P$st fo% the f$# of
it& #ot to s+ea' of the *ost *a%"ello$s a#! *ai)al to(s& the li'e of ,hi)h is #ot to
be fo$#! i# the ,o%l! #o,-a-!a(s. /o *( %a#!fathe%3s halls be)a*e f$ll of a%*o$%
a#! Pe,els a#! )a%"i#s a#! )$+s& a#! the to( *a%'et of Dale ,as the ,o#!e% of the
No%th.
B8#!o$bte!l( that ,as ,hat b%o$ht the !%ao#. D%ao#s steal ol! a#! Pe,els& (o$
'#o,& f%o* *e# a#! el"es a#! !,a%"es& ,he%e"e% the( )a# fi#! the*S a#! the(
$a%! thei% +l$#!e% as lo# as the( li"e @,hi)h is +%a)ti)all( fo% e"e%& $#less the( a%e
'ille!A& a#! #e"e% e#Po( a b%ass %i# of it. I#!ee! the( ha%!l( '#o, a oo! bit of ,o%'
f%o* a ba!& tho$h the( $s$all( ha"e a oo! #otio# of the )$%%e#t *a%'et "al$eS
a#! the( )a#3t *a'e a thi# fo% the*sel"es& #ot e"e# *e#! a little loose s)ale of
thei% a%*o$%. The%e ,e%e lots of !%ao#s i# the No%th i# those !a(s& a#! ol! ,as
+%obabl( etti# s)a%)e $+ the%e& ,ith the !,a%"es fl(i# so$th o% etti# 'ille!& a#!
all the e#e%al ,aste a#! !est%$)tio# that !%ao#s *a'e oi# f%o* ba! to ,o%se.
The%e ,as a *ost s+e)iall( %ee!(& st%o# a#! ,i)'e! ,o%* )alle! /*a$. O#e !a(
he fle, $+ i#to the ai% a#! )a*e so$th. The fi%st ,e hea%! of it ,as a #oise li'e a
h$%%i)a#e )o*i# f%o* the No%th& a#! the +i#e-t%ees o# the 0o$#tai# )%ea'i# a#!
)%a)'i# i# the ,i#!. /o*e of the !,a%"es ,ho ha++e#e! to be o$tsi!e @I ,as o#e
l$)'il(Ua fi#e a!"e#t$%o$s la! i# those !a(s& al,a(s ,a#!e%i# abo$t& a#! it sa"e!
*( life that !a(AU,ell& f%o* a oo! ,a( off ,e sa, the !%ao# settle o# o$%
*o$#tai# i# a s+o$t of fla*e. The# he )a*e !o,# the slo+es a#! ,he# he %ea)he!
the ,oo!s the( all ,e#t $+ i# fi%e. B( that ti*e all the bells ,e%e %i#i# i# Dale a#!
the ,a%%io%s ,e%e a%*i#. The !,a%"es %$she! o$t of thei% %eat ateS b$t the%e ,as
the !%ao# ,aiti# fo% the*. No#e es)a+e! that ,a(. The %i"e% %$she! $+ i# stea*
a#! a fo fell o# Dale& a#! i# the fo the !%ao# )a*e o# the* a#! !est%o(e! *ost
of the ,a%%io%sUthe $s$al $#ha++( sto%(& it ,as o#l( too )o**o# i# those !a(s.
The# he ,e#t ba)' a#! )%e+t i# th%o$h the 1%o#t Gate a#! %o$te! o$t all the halls&
a#! la#es& a#! t$##els& alle(s& )ella%s& *a#sio#s a#! +assaes. Afte% that the%e ,e%e
#o !,a%"es left ali"e i#si!e& a#! he too' all thei% ,ealth fo% hi*self. 5%obabl(& fo%
that is the !%ao#s3 ,a(& he has +ile! it all $+ i# a %eat hea+ fa% i#si!e& a#! slee+s
o# it fo% a be!. Late% he $se! to )%a,l o$t of the %eat ate a#! )o*e b( #iht to
Dale& a#! )a%%( a,a( +eo+le& es+e)iall( *ai!e#s& to eat& $#til Dale ,as %$i#e!& a#!
all the +eo+le !ea! o% o#e. 4hat oes o# the%e #o, I !o#3t '#o, fo%
)e%tai#& b$t I !o#3t s$++ose a#( o#e li"es #ea%e% to the 0o$#tai# tha# the fa% e!e
of the Lo# La'e #o,-a-!a(s.
BThe fe, of $s that ,e%e ,ell o$tsi!e sat a#! ,e+t i# hi!i#& a#! )$%se! /*a$S a#!
the%e ,e ,e%e $#eF+e)te!l( Poi#e! b( *( fathe% a#! *( %a#!fathe% ,ith si#e!
bea%!s. The( loo'e! "e%( %i* b$t the( sai! "e%( little. 4he# I as'e! ho, the( ha!
ot a,a(& the( tol! *e to hol! *( to#$e& a#! sai! that o#e !a( i# the +%o+e% ti*e I
sho$l! '#o,. Afte% that ,e ,e#t a,a(& a#! ,e ha"e ha! to ea%# o$% li"i#s as best
,e )o$l! $+ a#! !o,# the la#!s& ofte# e#o$h si#'i# as lo, as bla)'s*ith-,o%' o%
e"e# )oal*i#i#. B$t ,e ha"e #e"e% fo%otte# o$% stole# t%eas$%e. A#! e"e# #o,&
,he# I ,ill allo, ,e ha"e a oo! bit lai! b( a#! a%e #ot so ba!l( offCUhe%e Tho%i#
st%o'e! the ol! )hai# %o$#! his #e)'UB,e still *ea# to et it ba)'& a#! to b%i#
o$% )$%ses ho*e to /*a$Uif ,e )a#.
BI ha"e ofte# ,o#!e%e! abo$t *( fathe%3s a#! *( %a#!fathe%3s es)a+e. I see #o,
the( *$st ha"e ha! a +%i"ate /i!e-!oo% ,hi)h o#l( the( '#e, abo$t. B$t a++a%e#tl(
the( *a!e a *a+& a#! I sho$l! li'e to '#o, ho, Ga#!alf ot hol! of it& a#! ,h( it
!i! #ot )o*e !o,# to *e& the %ihtf$l hei%.C
BI !i! #ot 6et hol! of it&3 I ,as i"e# it&C sai! the ,iHa%!. BYo$% %a#!fathe% Th%o% ,as
'ille!& (o$ %e*e*be%& i# the *i#es of 0o%ia b(
AHo the Gobli#
.C
BC$%se his #a*e& (es&C sai! Tho%i#.
BA#! Th%ai# (o$% fathe% ,e#t a,a( o# the t,e#t(-fi%st of A+%il& a h$#!%e! (ea%s ao
last Th$%s!a(& a#! has #e"e% bee# see# b( (o$ si#)eXC
BT%$e& t%$e&C sai! Tho%i#.
B4ell& (o$% fathe% a"e *e this to i"e to (o$S a#! if I ha"e )hose# *( o,# ti*e a#!
,a( fo% ha#!i# it o"e%& (o$ )a# ha%!l( bla*e *e& )o#si!e%i# the t%o$ble I ha! to
fi#! (o$. Yo$% fathe% )o$l! #ot %e*e*be% his o,# #a*e ,he# he a"e *e the
+a+e%& a#! he #e"e% tol! *e (o$%sS so o# the ,hole I thi#' I o$ht to be +%aise! a#!
tha#'e!W He%e it is&C sai! he ha#!i# the *a+ to Tho%i#.
BI !o#3t $#!e%sta#!&C sai! Tho%i#& a#! Bilbo felt he ,o$l! ha"e li'e! to sa( the sa*e.
The eF+la#atio# !i! #ot see* to eF+lai#.
BYo$% %a#!fathe%&C sai! the ,iHa%! slo,l( a#! %i*l(& Ba"e the *a+ to his so# fo%
safet( befo%e he ,e#t to the *i#es of 0o%ia. Yo$% fathe% ,e#t a,a( to t%( his l$)'
,ith the *a+ afte% (o$% %a#!fathe% ,as 'ille!S a#! lots of a!"e#t$%es of a *ost
$#+leasa#t so%t he ha!& b$t he #e"e% ot #ea% the 0o$#tai#. Ho, he ot the%e I
!o#3t '#o,& b$t I fo$#! hi* a +%iso#e% i# the !$#eo#s of the Ne)%o*a#)e%.C
B4hate"e% ,e%e (o$ !oi# the%eVC as'e! Tho%i# ,ith a sh$!!e%& a#! all the !,a%"es
shi"e%e!.
BNe"e% (o$ *i#!. I ,as fi#!i# thi#s o$t& as $s$alS a#! a #ast( !a#e%o$s b$si#ess
it ,as. E"e# I& Ga#!alf& o#l( P$st es)a+e!. I t%ie! to sa"e (o$% fathe%& b$t it ,as too
late. He ,as ,itless a#! ,a#!e%i#& a#! ha! fo%otte# al*ost e"e%(thi# eF)e+t the
*a+ a#! the 'e(.C
B4e ha"e lo# ao +ai! the obli#s of 0o%ia&C sai! Tho%i#S B,e *$st i"e a tho$ht
to the Ne)%o*a#)e%.C
BDo#3t be abs$%!W He is a# e#e*( fa% be(o#! the +o,e%s of all the !,a%"es +$t
toethe%& if the( )o$l! all be )olle)te! aai# f%o* the fo$% )o%#e%s of the ,o%l!. The
o#e thi# (o$% fathe% ,ishe! ,as fo% his so# to %ea! the *a+ a#! $se the 'e(. The
!%ao# a#! the 0o$#tai# a%e *o%e tha# bi e#o$h tas's fo% (o$WC
BHea%& hea%WC sai! Bilbo& a#! a))i!e#tall( sai! it alo$!.
BHea% ,hatVC the( all sai! t$%#i# s$!!e#l( to,a%!s hi*& a#! he ,as so fl$ste%e!
that he a#s,e%e! BHea% ,hat I ha"e ot to sa(WC
B4hat3s thatVC the( as'e!.
B4ell& I sho$l! sa( that (o$ o$ht to o East a#! ha"e a loo' %o$#!. Afte% all the%e is
the /i!e-!oo%& a#! !%ao#s *$st slee+ so*eti*es& I s$++ose. If (o$ sit o# the !oo%-
ste+ lo# e#o$h& I !a%esa( (o$ ,ill thi#' of so*ethi#. A#! ,ell& !o#3t (o$ '#o,& I
thi#' ,e ha"e tal'e! lo# e#o$h fo% o#e #iht& if (o$ see ,hat I *ea#. 4hat abo$t
be!& a#! a# ea%l( sta%t& a#! all thatV I ,ill i"e (o$ a oo! b%ea'fast befo%e (o$ o.C
BBefo%e ,e o& I s$++ose (o$ *ea#&C sai! Tho%i#. BA%e#3t (o$ the b$%la%V A#! is#3t
sitti# o# the !oo%-ste+ (o$% Pob& #ot to s+ea' of etti# i#si!e the !oo%V B$t I a%ee
abo$t be! a#! b%ea'fast. I li'e siF es ,ith *( ha*& ,he# sta%ti# o# a Po$%#e(2
f%ie! #ot +oa)he!& a#! *i#! (o$ !o#3t b%ea' 3e*.C
Afte% all the othe%s ha! o%!e%e! thei% b%ea'fasts ,itho$t so *$)h as a +lease @,hi)h
a##o(e! Bilbo "e%( *$)hA& the( all ot $+. The hobbit ha! to fi#! %oo* fo% the* all&
a#! fille! all his s+a%e-%oo*s a#! *a!e be!s o# )hai%s a#! sofas& befo%e he ot
the* all sto,e! a#! ,e#t to his o,# little be! "e%( ti%e! a#! #ot altoethe% ha++(.
O#e thi# he !i! *a'e his *i#! $+ abo$t ,as #ot to bothe% to et $+ "e%( ea%l( a#!
)oo' e"e%(bo!( else3s ,%et)he! b%ea'fast. The Too'ish#ess ,as ,ea%i# off& a#! he
,as #ot #o, .$ite so s$%e that he ,as oi# o# a#( Po$%#e( i# the *o%#i#.
As he la( i# be! he )o$l! hea% Tho%i# still h$**i# to hi*self i# the best be!%oo*
#eFt to hi*2
1a% o"e% the *ist( *o$#tai#s )ol!
To !$#eo#s !ee+ a#! )a"e%#s ol!
4e *$st a,a(& e%e b%ea' of !a(&
To fi#! o$% lo#-fo%otte# ol!.
Bilbo ,e#t to slee+ ,ith that i# his ea%s& a#! it a"e hi* "e%( $#)o*fo%table !%ea*s.
It ,as lo# afte% the b%ea' of !a(& ,he# he ,o'e $+.
Cha+te% II
ROA/T 08TTON
8+ P$*+e! Bilbo& a#! +$tti# o# his !%essi#-o,# ,e#t i#to the !i#i#-%oo*. The%e he sa,
#obo!(& b$t all the si#s of a la%e a#! h$%%ie! b%ea'fast. The%e ,as a fea%f$l *ess i# the
%oo*& a#! +iles of $#,ashe! )%o)'s i# the 'it)he#. Nea%l( e"e%( +ot a#! +a# he +ossesse!
see*e! to ha"e bee# $se!. The ,ashi#-$+ ,as so !is*all( %eal that Bilbo ,as fo%)e! to
belie"e the +a%t( of the #iht befo%e ha! #ot bee# +a%t of his ba! !%ea*s& as he ha! %athe%
ho+e!. I#!ee! he ,as %eall( %elie"e! afte% all to thi#' that the( ha! all o#e ,itho$t hi*& a#!
,itho$t bothe%i# to ,a'e hi* $+ @Bb$t ,ith #e"e% a tha#'-(o$C he tho$htAS a#! (et i# a ,a(
he )o$l! #ot hel+ feeli# P$st a t%ifle !isa++oi#te!. The feeli# s$%+%ise! hi*.
BDo#3t be a fool& Bilbo Bai#sWC he sai! to hi*self& Bthi#'i# of !%ao#s a#! all that
o$tla#!ish #o#se#se at (o$% aeWC /o he +$t o# a# a+%o#& lit fi%es& boile! ,ate%& a#!
,ashe! $+. The# he ha! a #i)e little b%ea'fast i# the 'it)he# befo%e t$%#i# o$t the
!i#i#-%oo*. B( that ti*e the s$# ,as shi#i#S a#! the f%o#t !oo% ,as o+e#& letti#
i# a ,a%* s+%i# b%eeHe. Bilbo bea# to ,histle lo$!l( a#! to fo%et abo$t the #iht
befo%e. I# fa)t he ,as P$st sitti# !o,# to a #i)e little se)o#! b%ea'fast i# the !i#i#-
%oo* b( the o+e# ,i#!o,& ,he# i# ,al'e! Ga#!alf.
B0( !ea% fello,&C sai! he& B,he#e"e% a%e (o$ oi# to )o*eV 4hat abo$t a# ea%l(
sta%tVUa#! he%e (o$ a%e ha"i# b%ea'fast& o% ,hate"e% (o$ )all it& at half +ast te#W
The( left (o$ the *essae& be)a$se the( )o$l! #ot ,ait.C
B4hat *essaeVC sai! +oo% 0%. Bai#s all i# a fl$ste%.
BG%eat Ele+ha#tsWC sai! Ga#!alf& B(o$ a%e #ot at all (o$%self this *o%#i#U(o$ ha"e
#e"e% !$ste! the *a#tel+ie)eWC
B4hat3s that ot to !o ,ith itV I ha"e ha! e#o$h to !o ,ith ,ashi# $+ fo%
fo$%tee#WC
BIf (o$ ha! !$ste! the *a#tel+ie)e& (o$ ,o$l! ha"e fo$#! this P$st $#!e% the )lo)'&C
sai! Ga#!alf& ha#!i# Bilbo a #ote @,%itte#& of )o$%se& o# his o,# #ote-+a+e%A.
This is ,hat he %ea!2
BTho%i# a#! Co*+a#( to B$%la% Bilbo %eeti#W 1o% (o$% hos+italit( o$% si#)e%est tha#'s& a#!
fo% (o$% offe% of +%ofessio#al assista#)e o$% %atef$l a))e+ta#)e. Te%*s2 )ash o# !eli"e%(& $+ to
a#! #ot eF)ee!i# o#e fo$%tee#th of total +%ofits @if a#(AS all t%a"elli# eF+e#ses $a%a#tee! i#
a#( e"e#tS f$#e%al eF+e#ses to be !ef%a(e! b( $s o% o$% %e+%ese#tati"es& if o))asio# a%ises a#!
the *atte% is #ot othe%,ise a%%a#e! fo%.
BThi#'i# it $##e)essa%( to !ist$%b (o$% estee*e! %e+ose& ,e ha"e +%o)ee!e! i#
a!"a#)e to *a'e %e.$isite +%e+a%atio#s& a#! shall a,ait (o$% %es+e)te! +e%so# at
the G%ee# D%ao# I##& B(,ate%& at ;; a.*. sha%+. T%$sti# that (o$ ,ill be +$#)t$al&
B 4e ha"e the ho#o$% to %e*ai#
B Yo$%s !ee+l(
B Tho%i# G Co.C
BThat lea"es (o$ P$st te# *i#$tes. Yo$ ,ill ha"e to %$#&C sai! Ga#!alf.
BB$tU&C sai! Bilbo.
BNo ti*e fo% it&C sai! the ,iHa%!.
BB$tU&C sai! Bilbo aai#.
BNo ti*e fo% that eithe%W Off (o$ oWC
To the e#! of his !a(s Bilbo )o$l! #e"e% %e*e*be% ho, he fo$#! hi*self o$tsi!e&
,itho$t a hat& a ,al'i#-sti)' o% a#( *o#e(& o% a#(thi# that he $s$all( too' ,he#
he ,e#t o$tS lea"i# his se)o#! b%ea'fast half-fi#ishe! a#! .$ite $#,ashe!-$+&
+$shi# his 'e(s i#to Ga#!alf3s ha#!s& a#! %$##i# as fast as his f$%%( feet )o$l!
)a%%( hi* !o,# the la#e& +ast the %eat 0ill& a)%oss The 4ate%& a#! the# o# fo% a
*ile o% *o%e.
7e%( +$ffe! he ,as& ,he# he ot to B(,ate% P$st o# the st%o'e of ele"e#& a#! fo$#!
he ha! )o*e ,itho$t a +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hiefW
BB%a"oWC sai! Bali# ,ho ,as sta#!i# at the i## !oo% loo'i# o$t fo% hi*.
J$st the# all the othe%s )a*e %o$#! the )o%#e% of the %oa! f%o* the "illae. The(
,e%e o# +o#ies& a#! ea)h +o#( ,as sl$# abo$t ,ith all 'i#!s of baaes&
+a)'aes& +a%)els& a#! +a%a+he%#alia. The%e ,as a "e%( s*all +o#(& a++a%e#tl( fo%
Bilbo.
B8+ (o$ t,o et& a#! off ,e oWC sai! Tho%i#.
BI3* a,f$ll( so%%(&C sai! Bilbo& Bb$t I ha"e )o*e ,itho$t *( hat& a#! I ha"e left *(
+o)'et-ha#!'e%)hief behi#!& a#! I ha"e#3t ot a#( *o#e(. I !i!#3t et (o$% #ote
$#til afte% ;M.Y? to be +%e)ise.C
BDo#3t be +%e)ise&C sai! D,ali#& Ba#! !o#3t ,o%%(W Yo$ ,ill ha"e to *a#ae ,itho$t
+o)'et-ha#!'e%)hiefs& a#! a oo! *a#( othe% thi#s& befo%e (o$ et to the
Po$%#e(3s e#!. As fo% a hat& I ha"e ot a s+a%e hoo! a#! )loa' i# *( l$ae.C
That3s ho, the( all )a*e to sta%t& Poi# off f%o* the i## o#e fi#e *o%#i# P$st
befo%e 0a(& o# la!e# +o#iesS a#! Bilbo ,as ,ea%i# a !a%'-%ee# hoo! @a little
,eathe%-stai#e!A a#! a !a%'-%ee# )loa' bo%%o,e! f%o* D,ali#. The( ,e%e too la%e
fo% hi*& a#! he loo'e! %athe% )o*i). 4hat his fathe% B$#o ,o$l! ha"e tho$ht of
hi*& I !a%e#3t thi#'. His o#l( )o*fo%t ,as he )o$l!#3t be *ista'e# fo% a !,a%f& as he
ha! #o bea%!.
The( ha! #ot bee# %i!i# "e%( lo#& ,he# $+ )a*e Ga#!alf "e%( s+le#!i! o# a ,hite
ho%se. He ha! b%o$ht a lot of +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hiefs& a#! Bilbo3s +i+e a#! toba))o.
/o afte% that the +a%t( ,e#t alo# "e%( *e%%il(& a#! the( tol! sto%ies o% sa# so#s as
the( %o!e fo%,a%! all !a(& eF)e+t of )o$%se ,he# the( sto++e! fo% *eals. These
!i!#3t )o*e .$ite as ofte# as Bilbo ,o$l! ha"e li'e! the*& b$t still he bea# to feel
that a!"e#t$%es ,e%e #ot so ba! afte% all.
At fi%st the( ha! +asse! th%o$h hobbit-la#!s& a ,i!e %es+e)table )o$#t%( i#habite!
b( !e)e#t fol'& ,ith oo! %oa!s& a# i## o% t,o& a#! #o, a#! the# a !,a%f o% a
fa%*e% a*bli# b( o# b$si#ess. The# the( )a*e to la#!s ,he%e +eo+le s+o'e
st%a#el(& a#! sa# so#s Bilbo ha! #e"e% hea%! befo%e. No, the( ha! o#e o# fa%
i#to the Lo#e-la#!s& ,he%e the%e ,e%e #o +eo+le left& #o i##s& a#! the %oa!s %e,
stea!il( ,o%se. Not fa% ahea! ,e%e !%ea%( hills& %isi# hihe% a#! hihe%& !a%' ,ith
t%ees. O# so*e of the* ,e%e ol! )astles ,ith a# e"il loo'& as if the( ha! bee# b$ilt
b( ,i)'e! +eo+le. E"e%(thi# see*e! loo*(& fo% the ,eathe% that !a( ha! ta'e# a
#ast( t$%#. 0ostl( it ha! bee# as oo! as 0a( )a# be& )a# be& e"e# i# *e%%( tales&
b$t #o, it ,as )ol! a#! ,et. I# the Lo#e-la#!s the( ha! bee# oblie! to )a*+ ,he#
the( )o$l!& b$t at least it ha! bee# !%(.
BTo thi#' it ,ill soo# be J$#eWC %$*ble! Bilbo& as he s+lashe! alo# behi#! the
othe%s i# a "e%( *$!!( t%a)'. It ,as afte% tea-ti*eS it ,as +o$%i# ,ith %ai#& a#! ha!
bee# all !a(S his hoo! ,as !%i++i# i#to his e(es& his )loa' ,as f$ll of ,ate%S the
+o#( ,as ti%e! a#! st$*ble! o# sto#esS the othe%s ,e%e too %$*+( to tal'. BA#!
I3* s$%e the %ai# has ot i#to the !%( )lothes a#! i#to the foo!-bas&C tho$ht Bilbo.
BBothe% b$%li# a#! e"e%(thi# to !o ,ith itW I ,ish I ,as at ho*e i# *( #i)e hole
b( the fi%e& ,ith the 'ettle P$st bei##i# to si#WC It ,as #ot the last ti*e that he
,ishe! thatW
/till the !,a%"es Poe! o#& #e"e% t$%#i# %o$#! o% ta'i# a#( #oti)e of the hobbit.
/o*e,he%e behi#! the %e( )lo$!s the s$# *$st ha"e o#e !o,#& fo% it bea# to
et !a%' as the( ,e#t !o,# i#to a !ee+ "alle( ,ith a %i"e% at the botto*. 4i#! ot
$+& a#! ,illo,s alo# its ba#'s be#t a#! sihe!. 1o%t$#atel( the %oa! ,e#t o"e% a#
a#)ie#t sto#e b%i!e& fo% the %i"e%& s,olle# ,ith the %ai#s& )a*e %$shi# !o,# f%o*
the hills a#! *o$#tai#s i# the #o%th.
It ,as #ea%l( #iht ,he# the( ha! )%osse! o"e%. The ,i#! b%o'e $+ the %e( )lo$!s&
a#! a ,a#!e%i# *oo# a++ea%e! abo"e the hills bet,ee# the fl(i# %as. The# the(
sto++e!& a#! Tho%i# *$tte%e! so*ethi# abo$t s$++e%& Ba#! ,he%e shall ,e et a
!%( +at)h to slee+ o#VC Not $#til the# !i! the( #oti)e that Ga#!alf ,as *issi#. /o
fa% he ha! )o*e all the ,a( ,ith the*& #e"e% sa(i# if he ,as i# the a!"e#t$%e o%
*e%el( 'ee+i# the* )o*+a#( fo% a ,hile. He ha! eate# *ost& tal'e! *ost& a#!
la$he! *ost. B$t #o, he si*+l( ,as #ot the%e at allW
BJ$st ,he# a ,iHa%! ,o$l! ha"e bee# *ost $sef$l& too&C %oa#e! Do%i a#! No%i @,ho sha%e! the
hobbit3s "ie,s abo$t %e$la% *eals& +le#t( a#! ofte#A.
The( !e)i!e! i# the e#! that the( ,o$l! ha"e to )a*+ ,he%e the( ,e%e. The(
*o"e! to a )l$*+ of t%ees& a#! tho$h it ,as !%ie% $#!e% the*& the ,i#! shoo' the
%ai# off the lea"es& a#! the !%i+& !%i+& ,as *ost a##o(i#. Also the *is)hief see*e!
to ha"e ot i#to the fi%e. D,a%"es )a# *a'e a fi%e al*ost a#(,he%e o$t of al*ost
a#(thi#& ,i#! o% #o ,i#!S b$t the( )o$l! #ot !o it that #iht& #ot e"e# Oi# a#!
Gloi#& ,ho ,e%e s+e)iall( oo! at it.
The# o#e of the +o#ies too' f%iht at #othi# a#! bolte!. He ot i#to the %i"e% befo%e
the( )o$l! )at)h hi*S a#! befo%e the( )o$l! et hi* o$t aai#& 1ili a#! Kili ,e%e
#ea%l( !%o,#e!& a#! all the baae that he )a%%ie! ,as ,ashe! a,a( off hi*. Of
)o$%se it ,as *ostl( foo!& a#! the%e ,as *iht( little left fo% s$++e%& a#! less fo%
b%ea'fast.
The%e the( all sat l$* a#! ,et a#! *$tte%i#& ,hile Oi# a#! Gloi# ,e#t o# t%(i# to
liht the fi%e& a#! .$a%%elli# abo$t it. Bilbo ,as sa!l( %efle)ti# that a!"e#t$%es a%e
#ot all +o#(-%i!es i# 0a(-s$#shi#e& ,he# Bali#& ,ho ,as al,a(s thei% loo'-o$t *a#&
sai!2 BThe%e3s a liht o"e% the%eWC The%e ,as a hill so*e ,a( off ,ith t%ees o# it&
+%ett( thi)' i# +a%ts. O$t of the !a%' *ass of the t%ees the( )o$l! #o, see a liht
shi#i#& a %e!!ish )o*fo%table-loo'i# liht& as it *iht be a fi%e o% to%)hes t,i#'li#.
4he# the( ha! loo'e! at it fo% so*e ,hile& the( fell to a%$i#. /o*e sai! B#oC a#!
so*e sai! B(esC. /o*e sai! the( )o$l! b$t o a#! see& a#! a#(thi# ,as bette% tha#
little s$++e%& less b%ea'fast& a#! ,et )lothes all the #iht.
Othe%s sai!2 BThese +a%ts a%e #o#e too ,ell '#o,#& a#! a%e too #ea% the *o$#tai#s.
T%a"elle%s sel!o* )o*e this ,a( #o,. The ol! *a+s a%e #o $se2 thi#s ha"e )ha#e!
fo% the ,o%se a#! the %oa! is $#$a%!e!. The( ha"e sel!o* e"e# hea%! of the 'i#
%o$#! he%e& a#! the less i#.$isiti"e (o$ a%e as (o$ o alo#& the less t%o$ble (o$ a%e
li'el( to fi#!.C /o*e sai!2 BAfte% all the%e a%e fo$%tee# of $s.C Othe%s sai!2 B4he%e
has Ga#!alf ot toVC This %e*a%' ,as %e+eate! b( e"e%(bo!(. The# the %ai# bea#
to +o$% !o,# ,o%se tha# e"e%& a#! Oi# a#! Gloi# bea# to fiht.
That settle! it. BAfte% all ,e ha"e ot a b$%la% ,ith $s&C the( sai!S a#! so the( *a!e
off& lea!i# thei% +o#ies @,ith all !$e a#! +%o+e% )a$tio#A i# the !i%e)tio# of the
liht. The( )a*e to the hill a#! ,e%e soo# i# the ,oo!. 8+ the hill the( ,e#tS b$t
the%e ,as #o +%o+e% +ath to be see#& s$)h as *iht lea! to a ho$se o% a fa%*S a#! !o
,hat the( )o$l! the( *a!e a !eal of %$stli# a#! )%a)'li# a#! )%ea'i# @a#! a oo!
!eal of %$*bli# a#! !%atti#A& as the( ,e#t th%o$h the t%ees i# the +it)h !a%'.
/$!!e#l( the %e! liht sho#e o$t "e%( b%iht th%o$h the t%ee-t%$#'s #ot fa% ahea!.
BNo, it is the b$%la%3s t$%#&C the( sai!& *ea#i# Bilbo. BYo$ *$st o o# a#! fi#! o$t
all abo$t that liht& a#! ,hat it is fo%& a#! if all is +e%fe)tl( safe a#! )a##(&C sai!
Tho%i# to the hobbit. BNo, s)$ttle off& a#! )o*e ba)' .$i)'& if all is ,ell. If #ot&
)o*e ba)' if (o$ )a#W If (o$ )a#3t& hoot t,i)e li'e a ba%#-o,l a#! o#)e li'e a s)%ee)h-
o,l& a#! ,e ,ill !o ,hat ,e )a#.C
Off Bilbo ha! to o& befo%e he )o$l! eF+lai# that he )o$l! #ot hoot e"e# o#)e li'e
a#( 'i#! of o,l a#( *o%e tha# fl( li'e a bat. B$t at a#( %ate hobbits )a# *o"e .$ietl(
i# ,oo!s& absol$tel( .$ietl(. The( ta'e a +%i!e i# it& a#! Bilbo ha! s#iffe! *o%e tha#
o#)e at ,hat he )alle! Ball this !,a%"ish %a)'et&C as the( ,e#t alo#& tho$h I !o#3t
s$++ose (o$ o% I ,o$l! ha"e #oti)e! a#(thi# at all o# a ,i#!( #iht& #ot if the
,hole )a"al)a!e ha! +asse! t,o feet off. As fo% Bilbo ,al'i# +%i*l( to,a%!s the
%e! liht& I !o#3t s$++ose e"e# a ,easel ,o$l! ha"e sti%%e! a ,his'e% at it. /o&
#at$%all(& he ot %iht $+ to the fi%eUfo% fi%e it ,asU,itho$t !ist$%bi# a#(o#e. A#!
this is ,hat he sa,.
Th%ee "e%( la%e +e%so#s sitti# %o$#! a "e%( la%e fi%e of bee)h-los. The( ,e%e
toasti# *$tto# o# lo# s+its of ,oo!& a#! li)'i# the %a"( off thei% fi#e%s. The%e
,as a fi#e toothso*e s*ell. Also the%e ,as a ba%%el of oo! !%i#' at ha#!& a#! the(
,e%e !%i#'i# o$t of P$s. B$t the( ,e%e t%olls. Ob"io$sl( t%olls. E"e# Bilbo& i# s+ite of
his shelte%e! life& )o$l! see that2 f%o* the %eat hea"( fa)es of the*& a#! thei% siHe&
a#! the sha+e of thei% les& #ot to *e#tio# thei% la#$ae& ,hi)h ,as #ot !%a,i#-
%oo* fashio# at all& at all.
B0$tto# (este%!a(& *$tto# to!a(& a#! bli*e(& if it !o#3t loo' li'e *$tto# aai#
to*o%%e%&C sai! o#e of the t%olls.
BNe"e% a bli#'i# bit of *a#flesh ha"e ,e ha! fo% lo# e#o$h&C sai! a se)o#!.
B4hat the 3ell 4illia* ,as a-thi#'i#3 of to b%i# $s i#to these +a%ts at all& beats
*eUa#! the !%i#' %$##i#3 sho%t& ,hat3s *o%e&C he sai! Poi# the elbo, of 4illia*&
,ho ,as ta'i# a +$ll at his P$.
4illia* )ho'e!. B/h$t (e% *o$thWC he sai! as soo# as he )o$l!. BYe% )a#3t eF+e)t fol'
to sto+ he%e fo% e"e% P$st to be et b( (o$ a#! Be%t. Yo$3"e et a "illae a#! a half
bet,ee# (e%& si#)e ,e )o*e !o,# f%o* the *o$#tai#s. Ho, *$)h *o%e !3(e%
,a#tV A#! ti*e3s bee# $+ o$% ,a(& ,he# (e%3! ha"e sai! 6tha#' (e% Bill3 fo% a #i)e
bit o3 fat "alle( *$tto# li'e ,hat this is.C He too' a bi bite off a shee+3s le he ,as
%oasti#& a#! ,i+e! his li+s o# his slee"e.
Yes& I a* af%ai! t%olls !o beha"e li'e that& e"e# those ,ith o#l( o#e hea! ea)h. Afte%
hea%i# all this Bilbo o$ht to ha"e !o#e so*ethi# at o#)e. Eithe% he sho$l! ha"e
o#e ba)' .$ietl( a#! ,a%#e! his f%ie#!s that the%e ,e%e th%ee fai%-siHe! t%olls at
ha#! i# a #ast( *oo!& .$ite li'el( to t%( %oaste! !,a%f& o% e"e# +o#(& fo% a )ha#eS
o% else he sho$l! ha"e !o#e a bit of oo! .$i)' b$%li#. A %eall( fi%st-)lass a#!
lee#!a%( b$%la% ,o$l! at this +oi#t ha"e +i)'e! the t%olls3 +o)'etsUit is #ea%l(
al,a(s ,o%th ,hile& if (o$ )a# *a#ae itU& +i#)he! the "e%( *$tto# off the s+its&
+$%loi#e! the bee%& a#! ,al'e! off ,itho$t thei% #oti)i# hi*. Othe%s *o%e +%a)ti)al
b$t ,ith less +%ofessio#al +%i!e ,o$l! +e%ha+s ha"e st$)' a !ae% i#to ea)h of
the* befo%e the( obse%"e! it. The# the #iht )o$l! ha"e bee# s+e#t )hee%il(.
Bilbo '#e, it. He ha! %ea! of a oo! *a#( thi#s he ha! #e"e% see# o% !o#e. He ,as
"e%( *$)h ala%*e!& as ,ell as !is$ste!S he ,ishe! hi*self a h$#!%e! *iles a,a(&
a#! (etUa#! (et so*eho, he )o$l! #ot o st%aiht ba)' to Tho%i# a#! Co*+a#(
e*+t(ha#!e!. /o he stoo! a#! hesitate! i# the sha!o,s. Of the "a%io$s b$%la%io$s
+%o)ee!i#s he ha! hea%! of +i)'i# the t%olls3 +o)'ets see*e! the least !iffi)$lt& so
at last he )%e+t behi#! a t%ee P$st behi#! 4illia*.
Be%t a#! To* ,e#t off to the ba%%el. 4illia* ,as ha"i# a#othe% !%i#'. The# Bilbo
+l$)'e! $+ )o$%ae a#! +$t his little ha#! i# 4illia*3s e#o%*o$s +o)'et. The%e ,as
a +$%se i# it& as bi as a ba to Bilbo. BHaWC tho$ht he& ,a%*i# to his #e, ,o%' as
he lifte! it )a%ef$ll( o$t& Bthis is a bei##i#WC
It ,asW T%olls3 +$%ses a%e the *is)hief& a#! this ,as #o eF)e+tio#. B3E%e& 3oo a%e (o$VC
it s.$ea'e!& as it left the +o)'etS a#! 4illia* t$%#e! %o$#! at o#)e a#! %abbe!
Bilbo b( the #e)'& befo%e he )o$l! !$)' behi#! the t%ee.
BBli*e(& Be%t& loo' ,hat I3"e )o++e!WC sai! 4illia*.
B4hat is itVC sai! the othe%s )o*i# $+. BL$**e& if I '#o,sW 4hat a%e (e%VC
BBilbo Bai#s& a b$%Ua hobbit&C sai! +oo% Bilbo& sha'i# all o"e%& a#! ,o#!e%i#
ho, to *a'e o,l-#oises befo%e the( th%ottle! hi*.
BA b$%%ahobbitVC sai! the( a bit sta%tle!. T%olls a%e slo, i# the $+ta'e& a#! *iht(
s$s+i)io$s abo$t a#(thi# #e, to the*.
B4hat3s a b$%%ahobbit ot to !o ,ith *( +o)'et& a#(,a(sVC sai! 4illia*.
BA#! )a# (e% )oo' 3e*VC sai! To*.
BYe% )a# t%(&C sai! Be%t& +i)'i# $+ a s'e,e%.
BHe ,o$l!#3t *a'e abo"e a *o$thf$l&C sai! 4illia*& ,ho ha! al%ea!( ha! a fi#e
s$++e%& B#ot ,he# he ,as s'i##e! a#! bo#e!.C
B53%a+s the%e a%e *o%e li'e hi* %o$#! abo$t& a#! ,e *iht *a'e a +ie&C sai! Be%t.
BHe%e (o$& a%e the%e a#( *o%e of (o$% so%t a-s#ea'i#3 i# these he%e ,oo!s& (e%
#asst( little %abbit&C sai! he loo'i# at the hobbit3s f$%%( feetS a#! he +i)'e! hi* $+
b( the toes a#! shoo' hi*.
BYes& lots&C sai! Bilbo& befo%e he %e*e*be%e! #ot to i"e his f%ie#!s a,a(. BNo #o#e
at all& #ot o#e&C he sai! i**e!iatel( afte%,a%!s.
B4hat !3(e% *ea#VC sai! Be%t& hol!i# hi* %iht ,a( $+& b( the hai% this ti*e.
B4hat I sa(&C sai! Bilbo as+i#. BA#! +lease !o#3t )oo' *e& 'i#! si%sW I a* a oo!
)oo' *(self& a#! )oo' bette% tha# I )oo'& if (o$ see ,hat I *ea#. I3ll )oo' bea$tif$ll(
fo% (o$& a +e%fe)tl( bea$tif$l b%ea'fast fo% (o$& if o#l( (o$ ,o#3t ha"e *e fo%
s$++e%.C
B5oo% little blihte%&C sai! 4illia*. He ha! al%ea!( ha! as *$)h s$++e% as he )o$l!
hol!S also he ha! ha! lots of bee%. B5oo% little blihte%W Let hi* oWC
BNot till he sa(s ,hat he *ea#s b( lots a#! #o#e at all&C sai! Be%t. BI !o#3t ,a#t to
ha"e *e th%oat )$t i# *e slee+W Hol! his toes i# the fi%e& till he tal'sWC
BI ,o#3t ha"e it&C sai! 4illia*. BI )a$ht hi* a#(,a(.C
BYo$3%e a fat fool& 4illia*&C sai! Be%t& Bas I3"e sai! afo%e this e"e#i#.C
BA#! (o$3%e a lo$tWC
BA#! I ,o#3t ta'e that f%o* (o$& Bill H$i#s&C sa(s Be%t& a#! +$ts his fist i# 4illia*3s
e(e.
The# the%e ,as a o%eo$s %o,. Bilbo ha! P$st e#o$h ,its left& ,he# Be%t !%o++e!
hi* o# the %o$#!& to s)%a*ble o$t of the ,a( of thei% feet& befo%e the( ,e%e
fihti# li'e !os& a#! )alli# o#e a#othe% all so%ts of +e%fe)tl( t%$e a#! a++li)able
#a*es i# "e%( lo$! "oi)es. /oo# the( ,e%e lo)'e! i# o#e a#othe%3s a%*s& a#! %olli#
#ea%l( i#to the fi%e 'i)'i# a#! th$*+i#& ,hile To* ,ha)'e! at the* both ,ith a
b%a#)h to b%i# the* to thei% se#sesUa#! that of )o$%se o#l( *a!e the* *a!!e%
tha# e"e%.
That ,o$l! ha"e bee# the ti*e fo% Bilbo to ha"e left. B$t his +oo% little feet ha! bee#
"e%( s.$ashe! i# Be%t3s bi +a,& a#! he ha! #o b%eath i# his bo!(& a#! his hea! ,as
oi# %o$#!S so the%e he la( fo% a ,hile +a#ti#& P$st o$tsi!e the )i%)le of fi%eliht.
Riht i# the *i!!le of the fiht $+ )a*e Bali#. The !,a%"es ha! hea%! #oises f%o* a
!ista#)e& a#! afte% ,aiti# fo% so*e ti*e fo% Bilbo to )o*e ba)'& o% to hoot li'e a#
o,l& the( sta%te! off o#e b( o#e to )%ee+ to,a%!s the liht as .$ietl( as the( )o$l!.
No soo#e% !i! To* see Bali# )o*e i#to the liht tha# he a"e a# a,f$l ho,l. T%olls
si*+l( !etest the "e%( siht of !,a%"es @$#)oo'e!A. Be%t a#! Bill sto++e! fihti#
i**e!iatel(& a#! Ba sa)'& To*& .$i)'WC the( sai!. Befo%e Bali#& ,ho ,as ,o#!e%i#
,he%e i# all this )o**otio# Bilbo ,as& '#e, ,hat ,as ha++e#i#& a sa)' ,as o"e%
his hea!& a#! he ,as !o,#.
BThe%e3s *o%e to )o*e (et&C sai! To*& Bo% I3* *iht( *istoo'. Lots a#! #o#e at all&
it is&C sai! he. BNo b$%%ahobbits& b$t lots of these he%e !,a%"es. That3s abo$t the
sha+e of itWC
BI %e)'o# (o$3%e %iht&C sai! Be%t& Ba#! ,e3! best et o$t of the liht.C
A#! so the( !i!. 4ith sa)'s i# thei% ha#!s& that the( $se! fo% )a%%(i# off *$tto# a#!
othe% +l$#!e%& the( ,aite! i# the sha!o,s. As ea)h !,a%f )a*e $+ a#! loo'e! at
the fi%e& a#! the s+ille! P$s& a#! the #a,e! *$tto#& i# s$%+%ise& +o+W ,e#t a #ast(
s*ell( sa)' o"e% his hea!& a#! he ,as !o,#. /oo# D,ali# la( b( Bali#& a#! 1ili a#!
Kili toethe%& a#! Do%i a#! No%i a#! O%i all i# a hea+& a#! Oi# a#! Gloi# a#! Bif$%
a#! Bof$% a#! Bo*b$% +ile! $#)o*fo%tabl( #ea% the fi%e.
BThat3ll tea)h 3e*&C sai! To*S fo% Bif$% a#! Bo*b$% ha! i"e# a lot of t%o$ble& a#!
fo$ht li'e *a!& as !,a%"es ,ill ,he# )o%#e%e!.
Tho%i# )a*e lastUa#! he ,as #ot )a$ht $#a,a%es. He )a*e eF+e)ti# *is)hief&
a#! !i!#3t #ee! to see his f%ie#!s3 les sti)'i# o$t of sa)'s to tell hi* that thi#s
,e%e #ot all ,ell. He stoo! o$tsi!e i# the sha!o,s so*e ,a( off& a#! sai!2 B4hat3s
all this t%o$bleV 4ho has bee# '#o)'i# *( +eo+le abo$tVC
BIt3s t%ollsWC sai! Bilbo f%o* behi#! a t%ee. The( ha! fo%otte# all abo$t hi*. BThe(3%e
hi!i# i# the b$shes ,ith sa)'s&C sai! he.
BOW a%e the(VC sai! Tho%i#& a#! he P$*+e! fo%,a%! to the fi%e& befo%e the( )o$l! lea+
o# hi*. He )a$ht $+ a bi b%a#)h all o# fi%e at o#e e#!S a#! Be%t ot that e#! i# his
e(e befo%e he )o$l! ste+ asi!e. That +$t hi* o$t of the battle fo% a bit. Bilbo !i! his
best. He )a$ht hol! of To*3s leUas ,ell as he )o$l!& it ,as thi)' as a (o$# t%ee-
t%$#'Ub$t he ,as se#t s+i##i# $+ i#to the to+ of so*e b$shes& ,he# To* 'i)'e!
the s+a%'s $+ i# Tho%i#3s fa)e.
The T%olls
To* ot the b%a#)h i# his teeth fo% that& a#! lost o#e of the f%o#t o#es. It *a!e hi*
ho,l& I )a# tell (o$. B$t P$st at that *o*e#t 4illia* )a*e $+ behi#! a#! +o++e! a
sa)' %iht o"e% Tho%i#3s hea! a#! !o,# to his toes. A#! so the fiht e#!e!. A #i)e
+i)'le the( ,e%e all i# #o,2 all #eatl( tie! $+ i# sa)'s& ,ith th%ee a#%( t%olls @a#!
t,o ,ith b$%#s a#! bashes to %e*e*be%A sitti# b( the*& a%$i# ,hethe% the(
sho$l! %oast the* slo,l(& o% *i#)e the* fi#e a#! boil the*& o% P$st sit o# the* o#e
b( o#e a#! s.$ash the* i#to Pell(S a#! Bilbo $+ i# a b$sh& ,ith his )lothes a#! his
s'i# to%#& #ot !a%i# to *o"e fo% fea% the( sho$l! hea% hi*.
It ,as P$st the# that Ga#!alf )a*e ba)'. B$t #o o#e sa, hi*. The t%olls ha! P$st !e)i!e! to
%oast the !,a%"es #o, a#! eat the* late%Uthat ,as Be%t3s i!ea& a#! afte% a lot of a%$*e#t
the( ha! all a%ee! to it.
BNo oo! %oasti# 3e* #o,& it3! ta'e all #iht&C sai! a "oi)e. Be%t tho$ht it ,as
4illia*3s.
BDo#3t sta%t the a%$*e#t all o"e% aai#& Bill&C he sai!& Bo% it ,ill ta'e all #iht.C
B4ho3s a-a%$i#VC sai! 4illia*& ,ho tho$ht it ,as Be%t that ha! s+o'e#.
BYo$ a%e&C sai! Be%t.
BYo$3%e a lia%&C sai! 4illia*S a#! so the a%$*e#t bea# all o"e% aai#. I# the e#!
the( !e)i!e! to *i#)e the* fi#e a#! boil the*. /o the( ot a %eat bla)' +ot& a#!
the( too' o$t thei% '#i"es.
BNo oo! boili# 3e*W 4e ai#3t ot #o ,ate%& a#! it3s a lo# ,a( to the ,ell a#! all&C
sai! a "oi)e. Be%t a#! 4illia* tho$ht it ,as To*3s.
B/h$t $+WC sai! the(& Bo% ,e3ll #e"e% ha"e !o#e. A#! (e% )a# fet)h the ,ate% (e%self&
if (e% sa( a#( *o%e.C
B/h$t $+ (e%selfWC sai! To*& ,ho tho$ht it ,as 4illia*3s "oi)e. B4ho3s a%$i# b$t
(o$& I3! li'e to '#o,.C
BYo$3%e a boob(&C sai! 4illia*.
BBoob( (e%selfWC sai! To*.
A#! so the a%$*e#t bea# all o"e% aai#& a#! ,e#t o# hotte% tha# e"e%& $#til at last
the( !e)i!e! to sit o# the sa)'s o#e b( o#e a#! s.$ash the*& a#! boil the* #eFt
ti*e.
B4ho shall ,e sit o# fi%stVC sai! the "oi)e.
BBette% sit o# the last fello, fi%st&C sai! Be%t& ,hose e(e ha! bee# !a*ae! b(
Tho%i#. He tho$ht To* ,as tal'i#.
BDo#3t tal' to (e%selfWC sai! To*. BB$t if (o$ ,a#ts to sit o# the last o#e& sit o# hi*.
4hi)h is heVC
BThe o#e ,ith the (ello, sto)'i#s&C sai! Be%t.
BNo#se#se& the o#e ,ith the %e( sto)'i#s&C sai! a "oi)e li'e 4illia*3s.
BI *a!e s$%e it ,as (ello,&C sai! Be%t.
BYello, it ,as&C sai! 4illia*.
BThe# ,hat !i! (e% sa( it ,as %e( fo%VC sai! Be%t.
BI #e"e% !i!. To* sai! it.C
BThat I #e"e% !i!WC sai! To*. BIt ,as (o$.C
BT,o to o#e& so sh$t (e% *o$thWC sai! Be%t.
B4ho a%e (o$ a-tal'i#3 toVC sai! 4illia*.
BNo, sto+ itWC sai! To* a#! Be%t toethe%. BThe #iht3s etti#3 o#& a#! !a,# )o*es
ea%l(. Let3s et o# ,ith itWC
BDa,# ta'e (o$ all& a#! be sto#e to (o$WC sai! a "oi)e that so$#!e! li'e 4illia*3s.
B$t it ,as#3t. 1o% P$st at that *o*e#t the liht )a*e o"e% the hill& a#! the%e ,as a
*iht( t,itte% i# the b%a#)hes. 4illia* #e"e% s+o'e fo% he stoo! t$%#e! to sto#e as
he stoo+e!S a#! Be%t a#! To* ,e%e st$)' li'e %o)'s as the( loo'e! at hi*. A#! the%e
the( sta#! to this !a(& all alo#e& $#less the bi%!s +e%)h o# the*S fo% t%olls& as (o$
+%obabl( '#o,& *$st be $#!e%%o$#! befo%e !a,#& o% the( o ba)' to the st$ff of
the *o$#tai#s the( a%e *a!e of& a#! #e"e% *o"e aai#. That is ,hat ha! ha++e#e!
to Be%t a#! To* a#! 4illia*.
BEF)elle#tWC sai! Ga#!alf& as he ste++e! f%o* behi#! a t%ee& a#! hel+e! Bilbo to
)li*b !o,# o$t of a tho%#-b$sh. The# Bilbo $#!e%stoo!. It ,as the ,iHa%!3s "oi)e
that ha! 'e+t the t%olls bi)'e%i# a#! .$a%%elli#& $#til the liht )a*e a#! *a!e a#
e#! of the*.
The #eFt thi# ,as to $#tie the sa)'s a#! let o$t the !,a%"es. The( ,e%e #ea%l(
s$ffo)ate!& a#! "e%( a##o(e!2 the( ha! #ot at all e#Po(e! l(i# the%e liste#i# to the
t%olls *a'i# +la#s fo% %oasti# the* a#! s.$ashi# the* a#! *i#)i# the*. The(
ha! to hea% Bilbo3s a))o$#t of ,hat ha! ha++e#e! to hi* t,i)e o"e%& befo%e the(
,e%e satisfie!.
B/ill( ti*e to o +%a)tisi# +i#)hi# a#! +o)'et-+i)'i#&C sai! Bo*b$%& B,he# ,hat
,e ,a#te! ,as fi%e a#! foo!WC
BA#! that3s P$st ,hat (o$ ,o$l!#3t ha"e ot of those fello,s ,itho$t a st%$le& i#
a#( )ase&C sai! Ga#!alf. BA#(ho, (o$ a%e ,asti# ti*e #o,. Do#3t (o$ %ealiHe that
the t%olls *$st ha"e a )a"e o% a hole !$ so*e,he%e #ea% to hi!e f%o* the s$# i#V
4e *$st loo' i#to itWC
The( sea%)he! abo$t& a#! soo# fo$#! the *a%'s of t%olls3 sto#( boots oi# a,a(
th%o$h the t%ees. The( follo,e! the t%a)'s $+ the hill& $#til hi!!e# b( b$shes the(
)a*e o# a bi !oo% of sto#e lea!i# to a )a"e. B$t the( )o$l! #ot o+e# it& #ot
tho$h the( all +$she! ,hile Ga#!alf t%ie! "a%io$s i#)a#tatio#s.
B4o$l! this be a#( oo!VC as'e! Bilbo& ,he# the( ,e%e etti# ti%e! a#! a#%(. BI
fo$#! it o# the %o$#! ,he%e the t%olls ha! thei% fiht.C He hel! o$t a la%ish 'e(&
tho$h #o !o$bt 4illia* ha! tho$ht it "e%( s*all a#! se)%et. It *$st ha"e falle#
o$t of his +o)'et& "e%( l$)'il(& befo%e he ,as t$%#e! to sto#e.
B4h( o# ea%th !i!#3t (o$ *e#tio# it befo%eVC the( )%ie!. Ga#!alf %abbe! it a#!
fitte! it i#to the 'e(hole. The# the sto#e !oo% s,$# ba)' ,ith o#e bi +$sh& a#!
the( all ,e#t i#si!e. The%e ,e%e bo#es o# the floo% a#! a #ast( s*ell ,as i# the ai%S
b$t the%e ,as a oo! !eal of foo! P$*ble! )a%elessl( o# shel"es a#! o# the %o$#!&
a*o# a# $#ti!( litte% of +l$#!e%& of all so%ts f%o* b%ass b$tto#s to +ots f$ll of ol!
)oi#s sta#!i# i# a )o%#e%. The%e ,e%e lots of )lothes& too& ha#i# o# the
,allsUtoo s*all fo% t%olls& I a* af%ai! the( belo#e! to "i)ti*sUa#! a*o# the*
,e%e se"e%al s,o%!s of "a%io$s *a'es& sha+es& a#! siHes. T,o )a$ht thei% e(es
+a%ti)$la%l(& be)a$se of thei% bea$tif$l s)abba%!s a#! Pe,elle! hilts.
Ga#!alf a#! Tho%i# ea)h too' o#e of theseS a#! Bilbo too' a '#ife i# a leathe%
sheath. It ,o$l! ha"e *a!e o#l( a ti#( +o)'et-'#ife fo% a t%oll& b$t it ,as as oo! as
a sho%t s,o%! fo% the hobbit.
BThese loo' li'e oo! bla!es&C sai! the ,iHa%!& half !%a,i# the* a#! loo'i# at
the* )$%io$sl(. BThe( ,e%e #ot *a!e b( a#( t%oll& #o% b( a#( s*ith a*o# *e# i#
these +a%ts a#! !a(sS b$t ,he# ,e )a# %ea! the %$#es o# the*& ,e shall '#o, *o%e
abo$t the*.C
BLet3s et o$t of this ho%%ible s*ellWC sai! 1ili. /o the( )a%%ie! o$t the +ots of )oi#s&
a#! s$)h foo! as ,as $#to$)he! a#! loo'e! fit to eat& also o#e ba%%el of ale ,hi)h
,as still f$ll. B( that ti*e the( felt li'e b%ea'fast& a#! bei# "e%( h$#%( the( !i! #ot
t$%# thei% #oses $+ at ,hat the( ha! ot f%o* the t%olls3 la%!e%. Thei% o,# +%o"isio#s
,e%e "e%( s)a#t(. No, the( ha! b%ea! a#! )heese& a#! +le#t( of ale& a#! ba)o# to
toast i# the e*be%s of the fi%e.
Afte% that the( sle+t& fo% thei% #iht ha! bee# !ist$%be!S a#! the( !i! #othi# *o%e
till the afte%#oo#. The# the( b%o$ht $+ thei% +o#ies& a#! )a%%ie! a,a( the +ots of
ol!& a#! b$%ie! the* "e%( se)%etl( #ot fa% f%o* the t%a)' b( the %i"e%& +$tti# a
%eat *a#( s+ells o"e% the*& P$st i# )ase the( e"e% ha! the )ha#)e to )o*e ba)' a#!
%e)o"e% the*. 4he# that ,as !o#e& the( all *o$#te! o#)e *o%e& a#! Poe! alo#
aai# o# the +ath to,a%!s the East.
B4he%e !i! (o$ o to& if I *a( as'VC sai! Tho%i# to Ga#!alf as the( %o!e alo#.
BTo loo' ahea!&C sai! he.
BA#! ,hat b%o$ht (o$ ba)' i# the #i)' of ti*eVC BLoo'i# behi#!&C sai! he.
BEFa)tl(WC sai! Tho%i#S Bb$t )o$l! (o$ be *o%e +lai#VC
BI ,e#t o# to s+( o$t o$% %oa!. It ,ill soo# be)o*e !a#e%o$s a#! !iffi)$lt. Also I
,as a#Fio$s abo$t %e+le#ishi# o$% s*all sto)' of +%o"isio#s. I ha! #ot o#e "e%(
fa%& ho,e"e%& ,he# I *et a )o$+le of f%ie#!s of *i#e f%o* Ri"e#!ell.C
B4he%e3s thatVC as'e! Bilbo.
BDo#3t i#te%%$+tWC sai! Ga#!alf. BYo$ ,ill et the%e i# a fe, !a(s #o,& if ,e3%e l$)'(&
a#! fi#! o$t all abo$t it. As I ,as sa(i# I *et t,o of El%o#!3s +eo+le. The( ,e%e
h$%%(i# alo# fo% fea% of the t%olls. It ,as the( ,ho tol! *e that th%ee of the* ha!
)o*e !o,# f%o* the *o$#tai#s a#! settle! i# the ,oo!s #ot fa% f%o* the %oa!2 the(
ha! f%ihte#e! e"e%(o#e a,a( f%o* the !ist%i)t& a#! the( ,a(lai! st%a#e%s.
BI i**e!iatel( ha! a feeli# that I ,as ,a#te! ba)'. Loo'i# behi#! I sa, a fi%e i#
the !ista#)e a#! *a!e fo% it. /o #o, (o$ '#o,. 5lease be *o%e )a%ef$l& #eFt ti*e&
o% ,e shall #e"e% et a#(,he%eWC
BTha#' (o$WC sai! Tho%i#.
Cha+te% III
A /HORT RE/T
The( !i! #ot si# o% tell sto%ies that !a(& e"e# tho$h the ,eathe% i*+%o"e!S #o% the #eFt !a(&
#o% the !a( afte%. The( ha! be$# to feel that !a#e% ,as #ot fa% a,a( o# eithe% si!e. The(
)a*+e! $#!e% the sta%s& a#! thei% ho%ses ha! *o%e to eat tha# the( ha!S fo% the%e ,as +le#t(
of %ass& b$t the%e ,as #ot *$)h i# thei% bas& e"e# ,ith ,hat the( ha! ot f%o* the t%olls.
O#e *o%#i# the( fo%!e! a %i"e% at a ,i!e shallo, +la)e f$ll of the #oise of sto#es a#! foa*.
The fa% ba#' ,as stee+ a#! sli++e%(. 4he# the( ot to the to+ of it& lea!i# thei% +o#ies& the(
sa, that the %eat *o$#tai#s ha! *a%)he! !o,# "e%( #ea% to the*. Al%ea!( the( see*e! o#l(
a !a(3s eas( Po$%#e( f%o* the feet of the #ea%est. Da%' a#! !%ea% it loo'e!& tho$h the%e ,e%e
+at)hes of s$#liht o# its b%o,# si!es& a#! behi#! its sho$l!e%s the ti+s of s#o,-+ea's
lea*e!.
BIs that The 0o$#tai#VC as'e! Bilbo i# a sole*# "oi)e& loo'i# at it ,ith %o$#! e(es.
He ha! #e"e% see# a thi# that loo'e! so bi befo%e.
BOf )o$%se #otWC sai! Bali#. BThat is o#l( the bei##i# of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s& a#!
,e ha"e ot to et th%o$h& o% o"e%& o% $#!e% those so*eho,& befo%e ,e )a# )o*e
i#to 4il!e%la#! be(o#!. A#! it is a !eal of a ,a( e"e# f%o* the othe% si!e of the*
to the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# i# the East ,he%e /*a$ lies o# o$% t%eas$%e.C
BOWC sai! Bilbo& a#! P$st at that *o*e#t he felt *o%e ti%e! tha# he e"e%
%e*e*be%e! feeli# befo%e. He ,as thi#'i# o#)e aai# of his )o*fo%table )hai%
befo%e the fi%e i# his fa"o$%ite sitti#-%oo* i# his hobbit-hole& a#! of the 'ettle
si#i#. Not fo% the last ti*eW
No, Ga#!alf le! the ,a(. B4e *$st #ot *iss the %oa!& o% ,e shall be !o#e fo%&C he sai!. B4e
#ee! foo!& fo% o#e thi#& a#! %est i# %easo#able safet(Ualso it is "e%( #e)essa%( to ta)'le the
0ist( 0o$#tai#s b( the +%o+e% +ath& o% else (o$ ,ill et lost i# the*& a#! ha"e to )o*e ba)'
a#! sta%t at the bei##i# aai# @if (o$ e"e% et ba)' at allA.C
The( as'e! hi* ,he%e he ,as *a'i# fo%& a#! he a#s,e%e!2 BYo$ a%e )o*e to the
"e%( e!e of the 4il!& as so*e of (o$ *a( '#o,. Hi!!e# so*e,he%e ahea! of $s is
the fai% "alle( of Ri"e#!ell ,he%e El%o#! li"es i# the Last Ho*el( Ho$se. I se#t a
*essae b( *( f%ie#!s& a#! ,e a%e eF+e)te!.C
That so$#!e! #i)e a#! )o*fo%ti#& b$t the( ha! #ot ot the%e (et& a#! it ,as #ot so
eas( as it so$#!s to fi#! the Last Ho*el( Ho$se ,est of the 0o$#tai#s. The%e
see*e! to be #o t%ees a#! #o "alle(s a#! #o hills to b%ea' the %o$#! i# f%o#t of
the*& o#l( o#e "ast slo+e oi# slo,l( $+ a#! $+ to *eet the feet of the #ea%est
*o$#tai#& a ,i!e la#! the )olo$% of heathe% a#! )%$*bli# %o)'& ,ith +at)hes a#!
slashes of %ass-%ee# a#! *oss-%ee# sho,i# ,he%e ,ate% *iht be.
0o%#i# +asse!& afte%#oo# )a*eS b$t i# all the sile#t ,aste the%e ,as #o si# of a#(
!,elli#. The( ,e%e %o,i# a#Fio$s& fo% the( sa, #o, that the ho$se *iht be
hi!!e# al*ost a#(,he%e bet,ee# the* a#! the *o$#tai#s. The( )a*e o#
$#eF+e)te! "alle(s& #a%%o, ,ith stee+ si!es& that o+e#e! s$!!e#l( at thei% feet& a#!
the( loo'e! !o,# s$%+%ise! to see t%ees belo, the* a#! %$##i# ,ate% at the
botto*. The%e ,e%e $llies that the( )o$l! al*ost lea+ o"e%& b$t "e%( !ee+ ,ith
,ate%falls i# the*. The%e ,e%e !a%' %a"i#es that o#e )o$l! #eithe% P$*+ o"e% #o%
)li*b i#to. The%e ,e%e bos& so*e of the* %ee# +leasa#t +la)es to loo' at& ,ith
flo,e%s %o,i# b%iht a#! tallS b$t a +o#( that ,al'e! the%e ,ith a +a)' o# its ba)'
,o$l! #e"e% ha"e )o*e o$t aai#.
It ,as i#!ee! a *$)h ,i!e% la#! f%o* the fo%! to the *o$#tai#s tha# e"e% (o$
,o$l! ha"e $esse!. Bilbo ,as asto#ishe!. The o#l( +ath ,as *a%'e! ,ith ,hite
sto#es& so*e of ,hi)h ,e%e s*all& a#! othe%s ,e%e half )o"e%e! ,ith *oss o%
heathe%. Altoethe% it ,as a "e%( slo, b$si#ess follo,i# the t%a)'& e"e# $i!e! b(
Ga#!alf& ,ho see*e! to '#o, his ,a( abo$t +%ett( ,ell.
His hea! a#! bea%! ,ae! this ,a( a#! that as he loo'e! fo% the sto#es& a#! the(
follo,e! his lea!& b$t the( see*e! #o #ea%e% to the e#! of the sea%)h ,he# the !a(
bea# to fail. Tea-ti*e ha! lo# o#e b(& a#! it see*e! s$++e%-ti*e ,o$l! soo# !o
the sa*e. The%e ,e%e *oths fl$tte%i# abo$t& a#! the liht be)a*e "e%( !i*& fo% the
*oo# ha! #ot %ise#. Bilbo3s +o#( bea# to st$*ble o"e% %oots a#! sto#es. The(
)a*e to the e!e of a stee+ fall i# the %o$#! so s$!!e#l( that Ga#!alf3s ho%se
#ea%l( sli++e! !o,# the slo+e.
BHe%e it is at lastWC he )alle!& a#! the othe%s athe%e! %o$#! hi* a#! loo'e! o"e% the
e!e. The( sa, a "alle( fa% belo,. The( )o$l! hea% the "oi)e of h$%%(i# ,ate% i# a
%o)'( be! at the botto*S the s)e#t of t%ees ,as i# the ai%S a#! the%e ,as a liht o#
the "alle(-si!e a)%oss the ,ate%.
Bilbo #e"e% fo%ot the ,a( the( slithe%e! a#! sli++e! i# the !$s' !o,# the stee+ Hi-
Ha +ath i#to the se)%et "alle( of Ri"e#!ell. The ai% %e, ,a%*e% as the( ot lo,e%&
a#! the s*ell of the +i#e-t%ees *a!e hi* !%o,s(& so that e"e%( #o, a#! aai# he
#o!!e! a#! #ea%l( fell off& o% b$*+e! his #ose o# the +o#(3s #e)'. Thei% s+i%its %ose
as the( ,e#t !o,# a#! !o,#. The t%ees )ha#e! to bee)h a#! oa'& a#! the%e ,as a
)o*fo%table feeli# i# the t,iliht. The last %ee# ha! al*ost fa!e! o$t of the %ass&
,he# the( )a*e at le#th to a# o+e# la!e #ot fa% abo"e the ba#'s of the st%ea*.
BH***W it s*ells li'e el"esWC tho$ht Bilbo& a#! he loo'e! $+ at the sta%s. The(
,e%e b$%#i# b%iht a#! bl$e. J$st the# the%e )a*e a b$%st of so# li'e la$hte% i#
the t%ees2
OW 4hat a%e (o$ !oi#&
A#! ,he%e a%e (o$ oi#V
Yo$% +o#ies #ee! shoei#W
The %i"e% is flo,i#W
OW t%a-la-la-lall(
he%e !o,# i# the "alle(W
OW 4hat a%e (o$ see'i#&
A#! ,he%e a%e (o$ *a'i#V
The faots a%e %ee'i#&
The ba##o)'s a%e ba'i#W
OW t%il-lil-lil-loll(
the "alle( is Poll(&
haW haW
OW 4he%e a%e (o$ oi#
4ith bea%!s all a-,ai#V
No '#o,i#& #o '#o,i#
4hat b%i#s 0iste% Bai#s
A#! Bali# a#! D,ali#
!o,# i#to the "alle(
i# J$#e
haW haW
OW 4ill (o$ be sta(i#&
O% ,ill (o$ be fl(i#V
Yo$% +o#ies a%e st%a(i#W
The !a(liht is !(i#W
To fl( ,o$l! be foll(&
To sta( ,o$l! be Poll(
A#! liste# a#! ha%'
Till the e#! of the !a%'
to o$% t$#e
haW haW
/o the( la$he! a#! sa# i# the t%eesS a#! +%ett( fai% #o#se#se I !a%esa( (o$ thi#' it.
Not that the( ,o$l! )a%eS the( ,o$l! o#l( la$h all the *o%e if (o$ tol! the* so.
The( ,e%e el"es of )o$%se. /oo# Bilbo )a$ht li*+ses of the* as the !a%'#ess
!ee+e#e!. He lo"e! el"es& tho$h he sel!o* *et the*S b$t he ,as a little
f%ihte#e! of the* too. D,a%"es !o#3t et o# ,ell ,ith the*. E"e# !e)e#t e#o$h
!,a%"es li'e Tho%i# a#! his f%ie#!s thi#' the* foolish @,hi)h is a "e%( foolish thi# to
thi#'A& o% et a##o(e! ,ith the*. 1o% so*e el"es tease the* a#! la$h at the*&
a#! *ost of all at thei% bea%!s.
B4ell& ,ellWC sai! a "oi)e. BJ$st loo'W Bilbo the hobbit o# a +o#(& *( !ea%W Is#3t it
!eli)io$sWC
B0ost asto#ishi# ,o#!e%f$lWC
The# off the( ,e#t i#to a#othe% so# as %i!i)$lo$s as the o#e I ha"e ,%itte# !o,# i#
f$ll. At last o#e& a tall (o$# fello,& )a*e o$t f%o* the t%ees a#! bo,e! to Ga#!alf
a#! to Tho%i#.
B4el)o*e to the "alle(WC he sai!.
BTha#' (o$WC sai! Tho%i# a bit %$ffl(S b$t Ga#!alf ,as al%ea!( off his ho%se a#!
a*o# the el"es& tal'i# *e%%il( ,ith the*.
BYo$ a%e a little o$t of (o$% ,a(&C sai! the elf2 Bthat is& if (o$ a%e *a'i# fo% the o#l(
+ath a)%oss the ,ate% a#! to the ho$se be(o#!. 4e ,ill set (o$ %iht& b$t (o$ ha!
best et o# foot& $#til (o$ a%e o"e% the b%i!e. A%e (o$ oi# to sta( a bit a#! si#
,ith $s& o% ,ill (o$ o st%aiht o#V /$++e% is +%e+a%i# o"e% the%e&C he sai!. BI )a#
s*ell the ,oo!-fi%es fo% the )oo'i#.C
Ti%e! as he ,as& Bilbo ,o$l! ha"e li'e! to sta( a ,hile. El"ish si#i# is #ot a thi# to
*iss& i# J$#e $#!e% the sta%s& #ot if (o$ )a%e fo% s$)h thi#s. Also he ,o$l! ha"e
li'e! to ha"e a fe, +%i"ate ,o%!s ,ith these +eo+le that see*e! to '#o, his #a*es
a#! all abo$t hi*& altho$h he ha! #e"e% see# the* befo%e. He tho$ht thei%
o+i#io# of his a!"e#t$%e *iht be i#te%esti#. El"es '#o, a lot a#! a%e ,o#!%o$s
fol' fo% #e,s& a#! '#o, ,hat is oi# o# a*o# the +eo+les of the la#!& as .$i)' as
,ate% flo,s& o% .$i)'e%.
B$t the !,a%"es ,e%e all fo% s$++e% as soo# as +ossible P$st the#& a#! ,o$l! #ot
sta(. O# the( all ,e#t& lea!i# thei% +o#ies& till the( ,e%e b%o$ht to a oo! +ath
a#! so at last to the "e%( b%i#' of the %i"e%.
It ,as flo,i# fast a#! #oisil(& as *o$#tai#-st%ea*s !o of a s$**e% e"e#i#& ,he#
s$# has bee# all !a( o# the s#o, fa% $+ abo"e. The%e ,as o#l( a #a%%o, b%i!e of
sto#e ,itho$t a +a%a+et& as #a%%o, as a +o#( )o$l! ,ell ,al' o#S a#! o"e% that the(
ha! to o& slo, a#! )a%ef$l& o#e b( o#e& ea)h lea!i# his +o#( b( the b%i!le. The
el"es ha! b%o$ht b%iht la#te%#s to the sho%e& a#! the( sa# a *e%%( so# as the
+a%t( ,e#t a)%oss.
BDo#3t !i+ (o$% bea%! i# the foa*& fathe%WC the( )%ie! to Tho%i#& ,ho ,as be#t
al*ost o# to his ha#!s a#! '#ees. BIt is lo# e#o$h ,itho$t ,ate%i# it.C
B0i#! Bilbo !oes#3t eat all the )a'esWC the( )alle!. BHe is too fat to et th%o$h 'e(-
holes (etWC
BH$sh& h$shW Goo! 5eo+leW a#! oo! #ihtWC sai! Ga#!alf& ,ho )a*e last. B7alle(s
ha"e ea%s& a#! so*e el"es ha"e o"e% *e%%( to#$es. Goo! #ihtWC
A#! so at last the( all )a*e to the Last Ho*el( Ho$se& a#! fo$#! its !oo%s fl$#
,i!e.
No, it is a st%a#e thi#& b$t thi#s that a%e oo! to ha"e a#! !a(s that a%e oo! to s+e#! a%e
soo# tol! abo$t& a#! #ot *$)h to liste# toS ,hile thi#s that a%e $#)o*fo%table& +al+itati#&
a#! e"e# %$eso*e& *a( *a'e a oo! tale& a#! ta'e a !eal of telli# a#(,a(. The( sta(e! lo#
i# that oo! ho$se& fo$%tee# !a(s at least& a#! the( fo$#! it ha%! to lea"e. Bilbo ,o$l! la!l(
ha"e sto++e! the%e fo% e"e% a#! e"e%Ue"e# s$++osi# a ,ish ,o$l! ha"e ta'e# hi* %iht ba)'
to his hobbit-hole ,itho$t t%o$ble. Yet the%e is little to tell abo$t thei% sta(.
The *aste% of the ho$se ,as a# elf-f%ie#!Uo#e of those +eo+le ,hose fathe%s )a*e
i#to the st%a#e sto%ies befo%e the bei##i# of Histo%(& the ,a%s of the e"il obli#s
a#! the el"es a#! the fi%st *e# i# the No%th. I# those !a(s of o$% tale the%e ,e%e still
so*e +eo+le ,ho ha! both el"es a#! he%oes of the No%th fo% a#)esto%s& a#! El%o#!
the *aste% of the ho$se ,as thei% )hief.
He ,as as #oble a#! as fai% i# fa)e as a# elf-lo%!& as st%o# as a ,a%%io%& as ,ise as a
,iHa%!& as "e#e%able as a 'i# of !,a%"es& a#! as 'i#! as s$**e%. He )o*es i#to
*a#( tales& b$t his +a%t i# the sto%( of Bilbo3s %eat a!"e#t$%e is o#l( a s*all o#e&
tho$h i*+o%ta#t& as (o$ ,ill see& if ,e e"e% et to the e#! of it. His ho$se ,as
+e%fe)t& ,hethe% (o$ li'e! foo!& o% slee+& o% ,o%'& o% sto%(-telli#& o% si#i#& o% P$st
sitti# a#! thi#'i# best& o% a +leasa#t *iFt$%e of the* all. E"il thi#s !i! #ot )o*e
i#to that "alle(.
I ,ish I ha! ti*e to tell (o$ e"e# a fe, of the tales o% o#e o% t,o of the so#s that
the( hea%! i# that ho$se. All of the*& the +o#ies as ,ell& %e, %ef%eshe! a#! st%o#
i# a fe, !a(s the%e. Thei% )lothes ,e%e *e#!e! as ,ell as thei% b%$ises& thei%
te*+e%s a#! thei% ho+es. Thei% bas ,e%e fille! ,ith foo! a#! +%o"isio#s liht to
)a%%( b$t st%o# to b%i# the* o"e% the *o$#tai# +asses. Thei% +la#s ,e%e i*+%o"e!
,ith the best a!"i)e. /o the ti*e )a*e to *i!s$**e% e"e& a#! the( ,e%e to o o#
aai# ,ith the ea%l( s$# o# *i!s$**e% *o%#i#.
El%o#! '#e, all abo$t %$#es of e"e%( 'i#!. That !a( he loo'e! at the s,o%!s the( ha!
b%o$ht f%o* the t%olls3 lai%& a#! he sai!2 BThese a%e #ot t%oll-*a'e. The( a%e ol!
s,o%!s& "e%( ol! s,o%!s of the Hih El"es of the 4est& *( 'i#. The( ,e%e *a!e i#
Go#!oli# fo% the Gobli#-,a%s. The( *$st ha"e )o*e f%o* a !%ao#3s hoa%! o% obli#
+l$#!e%& fo% !%ao#s a#! obli#s !est%o(e! that )it( *a#( aes ao. This& Tho%i#& the
%$#es #a*e O%)%ist& the Gobli#-)lea"e% i# the a#)ie#t to#$e of Go#!oli#S it ,as a
fa*o$s bla!e. This& Ga#!alf& ,as Gla*!%i#& 1oe-ha**e% that the 'i# of Go#!oli#
o#)e ,o%e. Kee+ the* ,ellWC
B4he#)e !i! the t%olls et the*& I ,o#!e%VC sai! Tho%i# loo'i# at his s,o%! ,ith
#e, i#te%est.
BI )o$l! #ot sa(&C sai! El%o#!& Bb$t o#e *a( $ess that (o$% t%olls ha! +l$#!e%e!
othe% +l$#!e%e%s& o% )o*e o# the %e*#a#ts of ol! %obbe%ies i# so*e hol! i# the
*o$#tai#s. I ha"e hea%! that the%e a%e still fo%otte# t%eas$%es of ol! to be fo$#! i#
the !ese%te! )a"e%#s of the *i#es of 0o%ia& si#)e the !,a%f a#! obli# ,a%.C
Tho%i# +o#!e%e! these ,o%!s. BI ,ill 'ee+ this s,o%! i# ho#o$%&C he sai!. B0a( it
soo# )lea"e obli#s o#)e aai#WC
BA ,ish that is li'el( to be %a#te! soo# e#o$h i# the *o$#tai#sWC sai! El%o#!. BB$t
sho, *e #o, (o$% *a+WC
He too' it a#! aHe! lo# at it& a#! he shoo' his hea!S fo% if he !i! #ot altoethe%
a++%o"e of !,a%"es a#! thei% lo"e of ol!& he hate! !%ao#s a#! thei% )%$el
,i)'e!#ess& a#! he %ie"e! to %e*e*be% the %$i# of the to,# of Dale a#! its *e%%(
bells& a#! the b$%#e! ba#'s of the b%iht Ri"e% R$##i#. The *oo# ,as shi#i# i# a
b%oa! sil"e% )%es)e#t. He hel! $+ the *a+ a#! the ,hite liht sho#e th%o$h it.
B4hat is thisVC he sai!. BThe%e a%e *oo#-lette%s he%e& besi!e the +lai# %$#es ,hi)h
sa( 6fi"e feet hih the !oo% a#! th%ee *a( ,al' ab%east.3C
B4hat a%e *oo#-lette%sVC as'e! the hobbit f$ll of eF)ite*e#t. He lo"e! *a+s& as I
ha"e tol! (o$ befo%eS a#! he also li'e! %$#es a#! lette%s a#! )$##i# ha#!,%iti#&
tho$h ,he# he ,%ote hi*self it ,as a bit thi# a#! s+i!e%(.
B0oo#-lette%s a%e %$#e-lette%s& b$t (o$ )a##ot see the*&C sai! El%o#!& B#ot ,he#
(o$ loo' st%aiht at the*. The( )a# o#l( be see# ,he# the *oo# shi#es behi#!
the*& a#! ,hat is *o%e& ,ith the *o%e )$##i# so%t it *$st be a *oo# of the sa*e
sha+e a#! seaso# as the !a( ,he# the( ,e%e ,%itte#. The !,a%"es i#"e#te! the*
a#! ,%ote the* ,ith sil"e% +e#s& as (o$% f%ie#!s )o$l! tell (o$. These *$st ha"e
bee# ,%itte# o# a *i!s$**e%3s e"e i# a )%es)e#t *oo#& a lo# ,hile ao.C
B4hat !o the( sa(VC as'e! Ga#!alf a#! Tho%i# toethe%& a bit "eFe! +e%ha+s that
e"e# El%o#! sho$l! ha"e fo$#! this o$t fi%st& tho$h %eall( the%e ha! #ot bee# a
)ha#)e befo%e& a#! the%e ,o$l! #ot ha"e bee# a#othe% $#til oo!#ess '#o,s ,he#.
B
/ta#! b( the %e( sto#e ,he# the th%$sh '#o)'s
&C %ea! El%o#!& Ba#! the setti# s$# ,ith the last liht of D$%i#3s Da( ,ill shi#e $+o#
the 'e(-hole.C
BD$%i#& D$%i#WC sai! Tho%i#. BHe ,as the fathe% of the fathe%s of the el!est %a)e of
D,a%"es& the Lo#bea%!s& a#! *( fi%st a#)esto%2 I a* his hei%.C
BThe# ,hat is D$%i#3s Da(VC as'e! El%o#!.
BThe fi%st !a( of the !,a%"es3 Ne, Yea%&C sai! Tho%i#& Bis as all sho$l! '#o, the fi%st
!a( of the last *oo# of A$t$*# o# the th%eshol! of 4i#te%. 4e still )all it D$%i#3s
Da( ,he# the last *oo# of A$t$*# a#! the s$# a%e i# the s'( toethe%. B$t this ,ill
#ot hel+ $s *$)h& I fea%& fo% it +asses o$% s'ill i# these !a(s to $ess ,he# s$)h a
ti*e ,ill )o*e aai#.C
BThat %e*ai#s to be see#&C sai! Ga#!alf. BIs the%e a#( *o%e ,%iti#VC
BNo#e to be see# b( this *oo#&C sai! El%o#!& a#! he a"e the *a+ ba)' to Tho%i#S
a#! the# the( ,e#t !o,# to the ,ate% to see the el"es !a#)e a#! si# $+o# the
*i!s$**e%3s e"e.
The #eFt *o%#i# ,as a *i!s$**e%3s *o%#i# as fai% a#! f%esh as )o$l! be
!%ea*e!2 bl$e s'( a#! #e"e% a )lo$!& a#! the s$# !a#)i# o# the ,ate%. No, the(
%o!e a,a( a*i! so#s of fa%e,ell a#! oo! s+ee!& ,ith thei% hea%ts %ea!( fo% *o%e
a!"e#t$%e& a#! ,ith a '#o,le!e of the %oa! the( *$st follo, o"e% the 0ist(
0o$#tai#s to the la#! be(o#!.
Cha+te% I7
O7ER HILL AND 8NDER HILL
The%e ,e%e *a#( +aths that le! $+ i#to those *o$#tai#s& a#! *a#( +asses o"e% the*. B$t
*ost of the +aths ,e%e )heats a#! !e)e+tio#s a#! le! #o,he%e o% to ba! e#!sS a#! *ost of
the +asses ,e%e i#feste! b( e"il thi#s a#! !%ea!f$l !a#e%s. The !,a%"es a#! the hobbit&
hel+e! b( the ,ise a!"i)e of El%o#! a#! the '#o,le!e a#! *e*o%( of Ga#!alf& too' the %iht
%oa! to the %iht +ass.
Lo# !a(s afte% the( ha! )li*be! o$t of the "alle( a#! left the Last Ho*el( Ho$se
*iles behi#!& the( ,e%e still oi# $+ a#! $+ a#! $+. It ,as a ha%! +ath a#! a
!a#e%o$s +ath& a )%oo'e! ,a( a#! a lo#el( a#! a lo#. No, the( )o$l! loo' ba)'
o"e% the la#!s the( ha! left& lai! o$t behi#! the* fa% belo,. 1a%& fa% a,a( i# the
4est& ,he%e thi#s ,e%e bl$e a#! fai#t& Bilbo '#e, the%e la( his o,# )o$#t%( of
safe a#! )o*fo%table thi#s& a#! his little hobbit-hole. He shi"e%e!. It ,as etti#
bitte% )ol! $+ he%e& a#! the ,i#! )a*e sh%ill a*o# the %o)'s. Bo$l!e%s& too& at
ti*es )a*e allo+i# !o,# the *o$#tai#-si!es& let loose b( *i!-!a( s$# $+o# the
s#o,& a#! +asse! a*o# the* @,hi)h ,as l$)'(A& o% o"e% thei% hea!s @,hi)h ,as
ala%*i#A. The #ihts ,e%e )o*fo%tless a#! )hill& a#! the( !i! #ot !a%e to si# o%
tal' too lo$!& fo% the e)hoes ,e%e $#)a##(& a#! the sile#)e see*e! to !isli'e bei#
b%o'e#UeF)e+t b( the #oise of ,ate% a#! the ,ail of ,i#! a#! the )%a)' of sto#e.
BThe s$**e% is etti# o# !o,# belo,&C tho$ht Bilbo& Ba#! ha(*a'i# is oi# o#
a#! +i)#i)s. The( ,ill be ha%"esti# a#! bla)'be%%(i#& befo%e ,e e"e# bei# to o
!o,# the othe% si!e at this %ate.C A#! the othe%s ,e%e thi#'i# e.$all( loo*(
tho$hts& altho$h ,he# the( ha! sai! oo!-b(e to El%o#! i# the hih ho+e of a
*i!s$**e% *o%#i#& the( ha! s+o'e# ail( of the +assae of the *o$#tai#s& a#! of
%i!i# s,ift a)%oss the la#!s be(o#!. The( ha! tho$ht of )o*i# to the se)%et !oo%
i# the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& +e%ha+s that "e%( #eFt last *oo# of A$t$*#UBa#! +e%ha+s
it ,ill be D$%i#3s Da(C the( ha! sai!. O#l( Ga#!alf ha! sha'e# his hea! a#! sai!
#othi#. D,a%"es ha! #ot +asse! that ,a( fo% *a#( (ea%s& b$t Ga#!alf ha!& a#! he
'#e, ho, e"il a#! !a#e% ha! %o,# a#! th%i"e# i# the 4il!& si#)e the !%ao#s ha!
!%i"e# *e# f%o* the la#!s& a#! the obli#s ha! s+%ea! i# se)%et afte% the battle of
the 0i#es of 0o%ia. E"e# the oo! +la#s of ,ise ,iHa%!s li'e Ga#!alf a#! of oo!
f%ie#!s li'e El%o#! o ast%a( so*eti*es ,he# (o$ a%e off o# !a#e%o$s a!"e#t$%es
o"e% the E!e of the 4il!S a#! Ga#!alf ,as a ,ise e#o$h ,iHa%! to '#o, it.
He '#e, that so*ethi# $#eF+e)te! *iht ha++e#& a#! he ha%!l( !a%e! to ho+e that the(
,o$l! +ass ,itho$t fea%f$l a!"e#t$%e o"e% those %eat tall *o$#tai#s ,ith lo#el( +ea's a#!
"alle(s ,he%e #o 'i# %$le!. The( !i! #ot. All ,as ,ell& $#til o#e !a( the( *et a
th$#!e%sto%*U*o%e tha# a th$#!e%sto%*& a th$#!e%-battle. Yo$ '#o, ho, te%%ifi) a %eall( bi
th$#!e%sto%* )a# be !o,# i# the la#! a#! i# a %i"e%-"alle(S es+e)iall( at ti*es ,he# t,o %eat
th$#!e%sto%*s *eet a#! )lash. 0o%e te%%ible still a%e th$#!e% a#! liht#i# i# the *o$#tai#s
at #iht& ,he# sto%*s )o*e $+ f%o* East a#! 4est a#! *a'e ,a%. The liht#i# s+li#te%s o#
the +ea's& a#! %o)'s shi"e%& a#! %eat )%ashes s+lit the ai% a#! o %olli# a#! t$*bli# i#to
e"e%( )a"e a#! hollo,S a#! the !a%'#ess is fille! ,ith o"e%,hel*i# #oise a#! s$!!e# liht.
Bilbo ha! #e"e% see# o% i*ai#e! a#(thi# of the 'i#!. The( ,e%e hih $+ i# a
#a%%o, +la)e& ,ith a !%ea!f$l fall i#to a !i* "alle( at o#e si!e of the*. The%e the(
,e%e shelte%i# $#!e% a ha#i# %o)' fo% the #iht& a#! he la( be#eath a bla#'et a#!
shoo' f%o* hea! to toe. 4he# he +ee+e! o$t i# the liht#i#-flashes& he sa, that
a)%oss the "alle( the sto#e-ia#ts ,e%e o$t& a#! ,e%e h$%li# %o)'s at o#e a#othe%
fo% a a*e& a#! )at)hi# the*& a#! tossi# the* !o,# i#to the !a%'#ess ,he%e the(
s*ashe! a*o# the t%ees fa% belo,& o% s+li#te%e! i#to little bits ,ith a ba#. The#
)a*e a ,i#! a#! a %ai#& a#! the ,i#! ,hi++e! the %ai# a#! the hail abo$t i# e"e%(
!i%e)tio#& so that a# o"e%ha#i# %o)' ,as #o +%ote)tio# at all. /oo# the( ,e%e
etti# !%e#)he! a#! thei% +o#ies ,e%e sta#!i# ,ith thei% hea!s !o,# a#! thei%
tails bet,ee# thei% les& a#! so*e of the* ,e%e ,hi##(i# ,ith f%iht. The( )o$l!
hea% the ia#ts $ffa,i# a#! sho$ti# all o"e% the *o$#tai#si!es.
BThis ,o#3t !o at allWC sai! Tho%i#. BIf ,e !o#3t et blo,# off& o% !%o,#e!& o% st%$)'
b( liht#i#& ,e shall be +i)'e! $+ b( so*e ia#t a#! 'i)'e! s'(-hih fo% a football.C
The 0o$#tai#-+ath
B4ell& if (o$ '#o, of a#(,he%e bette%& ta'e $s the%eWC sai! Ga#!alf& ,ho ,as feeli#
"e%( %$*+(& a#! ,as fa% f%o* ha++( abo$t the ia#ts hi*self.
The e#! of thei% a%$*e#t ,as that the( se#t 1ili a#! Kili to loo' fo% a bette% shelte%.
The( ha! "e%( sha%+ e(es& a#! bei# the (o$#est of the !,a%"es b( so*e fift(
(ea%s the( $s$all( ot these so%t of Pobs @,he# e"e%(bo!( )o$l! see that it ,as
absol$tel( #o $se se#!i# BilboA. The%e is #othi# li'e loo'i#& if (o$ ,a#t to fi#!
so*ethi# @o% so Tho%i# sai! to the (o$# !,a%"esA. Yo$ )e%tai#l( $s$all( fi#!
so*ethi#& if (o$ loo'& b$t it is #ot al,a(s .$ite the so*ethi# (o$ ,e%e afte%. /o it
+%o"e! o# this o))asio#.
/oo# 1ili a#! Kili )a*e )%a,li# ba)'& hol!i# o# to the %o)'s i# the ,i#!. B4e ha"e
fo$#! a !%( )a"e&C the( sai!& B#ot fa% %o$#! the #eFt )o%#e%S a#! +o#ies a#! all
)o$l! et i#si!e.C
BHa"e (o$ tho%o$hl( eF+lo%e! itVC sai! the ,iHa%!& ,ho '#e, that )a"es $+ i# the
*o$#tai#s ,e%e sel!o* $#o))$+ie!.
BYes& (esWC the( sai!& tho$h e"e%(bo!( '#e, the( )o$l! #ot ha"e bee# lo# abo$t
itS the( ha! )o*e ba)' too .$i)'. BIt is#3t all that bi& a#! it !oes #ot o fa% ba)'.C
That& of )o$%se& is the !a#e%o$s +a%t abo$t )a"es2 (o$ !o#3t '#o, ho, fa% the( o
ba)'& so*eti*es& o% ,he%e a +assae behi#! *a( lea! to& o% ,hat is ,aiti# fo% (o$
i#si!e. B$t #o, 1ili a#! Kili3s #e,s see*e! oo! e#o$h. /o the( all ot $+ a#!
+%e+a%e! to *o"e. The ,i#! ,as ho,li# a#! the th$#!e% still %o,li#& a#! the(
ha! a b$si#ess etti# the*sel"es a#! thei% +o#ies alo#. /till it ,as #ot "e%( fa% to
o& a#! befo%e lo# the( )a*e to a bi %o)' sta#!i# o$t i#to the +ath. If (o$
ste++e! behi#!& (o$ fo$#! a lo, a%)h i# the si!e of the *o$#tai#. The%e ,as P$st
%oo* to et the +o#ies th%o$h ,ith a s.$eeHe& ,he# the( ha! bee# $#+a)'e! a#!
$#sa!!le!. As the( +asse! $#!e% the a%)h& it ,as oo! to hea% the ,i#! a#! the %ai#
o$tsi!e i#stea! of all abo$t the*& a#! to feel safe f%o* the ia#ts a#! thei% %o)'s.
B$t the ,iHa%! ,as ta'i# #o %is's. He lit $+ his ,a#!Uas he !i! that !a( i# Bilbo3s
!i#i#-%oo* that see*e! so lo# ao& if (o$ %e*e*be%U& a#! b( its liht the(
eF+lo%e! the )a"e f%o* e#! to e#!.
It see*e! .$ite a fai% siHe& b$t #ot too la%e a#! *(ste%io$s. It ha! a !%( floo% a#!
so*e )o*fo%table #oo's. At o#e e#! the%e ,as %oo* fo% the +o#iesS a#! the%e the(
stoo! @*iht( la! of the )ha#eA stea*i#& a#! )ha*+i# i# thei% #osebas. Oi#
a#! Gloi# ,a#te! to liht a fi%e at the !oo% to !%( thei% )lothes& b$t Ga#!alf ,o$l!
#ot hea% of it. /o the( s+%ea! o$t thei% ,et thi#s o# the floo%& a#! ot !%( o#es o$t
of thei% b$#!lesS the# the( *a!e thei% bla#'ets )o*fo%table& ot o$t thei% +i+es a#!
ble, s*o'e %i#s& ,hi)h Ga#!alf t$%#e! i#to !iffe%e#t )olo$%s a#! set !a#)i# $+ b(
the %oof to a*$se the*. The( tal'e! a#! tal'e!& a#! fo%ot abo$t the sto%*& a#!
!is)$sse! ,hat ea)h ,o$l! !o ,ith his sha%e of the t%eas$%e @,he# the( ot it&
,hi)h at the *o*e#t !i! #ot see* so i*+ossibleAS a#! so the( !%o++e! off to slee+
o#e b( o#e. A#! that ,as the last ti*e that the( $se! the +o#ies& +a)'aes&
baaes& tools a#! +a%a+he%#alia that the( ha! b%o$ht ,ith the*.
It t$%#e! o$t a oo! thi# that #iht that the( ha! b%o$ht little Bilbo ,ith the*&
afte% all. 1o%& so*eho,& he )o$l! #ot o to slee+ fo% a lo# ,hileS a#! ,he# he !i!
slee+& he ha! "e%( #ast( !%ea*s. He !%ea*e! that a )%a)' i# the ,all at the ba)' of
the )a"e ot bie% a#! bie%& a#! o+e#e! ,i!e% a#! ,i!e%& a#! he ,as "e%( af%ai!
b$t )o$l! #ot )all o$t o% !o a#(thi# b$t lie a#! loo'. The# he !%ea*e! that the
floo% of the )a"e ,as i"i# ,a(& a#! he ,as sli++i#Ubei##i# to fall !o,#& !o,#&
oo!#ess '#o,s ,he%e to.
At that he ,o'e $+ ,ith a ho%%ible sta%t& a#! fo$#! that +a%t of his !%ea* ,as t%$e. A
)%a)' ha! o+e#e! at the ba)' of the )a"e& a#! ,as al%ea!( a ,i!e +assae. He ,as
P$st i# ti*e to see the last of the +o#ies3 tails !isa++ea%i# i#to it. Of )o$%se he a"e
a "e%( lo$! (ell& as lo$! a (ell as a hobbit )a# i"e& ,hi)h is s$%+%isi# fo% thei% siHe.
O$t P$*+e! the obli#s& bi obli#s& %eat $l(-loo'i# obli#s& lots of obli#s& befo%e
(o$ )o$l! sa( %o)'s a#! blo)'s. The%e ,e%e siF to ea)h !,a%f& at least& a#! t,o e"e#
fo% BilboS a#! the( ,e%e all %abbe! a#! )a%%ie! th%o$h the )%a)'& befo%e (o$ )o$l!
sa( ti#!e% a#! fli#t. B$t #ot Ga#!alf. Bilbo3s (ell ha! !o#e that *$)h oo!. It ha!
,a'e#e! hi* $+ ,i!e i# a s+li#te%e! se)o#!& a#! ,he# obli#s )a*e to %ab hi*&
the%e ,as a te%%ifi) flash li'e liht#i# i# the )a"e& a s*ell li'e $#+o,!e%& a#!
se"e%al of the* fell !ea!.
The )%a)' )lose! ,ith a s#a+& a#! Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es ,e%e o# the ,%o# si!e of
itW 4he%e ,as Ga#!alfV Of that #eithe% the( #o% the obli#s ha! a#( i!ea& a#! the
obli#s !i! #ot ,ait to fi#! o$t. The( seiHe! Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es a#! h$%%ie! the*
alo#. It ,as !ee+& !ee+& !a%'& s$)h as o#l( obli#s that ha"e ta'e# to li"i# i# the
hea%t of the *o$#tai#s )a# see th%o$h. The +assaes the%e ,e%e )%osse! a#!
ta#le! i# all !i%e)tio#s& b$t the obli#s '#e, thei% ,a(& as ,ell as (o$ !o to the
#ea%est +ost-offi)eS a#! the ,a( ,e#t !o,# a#! !o,#& a#! it ,as *ost ho%%ibl(
st$ff(. The obli#s ,e%e "e%( %o$h& a#! +i#)he! $#*e%)if$ll(& a#! )h$)'le! a#!
la$he! i# thei% ho%%ible sto#( "oi)esS a#! Bilbo ,as *o%e $#ha++( e"e# tha# ,he#
the t%oll ha! +i)'e! hi* $+ b( his toes. He ,ishe! aai# a#! aai# fo% his #i)e b%iht
hobbit-hole. Not fo% the last ti*e.
No, the%e )a*e a li**e% of a %e! liht befo%e the*. The obli#s bea# to si#& o%
)%oa'& 'ee+i# ti*e ,ith the fla+ of thei% flat feet o# the sto#e& a#! sha'i# thei%
+%iso#e%s as ,ell.
Cla+W /#a+W the bla)' )%a)'W
G%i+& %abW 5i#)h& #abW
A#! !o,# !o,# to Gobli#-to,#
Yo$ o& *( la!W
Clash& )%ashW C%$sh& s*ashW
Ha**e% a#! to#sW K#o)'e% a#! o#sW 5o$#!& +o$#!& fa% $#!e%%o$#!W
Ho& hoW *( la!W
/,ish& s*a)'W 4hi+ )%a)'W
Batte% a#! beatW Ya**e% a#! bleatW 4o%'& ,o%'W No% !a%e to shi%'&
4hile Gobli#s .$aff& a#! Gobli#s la$h& Ro$#! a#! %o$#! fa% $#!e%%o$#!
Belo,& *( la!W
It so$#!e! t%$l( te%%if(i#. The ,alls e)hoe! to the )la+& s#a+W a#! the )%$sh&
s*ashW a#! to the $l( la$hte% of thei% ho& hoW *( la!W The e#e%al *ea#i# of the
so# ,as o#l( too +lai#S fo% #o, the obli#s too' o$t ,hi+s a#! ,hi++e! the* ,ith
a s,ish& s*a)'W& a#! set the* %$##i# as fast as the( )o$l! i# f%o#t of the*S a#!
*o%e tha# o#e of the !,a%"es ,e%e al%ea!( (a**e%i# a#! bleati# li'e a#(thi#&
,he# the( st$*ble! i#to a bi )a"e%#.
It ,as lit b( a %eat %e! fi%e i# the *i!!le& a#! b( to%)hes alo# the ,alls& a#! it ,as
f$ll of obli#s. The( all la$he! a#! sta*+e! a#! )la++e! thei% ha#!s& ,he# the
!,a%"es @,ith +oo% little Bilbo at the ba)' a#! #ea%est to the ,hi+sA )a*e %$##i#
i#& ,hile the obli#-!%i"e%s ,hoo+e! a#! )%a)'e! thei% ,hi+s behi#!. The +o#ies
,e%e al%ea!( the%e h$!!le! i# a )o%#e%S a#! the%e ,e%e all the baaes a#!
+a)'aes l(i# b%o'e# o+e#& a#! bei# %$**ae! b( obli#s& a#! s*elt b( obli#s&
a#! fi#e%e! b( obli#s& a#! .$a%%elle! o"e% b( obli#s.
I a* af%ai! that ,as the last the( e"e% sa, of those eF)elle#t little +o#ies& i#)l$!i# a
Poll( st$%!( little ,hite fello, that El%o#! ha! le#t to Ga#!alf& si#)e his ho%se ,as
#ot s$itable fo% the *o$#tai#-+aths. 1o% obli#s eat ho%ses a#! +o#ies a#! !o#'e(s
@a#! othe% *$)h *o%e !%ea!f$l thi#sA& a#! the( a%e al,a(s h$#%(. J$st #o,
ho,e"e% the +%iso#e%s ,e%e thi#'i# o#l( of the*sel"es. The obli#s )hai#e! thei%
ha#!s behi#! thei% ba)'s a#! li#'e! the* all toethe% i# a li#e& a#! !%ae! the* to
the fa% e#! of the )a"e%# ,ith little Bilbo t$i# at the e#! of the %o,.
The%e i# the sha!o,s o# a la%e flat sto#e sat a t%e*e#!o$s obli# ,ith a h$e hea!&
a#! a%*e! obli#s ,e%e sta#!i# %o$#! hi* )a%%(i# the aFes a#! the be#t s,o%!s
that the( $se. No, obli#s a%e )%$el& ,i)'e!& a#! ba!-hea%te!. The( *a'e #o
bea$tif$l thi#s& b$t the( *a'e *a#( )le"e% o#es. The( )a# t$##el a#! *i#e as ,ell
as a#( b$t the *ost s'ille! !,a%"es& ,he# the( ta'e the t%o$ble& tho$h the( a%e
$s$all( $#ti!( a#! !i%t(. Ha**e%s& aFes& s,o%!s& !ae%s& +i)'aFes& to#s& a#! also
i#st%$*e#ts of to%t$%e& the( *a'e "e%( ,ell& o% et othe% +eo+le to *a'e to thei%
!esi#& +%iso#e%s a#! sla"es that ha"e to ,o%' till the( !ie fo% ,a#t of ai% a#! liht. It
is #ot $#li'el( that the( i#"e#te! so*e of the *a)hi#es that ha"e si#)e t%o$ble! the
,o%l!& es+e)iall( the i#e#io$s !e"i)es fo% 'illi# la%e #$*be%s of +eo+le at o#)e&
fo% ,heels a#! e#i#es a#! eF+losio#s al,a(s !elihte! the*& a#! also #ot ,o%'i#
,ith thei% o,# ha#!s *o%e tha# the( )o$l! hel+S b$t i# those !a(s a#! those ,il!
+a%ts the( ha! #ot a!"a#)e! @as it is )alle!A so fa%. The( !i! #ot hate !,a%"es
es+e)iall(& #o *o%e tha# the( hate! e"e%(bo!( a#! e"e%(thi#& a#! +a%ti)$la%l( the
o%!e%l( a#! +%os+e%o$sS i# so*e +a%ts ,i)'e! !,a%"es ha! e"e# *a!e allia#)es ,ith
the*. B$t the( ha! a s+e)ial %$!e aai#st Tho%i#3s +eo+le& be)a$se of the ,a%
,hi)h (o$ ha"e hea%! *e#tio#e!& b$t ,hi)h !oes #ot )o*e i#to this taleS a#!
a#(,a( obli#s !o#3t )a%e ,ho the( )at)h& as lo# as it is !o#e s*a%t a#! se)%et& a#!
the +%iso#e%s a%e #ot able to !efe#! the*sel"es.
B4ho a%e these *ise%able +e%so#sVC sai! the G%eat Gobli#.
BD,a%"es& a#! thisWC sai! o#e of the !%i"e%s& +$lli# at Bilbo3s )hai# so that he fell
fo%,a%! o#to his '#ees. B4e fo$#! the* shelte%i# i# o$% 1%o#t 5o%)h.C
B4hat !o (o$ *ea# b( itVC sai! the G%eat Gobli# t$%#i# to Tho%i#. B8+ to #o oo!&
I3ll ,a%%a#tW /+(i# o# the +%i"ate b$si#ess of *( +eo+le& I $essW Thie"es& I sho$l!#3t
be s$%+%ise! to lea%#W 0$%!e%e%s a#! f%ie#!s of El"es& #ot $#li'el(W Co*eW 4hat
ha"e (o$ ot to sa(VC
BTho%i# the !,a%f at (o$% se%"i)eWC he %e+lie!Uit ,as *e%el( a +olite #othi#. BOf
the thi#s ,hi)h (o$ s$s+e)t a#! i*ai#e ,e ha! #o i!ea at all. 4e shelte%e! f%o*
a sto%* i# ,hat see*e! a )o#"e#ie#t )a"e a#! $#$se!S #othi# ,as f$%the% f%o*
o$% tho$hts tha# i#)o#"e#ie#)i# obli#s i# a#( ,a( ,hate"e%.C That ,as t%$e
e#o$hW
B8*WC sai! the G%eat Gobli#. B/o (o$ sa(W 0iht I as' ,hat (o$ ,e%e !oi# $+ i# the
*o$#tai#s at all& a#! ,he%e (o$ ,e%e )o*i# f%o*& a#! ,he%e (o$ ,e%e oi# toV
I# fa)t I sho$l! li'e to '#o, all abo$t (o$. Not that it ,ill !o (o$ *$)h oo!& Tho%i#
Oa'e#shiel!& I '#o, too *$)h abo$t (o$% fol' al%ea!(S b$t let3s ha"e the t%$th& o% I
,ill +%e+a%e so*ethi# +a%ti)$la%l( $#)o*fo%table fo% (o$WC
B4e ,e%e o# a Po$%#e( to "isit o$% %elati"es& o$% #e+he,s a#! #ie)es& a#! fi%st&
se)o#!& a#! thi%! )o$si#s& a#! the othe% !es)e#!a#ts of o$% %a#!fathe%s& ,ho li"e
o# the East si!e of these t%$l( hos+itable *o$#tai#s&C sai! Tho%i#& #ot .$ite '#o,i#
,hat to sa( all at o#)e i# a *o*e#t& ,he# ob"io$sl( the eFa)t t%$th ,o$l! #ot !o at
all.
BHe is a lia%& O t%$l( t%e*e#!o$s o#eWC sai! o#e of the !%i"e%s. B/e"e%al of o$% +eo+le
,e%e st%$)' b( liht#i# i# the )a"e& ,he# ,e i#"ite! these )%eat$%es to )o*e
belo,S a#! the( a%e as !ea! as sto#es. Also he has #ot eF+lai#e! thisWC He hel! o$t
the s,o%! ,hi)h Tho%i# ha! ,o%#& the s,o%! ,hi)h )a*e f%o* the T%olls3 lai%.
The G%eat Gobli# a"e a t%$l( a,f$l ho,l of %ae ,he# he loo'e! at it& a#! all his
sol!ie%s #ashe! thei% teeth& )lashe! thei% shiel!s& a#! sta*+e!. The( '#e, the
s,o%! at o#)e. It ha! 'ille! h$#!%e!s of obli#s i# its ti*e& ,he# the fai% el"es of
Go#!oli# h$#te! the* i# the hills o% !i! battle befo%e thei% ,alls. The( ha! )alle! it
O%)%ist& Gobli#-)lea"e%& b$t the obli#s )alle! it si*+l( Bite%. The( hate! it a#! hate!
,o%se a#( o#e that )a%%ie! it.
B0$%!e%e%s a#! elf-f%ie#!sWC the G%eat Gobli# sho$te!. B/lash the*W Beat the*W Bite
the*W G#ash the*W Ta'e the* a,a( to !a%' holes f$ll of s#a'es& a#! #e"e% let the*
see the liht aai#WC He ,as i# s$)h a %ae that he P$*+e! off his seat a#! hi*self
%$she! at Tho%i# ,ith his *o$th o+e#.
J$st at that *o*e#t all the lihts i# the )a"e%# ,e#t o$t& a#! the %eat fi%e ,e#t off
+oofW i#to a to,e% of bl$e lo,i# s*o'e& %iht $+ to the %oof& that s)atte%e!
+ie%)i# ,hite s+a%'s all a*o# the obli#s.
The (ells a#! (a**e%i#& )%oa'i#& Pibbe%i# a#! Pabbe%i#S ho,ls& %o,ls a#!
)$%sesS sh%ie'i# a#! s'%i'i#& that follo,e! ,e%e be(o#! !es)%i+tio#. /e"e%al
h$#!%e! ,il! )ats a#! ,ol"es bei# %oaste! slo,l( ali"e toethe% ,o$l! #ot ha"e
)o*+a%e! ,ith it. The s+a%'s ,e%e b$%#i# holes i# the obli#s& a#! the s*o'e that
#o, fell f%o* the %oof *a!e the ai% too thi)' fo% e"e# thei% e(es to see th%o$h.
/oo# the( ,e%e falli# o"e% o#e a#othe% a#! %olli# i# hea+s o# the floo%& biti# a#!
'i)'i# a#! fihti# as if the( ha! all o#e *a!.
/$!!e#l( a s,o%! flashe! i# its o,# liht. Bilbo sa, it o %iht th%o$h the G%eat
Gobli# as he stoo! !$*bfo$#!e! i# the *i!!le of his %ae. He fell !ea!& a#! the
obli# sol!ie%s fle! befo%e the s,o%! sh%ie'i# i#to the !a%'#ess.
The s,o%! ,e#t ba)' i#to its sheath. B1ollo, *e .$i)'WC sai! a "oi)e fie%)e a#!
.$ietS a#! befo%e Bilbo $#!e%stoo! ,hat ha! ha++e#e! he ,as t%otti# alo# aai#&
as fast as he )o$l! t%ot& at the e#! of the li#e& !o,# *o%e !a%' +assaes ,ith the
(ells of the obli#-hall %o,i# fai#te% behi#! hi*. A +ale liht ,as lea!i# the* o#.
B:$i)'e%& .$i)'e%WC sai! the "oi)e. BThe to%)hes ,ill soo# be %elit.C
BHalf a *i#$teWC sai! Do%i& ,ho ,as at the ba)' #eFt to Bilbo& a#! a !e)e#t fello,.
He *a!e the hobbit s)%a*ble o# his sho$l!e%s as best he )o$l! ,ith his tie! ha#!s&
a#! the# off the( all ,e#t at a %$#& ,ith a )li#'-)li#' of )hai#s& a#! *a#( a st$*ble&
si#)e the( ha! #o ha#!s to stea!( the*sel"es ,ith. Not fo% a lo# ,hile !i! the(
sto+& a#! b( that ti*e the( *$st ha"e bee# %iht !o,# i# the "e%( *o$#tai#3s hea%t.
The# Ga#!alf lit $+ his ,a#!. Of )o$%se it ,as Ga#!alfS b$t P$st the# the( ,e%e too
b$s( to as' ho, he ot the%e. He too' o$t his s,o%! aai#& a#! aai# it flashe! i#
the !a%' b( itself. It b$%#e! ,ith a %ae that *a!e it lea* if obli#s ,e%e abo$tS
#o, it ,as b%iht as bl$e fla*e fo% !eliht i# the 'illi# of the %eat lo%! of the )a"e.
It *a!e #o t%o$ble ,hate"e% of )$tti# th%o$h the obli#-)hai#s a#! setti# all the
+%iso#e%s f%ee as .$i)'l( as +ossible. This s,o%!3s #a*e ,as Gla*!%i# the 1oe-
ha**e%& if (o$ %e*e*be%. The obli#s P$st )alle! it Beate%& a#! hate! it ,o%se tha#
Bite% if +ossible. O%)%ist& too& ha! bee# sa"e!S fo%
Ga#!alf ha! b%o$ht it alo# as ,ell& s#at)hi# it f%o* o#e of the te%%ifie! $a%!s.
Ga#!alf tho$ht of *ost thi#sS a#! tho$h he )o$l! #ot !o e"e%(thi#& he )o$l! !o
a %eat !eal fo% f%ie#!s i# a tiht )o%#e%.
BA%e ,e all he%eVC sai! he& ha#!i# his s,o%! ba)' to Tho%i# ,ith a bo,. BLet *e
see2 o#eUthat3s Tho%i#S t,o& th%ee& fo$%& fi"e& siF& se"e#& eiht& #i#e& te#& ele"e#S
,he%e a%e 1ili a#! KiliV He%e the( a%eW t,el"e& thi%tee#Ua#! he%e3s 0%. Bai#s2
fo$%tee#W 4ell& ,ellW it *iht be ,o%se& a#! the# aai# it *iht be a oo! !eal
bette%. No +o#ies& a#! #o foo!& a#! #o '#o,i# .$ite ,he%e ,e a%e& a#! ho%!es of
a#%( obli#s P$st behi#!W O# ,e oWC
O# the( ,e#t. Ga#!alf ,as .$ite %iht2 the( bea# to hea% obli# #oises a#! ho%%ible
)%ies fa% behi#! i# the +assaes the( ha! )o*e th%o$h. That se#t the* o# faste%
tha# e"e%& a#! as +oo% Bilbo )o$l! #ot +ossibl( o half as fastUfo% !,a%"es )a# %oll
alo# at a t%e*e#!o$s +a)e& I )a# tell (o$& ,he# the( ha"e toUthe( too' it i# t$%# to
)a%%( hi* o# thei% ba)'s.
/till obli#s o faste% tha# !,a%"es& a#! these obli#s '#e, the ,a( bette% @the( ha!
*a!e the +aths the*sel"esA& a#! ,e%e *a!l( a#%(S so that !o ,hat the( )o$l! the
!,a%"es hea%! the )%ies a#! ho,ls etti# )lose% a#! )lose%. /oo# the( )o$l! hea%
e"e# the fla+ of the obli# feet& *a#( *a#( feet ,hi)h see*e! o#l( P$st %o$#! the
last )o%#e%. The bli#' of %e! to%)hes )o$l! be see# behi#! the* i# the t$##el the(
,e%e follo,i#S a#! the( ,e%e etti# !ea!l( ti%e!.
B4h(& O ,h( !i! I e"e% lea"e *( hobbit-holeWC sai! +oo% 0%. Bai#s b$*+i# $+
a#! !o,# o# Bo*b$%3s ba)'.
B4h(& O ,h( !i! I e"e% b%i# a ,%et)he! little hobbit o# a t%eas$%e h$#tWC sai! +oo%
Bo*b$%& ,ho ,as fat& a#! stae%e! alo# ,ith the s,eat !%i++i# !o,# his #ose i#
his heat a#! te%%o%.
At this +oi#t Ga#!alf fell behi#!& a#! Tho%i# ,ith hi*. The( t$%#e! a sha%+ )o%#e%.
BAbo$t t$%#WC he sho$te!. BD%a, (o$% s,o%! Tho%i#WC
The%e ,as #othi# else to be !o#eS a#! the obli#s !i! #ot li'e it. The( )a*e
s)$%%(i# %o$#! the )o%#e% i# f$ll )%(& a#! fo$#! Gobli#-)lea"e%& a#! 1oe-ha**e%
shi#i# )ol! a#! b%iht %iht i# thei% asto#ishe! e(es. The o#es i# f%o#t !%o++e! thei%
to%)hes a#! a"e o#e (ell befo%e the( ,e%e 'ille!. The o#es behi#! (elle! still *o%e&
a#! lea+e! ba)' '#o)'i# o"e% those that ,e%e %$##i# afte% the*. BBite% a#!
Beate%WC the( sh%ie'e!S a#! soo# the( ,e%e all i# )o#f$sio#& a#! *ost of the* ,e%e
h$stli# ba)' the ,a( the( ha! )o*e.
It ,as .$ite a lo# ,hile befo%e a#( of the* !a%e! to t$%# that )o%#e%. B( that ti*e
the !,a%"es ha! o#e o# aai#& a lo#& lo#& ,a( o# i#to the !a%' t$##els of the
obli#s3 %eal*. 4he# the obli#s !is)o"e%e! that& the( +$t o$t thei% to%)hes a#!
the( sli++e! o# soft shoes& a#! the( )hose o$t thei% "e%( .$i)'est %$##e%s ,ith the
sha%+est ea%s a#! e(es. These %a# fo%,a%!& as s,ift as ,easels i# the !a%'& a#! ,ith
ha%!l( a#( *o%e #oise tha# bats.
That is ,h( #eithe% Bilbo& #o% the !,a%"es& #o% e"e# Ga#!alf hea%! the* )o*i#.
No% !i! the( see the*. B$t the( ,e%e see# b( the obli#s that %a# sile#tl( $+
behi#!& fo% Ga#!alf ,as letti# his ,a#! i"e o$t a fai#t liht to hel+ the !,a%"es as
the( ,e#t alo#.
:$ite s$!!e#l( Do%i& #o, at the ba)' aai# )a%%(i# Bilbo& ,as %abbe! f%o* behi#!
i# the !a%'. He sho$te! a#! fellS a#! the hobbit %olle! off his sho$l!e%s i#to the
bla)'#ess& b$*+e! his hea! o# ha%! %o)'& a#! %e*e*be%e! #othi# *o%e.
Cha+te% 7
RIDDLE/ IN THE DARK
4he# Bilbo o+e#e! his e(es& he ,o#!e%e! if he ha!S fo% it ,as P$st as !a%' as ,ith the* sh$t.
No o#e ,as a#(,he%e #ea% hi*. J$st i*ai#e his f%ihtW He )o$l! hea% #othi#& see #othi#&
a#! he )o$l! feel #othi# eF)e+t the sto#e of the floo%.
7e%( slo,l( he ot $+ a#! %o+e! abo$t o# all fo$%s& till he to$)he! the ,all of the
t$##elS b$t #eithe% $+ #o% !o,# it )o$l! he fi#! a#(thi#2 #othi# at all& #o si# of
obli#s& #o si# of !,a%"es. His hea! ,as s,i**i#& a#! he ,as fa% f%o* )e%tai#
e"e# of the !i%e)tio# the( ha! bee# oi# i# ,he# he ha! his fall. He $esse! as ,ell
as he )o$l!& a#! )%a,le! alo# fo% a oo! ,a(& till s$!!e#l( his ha#! *et ,hat felt
li'e a ti#( %i# of )ol! *etal l(i# o# the floo% of the t$##el. It ,as a t$%#i# +oi#t i#
his )a%ee%& b$t he !i! #ot '#o, it. He +$t the %i# i# his +o)'et al*ost ,itho$t
thi#'i#S )e%tai#l( it !i! #ot see* of a#( +a%ti)$la% $se at the *o*e#t. He !i! #ot
o *$)h f$%the%& b$t sat !o,# o# the )ol! floo% a#! a"e hi*self $+ to )o*+lete
*ise%able#ess& fo% a lo# ,hile. He tho$ht of hi*self f%(i# ba)o# a#! es i# his
o,# 'it)he# at ho*eUfo% he )o$l! feel i#si!e that it ,as hih ti*e fo% so*e *eal
o% othe%S b$t that o#l( *a!e hi* *ise%able%.
He )o$l! #ot thi#' ,hat to !oS #o% )o$l! he thi#' ,hat ha! ha++e#e!S o% ,h( he
ha! bee# left behi#!S o% ,h(& if he ha! bee# left behi#!& the obli#s ha! #ot )a$ht
hi*S o% e"e# ,h( his hea! ,as so so%e. The t%$th ,as he ha! bee# l(i# .$iet& o$t of
siht a#! o$t of *i#!& i# a "e%( !a%' )o%#e% fo% a lo# ,hile.
Afte% so*e ti*e he felt fo% his +i+e. It ,as #ot b%o'e#& a#! that ,as so*ethi#. The#
he felt fo% his +o$)h& a#! the%e ,as so*e toba))o i# it& a#! that ,as so*ethi#
*o%e. The# he felt fo% *at)hes a#! he )o$l! #ot fi#! a#( at all& a#! that shatte%e!
his ho+es )o*+letel(. J$st as ,ell fo% hi*& as he a%ee! ,he# he )a*e to his se#ses.
Goo!#ess '#o,s ,hat the st%i'i# of *at)hes a#! the s*ell of toba))o ,o$l! ha"e
b%o$ht o# hi* o$t of !a%' holes i# that ho%%ible +la)e. /till at the *o*e#t he felt
"e%( )%$she!. B$t i# sla++i# all his +o)'ets a#! feeli# all %o$#! hi*self fo%
*at)hes his ha#! )a*e o# the hilt of his little s,o%!Uthe little !ae% that he ot
f%o* the t%olls& a#! that he ha! .$ite fo%otte#S #o% fo%t$#atel( ha! the obli#s
#oti)e! it& as he ,o%e it i#si!e his b%ee)hes.
No, he !%e, it o$t. It sho#e +ale a#! !i* befo%e his e(es. B/o it is a# el"ish bla!e&
too&C he tho$htS Ba#! obli#s a%e #ot "e%( #ea%& a#! (et #ot fa% e#o$h.C
B$t so*eho, he ,as )o*fo%te!. It ,as %athe% s+le#!i! to be ,ea%i# a bla!e *a!e
i# Go#!oli# fo% the obli#-,a%s of ,hi)h so *a#( so#s ha! s$#S a#! also he ha!
#oti)e! that s$)h ,ea+o#s *a!e a %eat i*+%essio# o# obli#s that )a*e $+o#
the* s$!!e#l(.
BGo ba)'VC he tho$ht. BNo oo! at allW Go si!e,a(sV I*+ossibleW Go fo%,a%!V O#l(
thi# to !oW O# ,e oWC /o $+ he ot& a#! t%otte! alo# ,ith his little s,o%! hel! i#
f%o#t of hi* a#! o#e ha#! feeli# the ,all& a#! his hea%t all of a +atte% a#! a +itte%.
No, )e%tai#l( Bilbo ,as i# ,hat is )alle! a tiht +la)e. B$t (o$ *$st %e*e*be% it ,as #ot .$ite
so tiht fo% hi* as it ,o$l! ha"e bee# fo% *e o% fo% (o$. Hobbits a%e #ot .$ite li'e o%!i#a%(
+eo+leS a#! afte% all if thei% holes a%e #i)e )hee%( +la)es a#! +%o+e%l( ai%e!& .$ite !iffe%e#t
f%o* the t$##els of the obli#s& still the( a%e *o%e $se! to t$##elli# tha# ,e a%e& a#! the( !o
#ot easil( lose thei% se#se of !i%e)tio# $#!e%%o$#!U#ot ,he# thei% hea!s ha"e %e)o"e%e!
f%o* bei# b$*+e!. Also the( )a# *o"e "e%( .$ietl(& a#! hi!e easil(& a#! %e)o"e% ,o#!e%f$ll(
f%o* falls a#! b%$ises& a#! the( ha"e a f$#! of ,is!o* a#! ,ise sa(i#s that *e# ha"e *ostl(
#e"e% hea%! o% ha"e fo%otte# lo# ao.
I sho$l! #ot ha"e li'e! to ha"e bee# i# 0%. Bai#s3 +la)e& all the sa*e. The t$##el
see*e! to ha"e #o e#!. All he '#e, ,as that it ,as still oi# !o,# +%ett( stea!il(
a#! 'ee+i# i# the sa*e !i%e)tio# i# s+ite of a t,ist a#! a t$%# o% t,o. The%e ,e%e
+assaes lea!i# off to the si!e e"e%( #o, a#! the#& as he '#e, b( the li**e% of
his s,o%!& o% )o$l! feel ,ith his ha#! o# the ,all. Of these he too' #o #oti)e& eF)e+t
to h$%%( +ast fo% fea% of obli#s o% half-i*ai#e! !a%' thi#s )o*i# o$t of the*. O#
a#! o# he ,e#t& a#! !o,# a#! !o,#S a#! still he hea%! #o so$#! of a#(thi# eF)e+t
the o))asio#al ,hi%% of a bat b( his ea%s& ,hi)h sta%tle! hi* at fi%st& till it be)a*e too
f%e.$e#t to bothe% abo$t. I !o #ot '#o, ho, lo# he 'e+t o# li'e this& hati# to o
o#& #ot !a%i# to sto+& o#& o#& $#til he ,as ti%e!e% tha# ti%e!. It see*e! li'e all the
,a( to to*o%%o, a#! o"e% it to the !a(s be(o#!.
/$!!e#l( ,itho$t a#( ,a%#i# he t%otte! s+lash i#to ,ate%W 8hW it ,as i)( )ol!. That
+$lle! hi* $+ sha%+ a#! sho%t. He !i! #ot '#o, ,hethe% it ,as P$st a +ool i# the
+ath& o% the e!e of a# $#!e%%o$#! st%ea* that )%osse! the +assae& o% the b%i#'
of a !ee+ !a%' s$bte%%a#ea# la'e. The s,o%! ,as ha%!l( shi#i# at all. He sto++e!&
a#! he )o$l! hea%& ,he# he liste#e! ha%!& !%o+s !%i+-!%i+-!%i++i# f%o* a# $#see#
%oof i#to the ,ate% belo,S b$t the%e see*e! #o othe% so%t of so$#!.
B/o it is a +ool o% a la'e& a#! #ot a# $#!e%%o$#! %i"e%&C he tho$ht. /till he !i! #ot
!a%e to ,a!e o$t i#to the !a%'#ess. He )o$l! #ot s,i*S a#! he tho$ht& too& of
#ast( sli*( thi#s& ,ith bi b$li# bli#! e(es& ,%ili# i# the ,ate%. The%e a%e
st%a#e thi#s li"i# i# the +ools a#! la'es i# the hea%ts of *o$#tai#s2 fish ,hose
fathe%s s,a* i#& oo!#ess o#l( '#o,s ho, *a#( (ea%s ao& a#! #e"e% s,a* o$t
aai#& ,hile thei% e(es %e, bie% a#! bie% a#! bie% f%o* t%(i# to see i# the
bla)'#essS also the%e a%e othe% thi#s *o%e sli*( tha# fish. E"e# i# the t$##els a#!
)a"es the obli#s ha"e *a!e fo% the*sel"es the%e a%e othe% thi#s li"i#
$#be'#o,# to the* that ha"e s#ea'e! i# f%o* o$tsi!e to lie $+ i# the !a%'. /o*e of
these )a"es& too& o ba)' i# thei% bei##i#s to aes befo%e the obli#s& ,ho o#l(
,i!e#e! the* a#! Poi#e! the* $+ ,ith +assaes& a#! the o%ii#al o,#e%s a%e still
the%e i# o!! )o%#e%s& sli#'i# a#! #osi# abo$t.
Dee+ !o,# he%e b( the !a%' ,ate% li"e! ol! Goll$*& a s*all sli*( )%eat$%e. I !o#3t
'#o, ,he%e he )a*e f%o*& #o% ,ho o% ,hat he ,as. He ,as Goll$*Uas !a%' as
!a%'#ess& eF)e+t fo% t,o bi %o$#! +ale e(es i# his thi# fa)e. He ha! a little boat&
a#! he %o,e! abo$t .$ite .$ietl( o# the la'eS fo% la'e it ,as& ,i!e a#! !ee+ a#!
!ea!l( )ol!. He +a!!le! it ,ith la%e feet !a#li# o"e% the si!e& b$t #e"e% a %i++le
!i! he *a'e. Not he. He ,as loo'i# o$t of his +ale la*+-li'e e(es fo% bli#! fish&
,hi)h he %abbe! ,ith his lo# fi#e%s as .$i)' as thi#'i#. He li'e! *eat too. Gobli#
he tho$ht oo!& ,he# he )o$l! et itS b$t he too' )a%e the( #e"e% fo$#! hi* o$t.
He P$st th%ottle! the* f%o* behi#!& if the( e"e% )a*e !o,# alo#e a#(,he%e #ea%
the e!e of the ,ate%& ,hile he ,as +%o,li# abo$t. The( "e%( sel!o* !i!& fo% the(
ha! a feeli# that so*ethi# $#+leasa#t ,as l$%'i# !o,# the%e& !o,# at the "e%(
%oots of the *o$#tai#. The( ha! )o*e o# the la'e& ,he# the( ,e%e t$##elli# !o,#
lo# ao& a#! the( fo$#! the( )o$l! o #o f$%the%S so the%e thei% %oa! e#!e! i# that
!i%e)tio#& a#! the%e ,as #o %easo# to o that ,a(U$#less the G%eat Gobli# se#t
the*. /o*eti*es he too' a fa#)( fo% fish f%o* the la'e& a#! so*eti*es #eithe%
obli# #o% fish )a*e ba)'.
A)t$all( Goll$* li"e! o# a sli*( isla#! of %o)' i# the *i!!le of the la'e. He ,as
,at)hi# Bilbo #o, f%o* the !ista#)e ,ith his +ale e(es li'e teles)o+es. Bilbo )o$l!
#ot see hi*& b$t he ,as ,o#!e%i# a lot abo$t Bilbo& fo% he )o$l! see that he ,as
#o obli# at all.
Goll$* ot i#to his boat a#! shot off f%o* the isla#!& ,hile Bilbo ,as sitti# o# the
b%i#' altoethe% fl$**oFe! a#! at the e#! of his ,a( a#! his ,its. /$!!e#l( $+
)a*e Goll$* a#! ,his+e%e! a#! hisse!2
BBless $s a#! s+lash $s& *( +%e)io$ssssW I $ess it3s a )hoi)e feastS at least a tast(
*o%sel it3! *a'e $s& oll$*WC A#! ,he# he sai! oll$* he *a!e a ho%%ible
s,allo,i# #oise i# his th%oat. That is ho, he ot his #a*e& tho$h he al,a(s )alle!
hi*self 6*( +%e)io$s3.
The hobbit P$*+e! #ea%l( o$t of his s'i# ,he# the hiss )a*e i# his ea%s& a#! he
s$!!e#l( sa, the +ale e(es sti)'i# o$t at hi*.
B4ho a%e (o$VC he sai!& th%$sti# his !ae% i# f%o#t of hi*.
B4hat iss he& *( +%e)io$ssVC ,his+e%e! Goll$* @,ho al,a(s s+o'e to hi*self
th%o$h #e"e% ha"i# a#(o#e else to s+ea' toA. This is ,hat he ha! )o*e to fi#! o$t&
fo% he ,as #ot %eall( "e%( h$#%( at the *o*e#t& o#l( )$%io$sS othe%,ise he ,o$l!
ha"e %abbe! fi%st a#! ,his+e%e! afte%,a%!s.
BI a* 0%. Bilbo Bai#s. I ha"e lost the !,a%"es a#! I ha"e lost the ,iHa%!& a#! I
!o#3t '#o, ,he%e I a*S a#! I !o#3t ,a#t to '#o,& if o#l( I )a# et a,a(.C
B4hat3s he ot i# his ha#!sesVC sai! Goll$*& loo'i# at the s,o%!& ,hi)h he !i! #ot
.$ite li'e.
BA s,o%!& a bla!e ,hi)h )a*e o$t of Go#!oli#WC B/ssssC sai! Goll$*& a#! be)a*e
.$ite +olite. B5%a+s (e sits he%e a#! )hats ,ith it a bits(& *( +%e)io$sss. It li'es
%i!!les& +%a+s it !oes& !oes itVC He ,as a#Fio$s to a++ea% f%ie#!l(& at a#( %ate fo% the
*o*e#t& a#! $#til he fo$#! o$t *o%e abo$t the s,o%! a#! the hobbit& ,hethe% he
,as .$ite alo#e %eall(& ,hethe% he ,as oo! to eat& a#! ,hethe% Goll$* ,as %eall(
h$#%(. Ri!!les ,e%e all he )o$l! thi#' of. As'i# the*& a#! so*eti*es $essi#
the*& ha! bee# the o#l( a*e he ha! e"e% +la(e! ,ith othe% f$##( )%eat$%es sitti#
i# thei% holes i# the lo#& lo# ao& befo%e he lost all his f%ie#!s a#! ,as !%i"e#
a,a(& alo#e& a#! )%e+t !o,#& !o,#& i#to the !a%' $#!e% the *o$#tai#s.
B7e%( ,ell&C sai! Bilbo& ,ho ,as a#Fio$s to a%ee& $#til he fo$#! o$t *o%e abo$t the
)%eat$%e& ,hethe% he ,as .$ite alo#e& ,hethe% he ,as fie%)e o% h$#%(& a#!
,hethe% he ,as a f%ie#! of the obli#s.
BYo$ as' fi%st&C he sai!& be)a$se he ha! #ot ha! ti*e to thi#' of a %i!!le.
/o Goll$* hisse!2
4hat has %oots as #obo!( sees&
Is talle% tha# t%ees&
8+& $+ it oes&
A#! (et #e"e% %o,sV
BEas(WC sai! Bilbo. B0o$#tai#& I s$++ose.C
BDoes it $ess eas(V It *$st ha"e a )o*+etitio# ,ith $s& *( +%e)io$ssW If +%e)io$s
as's& a#! it !oes#3t a#s,e%& ,e eats it& *( +%e)io$sss. If it as's $s& a#! ,e !oes#3t
a#s,e%& the# ,e !oes ,hat it ,a#ts& ehV 4e sho,s it the ,a( o$t& (esWC
BAll %ihtWC sai! Bilbo& #ot !a%i# to !isa%ee& a#! #ea%l( b$%sti# his b%ai# to thi#' of
%i!!les that )o$l! sa"e hi* f%o* bei# eate#.
Thi%t( ,hite ho%ses o# a %e! hill&
1i%st the( )ha*+&
The# the( sta*+&
The# the( sta#! still.
That ,as all he )o$l! thi#' of to as'Uthe i!ea of eati# ,as %athe% o# his *i#!. It
,as %athe% a# ol! o#e& too& a#! Goll$* '#e, the a#s,e% as ,ell as (o$ !o.
BChest#$ts& )hest#$ts&C he hisse!. BTeethW teethW *( +%e)io$sssS b$t ,e has o#l(
siFWC The# he as'e! his se)o#!2
7oi)eless it )%ies&
4i#less fl$tte%s&
Toothless bites&
0o$thless *$tte%s.
BHalf a *o*e#tWC )%ie! Bilbo& ,ho ,as still thi#'i# $#)o*fo%tabl( abo$t eati#.
1o%t$#atel( he ha! o#)e hea%! so*ethi# %athe% li'e this befo%e& a#! etti# his
,its ba)' he tho$ht of the a#s,e%. B4i#!& ,i#! of )o$%se&C he sai!& a#! he ,as so
+lease! that he *a!e $+ o#e o# the s+ot. BThis3ll +$HHle the #ast( little $#!e%%o$#!
)%eat$%e&C he tho$ht2
A# e(e i# a bl$e fa)e
/a, a# e(e i# a %ee# fa)e.
BThat e(e is li'e to this e(eC
/ai! the fi%st e(e&
BB$t i# lo, +la)e
Not i# hih +la)e.C
B/s& ss& ss&C sai! Goll$*. He ha! bee# $#!e%%o$#! a lo# lo# ti*e& a#! ,as
fo%etti# this so%t of thi#. B$t P$st as Bilbo ,as bei##i# to ho+e that the ,%et)h
,o$l! #ot be able to a#s,e%& Goll$* b%o$ht $+ *e*o%ies of aes a#! aes a#!
aes befo%e& ,he# he li"e! ,ith his %a#!*othe% i# a hole i# a ba#' b( a %i"e%& B/ss&
sss& *( +%e)io$ss&C he sai!. B/$# o# the !aisies it *ea#s& it !oes.C
B$t these o%!i#a%( abo"e %o$#! e"e%(!a( so%t of %i!!les ,e%e ti%i# fo% hi*. Also
the( %e*i#!e! hi* of !a(s ,he# he ha! bee# less lo#el( a#! s#ea'( a#! #ast(& a#!
that +$t hi* o$t of te*+e%. 4hat is *o%e the( *a!e hi* h$#%(S so this ti*e he
t%ie! so*ethi# a bit *o%e !iffi)$lt a#! *o%e $#+leasa#t2
It )a##ot be see#& )a##ot be felt&
Ca##ot be hea%!& )a##ot be s*elt.
It lies behi#! sta%s a#! $#!e% hills&
A#! e*+t( holes it fills.
It )o*es fi%st a#! follo,s afte%&
E#!s life& 'ills la$hte%.
8#fo%t$#atel( fo% Goll$* Bilbo ha! hea%! that so%t of thi# befo%eS a#! the a#s,e%
,as all %o$#! hi* a#( ,a(. BDa%'WC he sai! ,itho$t e"e# s)%at)hi# his hea! o%
+$tti# o# his thi#'i# )a+.
A boF ,itho$t hi#es& 'e(& o% li!&
Yet ol!e# t%eas$%e i#si!e is hi!&
he as'e! to ai# ti*e& $#til he )o$l! thi#' of a %eall( ha%! o#e. This he tho$ht a !%ea!f$ll(
eas( )hest#$t& tho$h he ha! #ot as'e! it i# the $s$al ,o%!s. B$t it +%o"e! a #ast( +ose% fo%
Goll$*. He hisse! to hi*self& a#! still he !i! #ot a#s,e%S he ,his+e%e! a#! s+l$tte%e!.
Afte% so*e ,hile Bilbo be)a*e i*+atie#t. B4ell& ,hat is itVC he sai!. BThe a#s,e%3s
#ot a 'ettle boili# o"e%& as (o$ see* to thi#' f%o* the #oise (o$ a%e *a'i#.C
BGi"e $s a )ha#)eS let it i"e $s a )ha#)e& *( +%e)io$ssUssUss.C
B4ell&C sai! Bilbo afte% i"i# hi* a lo# )ha#)e& B,hat abo$t (o$% $essVC
B$t s$!!e#l( Goll$* %e*e*be%e! thie"i# f%o* #ests lo# ao& a#! sitti# $#!e%
the %i"e% ba#' tea)hi# his %a#!*othe%& tea)hi# his %a#!*othe% to
s$)'UBEsesWC he hisse!. BEses it isWC The# he as'e!2
Ali"e ,itho$t b%eath&
As )ol! as !eathS
Ne"e% thi%st(& e"e% !%i#'i#&
All i# *ail #e"e% )li#'i#.
He also i# his t$%# tho$ht this ,as a !%ea!f$ll( eas( o#e& be)a$se he ,as al,a(s
thi#'i# of the a#s,e%. B$t he )o$l! #ot %e*e*be% a#(thi# bette% at the *o*e#t&
he ,as so fl$ste%e! b( the e-.$estio#. All the sa*e it ,as a +ose% fo% +oo% Bilbo&
,ho #e"e% ha! a#(thi# to !o ,ith the ,ate% if he )o$l! hel+ it. I i*ai#e (o$ '#o,
the a#s,e%& of )o$%se& o% )a# $ess it as eas( as ,i#'i#& si#)e (o$ a%e sitti#
)o*fo%tabl( at ho*e a#! ha"e #ot the !a#e% of bei# eate# to !ist$%b (o$%
thi#'i#. Bilbo sat a#! )lea%e! his th%oat o#)e o% t,i)e& b$t #o a#s,e% )a*e.
Afte% a ,hile Goll$* bea# to hiss ,ith +leas$%e to hi*self2 BIs it #i)e& *(
+%e)io$sssV Is it P$i)(V Is it s)%$*+tio$sl( )%$#)hableVC He bea# to +ee% at Bilbo o$t
of the !a%'#ess.
BHalf a *o*e#t&C sai! the hobbit shi"e%i#. BI a"e (o$ a oo! lo# )ha#)e P$st
#o,.C
BIt *$st *a'e haste& hasteWC sai! Goll$*& bei##i# to )li*b o$t of his boat o# to
the sho%e to et at Bilbo. B$t ,he# he +$t his lo# ,ebb( foot i# the ,ate%& a fish
P$*+e! o$t i# a f%iht a#! fell o# Bilbo3s toes.
B8hWC he sai!& Bit is )ol! a#! )la**(WCUa#! so he $esse!. B1ishW fishWC he )%ie!. BIt
is fishWC
Goll$* ,as !%ea!f$ll( !isa++oi#te!S b$t Bilbo as'e! a#othe% %i!!le as .$i)' as e"e%
he )o$l!& so that Goll$* ha! to et ba)' i#to his boat a#! thi#'.
No-les la( o# o#e-le& t,o-les sat #ea% o# th%ee-les& fo$%-les ot so*e.
It ,as #ot %eall( the %iht ti*e fo% this %i!!le& b$t Bilbo ,as i# a h$%%(. Goll$* *iht
ha"e ha! so*e t%o$ble $essi# it& if he ha! as'e! it at a#othe% ti*e. As it ,as&
tal'i# of fish& B#o-lesC ,as #ot so "e%( !iffi)$lt& a#! afte% that the %est ,as eas(.
B1ish o# a little table& *a# at table sitti# o# a stool& the )at has the bo#esC that of
)o$%se is the a#s,e%& a#! Goll$* soo# a"e it. The# he tho$ht the ti*e ha! )o*e
to as' so*ethi# ha%! a#! ho%%ible. This is ,hat he sai!2
This thi# all thi#s !e"o$%s2
Bi%!s& beasts& t%ees& flo,e%sS
G#a,s i%o#& bites steelS
G%i#!s ha%! sto#es to *ealS
/la(s 'i#& %$i#s to,#&
A#! beats hih *o$#tai# !o,#.
5oo% Bilbo sat i# the !a%' thi#'i# of all the ho%%ible #a*es of all the ia#ts a#! o%es
he ha! e"e% hea%! tol! of i# tales& b$t #ot o#e of the* ha! !o#e all these thi#s. He
ha! a feeli# that the a#s,e% ,as .$ite !iffe%e#t a#! that he o$ht to '#o, it& b$t
he )o$l! #ot thi#' of it. He bea# to et f%ihte#e!& a#! that is ba! fo% thi#'i#.
Goll$* bea# to et o$t of his boat. He fla++e! i#to the ,ate% a#! +a!!le! to the
ba#'S Bilbo )o$l! see his e(es )o*i# to,a%!s hi*. His to#$e see*e! to sti)' i# his
*o$thS he ,a#te! to sho$t o$t2 BGi"e *e *o%e ti*eW Gi"e *e ti*eWC B$t all that
)a*e o$t ,ith a s$!!e# s.$eal ,as2
BTi*eW Ti*eWC
Bilbo ,as sa"e! b( +$%e l$)'. 1o% that of )o$%se ,as the a#s,e%.
Goll$* ,as !isa++oi#te! o#)e *o%eS a#! #o, he ,as etti# a#%(& a#! also ti%e! of
the a*e. It ha! *a!e hi* "e%( h$#%( i#!ee!. This ti*e he !i! #ot o ba)' to the
boat. He sat !o,# i# the !a%' b( Bilbo. That *a!e the hobbit *ost !%ea!f$ll(
$#)o*fo%table a#! s)atte%e! his ,its.
BIt3s ot to as' $ss a .$esstio#& *( +%e)io$ss& (es& (ess& (esss. J$sst o#e *o%e
.$estio# to $ess& (es& (ess&C sai! Goll$*.
B$t Bilbo si*+l( )o$l! #ot thi#' of a#( .$estio# ,ith that #ast( ,et )ol! thi# sitti#
#eFt to hi*& a#! +a,i# a#! +o'i# hi*. He s)%at)he! hi*self& he +i#)he! hi*selfS
still he )o$l! #ot thi#' of a#(thi#.
BAs' $sW as' $sWC sai! Goll$*.
Bilbo +i#)he! hi*self a#! sla++e! hi*selfS he %i++e! o# his little s,o%!S he e"e#
felt i# his +o)'et ,ith his othe% ha#!. The%e he fo$#! the %i# he ha! +i)'e! $+ i#
the +assae a#! fo%otte# abo$t.
B4hat ha"e I ot i# *( +o)'etVC he sai! alo$!. He ,as tal'i# to hi*self& b$t Goll$*
tho$ht it ,as a %i!!le& a#! he ,as f%ihtf$ll( $+set.
BNot fai%W #ot fai%WC he hisse!. BIt is#3t fai%& *( +%e)io$s& is it& to as' $s ,hat it3s ot i#
its #asst( little +o)'etsesVC
Bilbo seei# ,hat ha! ha++e#e! a#! ha"i# #othi# bette% to as' st$)' to his
.$estio#& B4hat ha"e I ot i# *( +o)'etVC he sai! lo$!e%.
B/-s-s-s-s&C hisse! Goll$*. BIt *$st i"e $s th%ee $esseses& *( +%e)io$ss& th%ee
$esseses.C
B7e%( ,ellW G$ess a,a(WC sai! Bilbo.
BHa#!sesWC sai! Goll$*.
B4%o#&C sai! Bilbo& ,ho ha! l$)'il( P$st ta'e# his ha#! o$t aai#. BG$ess aai#WC
B/-s-s-s-s&C sai! Goll$* *o%e $+set tha# e"e%. He tho$ht of all the thi#s he 'e+t i#
his o,# +o)'ets2 fish-bo#es& obli#s3 teeth& ,et shells& a bit of bat-,i#& a sha%+
sto#e to sha%+e# his fa#s o#& a#! othe% #ast( thi#s. He t%ie! to thi#' ,hat othe%
+eo+le 'e+t i# thei% +o)'ets.
BK#ifeWC he sai! at last.
B4%o#WC sai! Bilbo& ,ho ha! lost his so*e ti*e ao. BLast $essWC
No, Goll$* ,as i# a *$)h ,o%se state tha# ,he# Bilbo ha! as'e! hi* the
e-.$estio#. He hisse! a#! s+l$tte%e! a#! %o)'e! hi*self ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s&
a#! sla++e! his feet o# the floo%& a#! ,%ile! a#! s.$i%*e!S b$t still he !i! #ot
!a%e to ,aste his last $ess.
BCo*e o#WC sai! Bilbo. BI a* ,aiti#WC He t%ie! to so$#! bol! a#! )hee%f$l& b$t he
!i! #ot feel at all s$%e ho, the a*e ,as oi# to e#!& ,hethe% Goll$* $esse!
%iht o% #ot.
BTi*e3s $+WC he sai!.
B/t%i#& o% #othi#WC sh%ie'e! Goll$*& ,hi)h ,as #ot .$ite fai%U,o%'i# i# t,o
$esses at o#)e.
BBoth ,%o#&C )%ie! Bilbo "e%( *$)h %elie"e!S a#! he P$*+e! at o#)e to his feet& +$t
his ba)' to the #ea%est ,all& a#! hel! o$t his little s,o%!. He '#e,& of )o$%se& that
the %i!!le-a*e ,as sa)%e! a#! of i**e#se a#ti.$it(& a#! e"e# ,i)'e! )%eat$%es
,e%e af%ai! to )heat ,he# the( +la(e! at it. B$t he felt he )o$l! #ot t%$st this sli*(
thi# to 'ee+ a#( +%o*ise at a +i#)h. A#( eF)$se ,o$l! !o fo% hi* to sli!e o$t of it.
A#! afte% all that last .$estio# ha! #ot bee# a e#$i#e %i!!le a))o%!i# to the
a#)ie#t la,s.
B$t at a#( %ate Goll$* !i! #ot at o#)e atta)' hi*. He )o$l! see the s,o%! i# Bilbo3s
ha#!. He sat still& shi"e%i# a#! ,his+e%i#. At last Bilbo )o$l! ,ait #o lo#e%.
B4ellVC he sai!. B4hat abo$t (o$% +%o*iseV I ,a#t to o. Yo$ *$st sho, *e the
,a(.C
BDi! ,e sa( so& +%e)io$sV /ho, the #asst( little Bai#s the ,a( o$t& (es& (es. B$t
,hat has it ot i# its +o)'etses& ehV Not st%i#& +%e)io$s& b$t #ot #othi#. Oh #oW
oll$*WC
BNe"e% (o$ *i#!&C sai! Bilbo. BA +%o*ise is a +%o*ise.C
BC%oss it is& i*+atie#t& +%e)io$s&C hisse! Goll$*. BB$t it *$st ,ait& (es it *$st. 4e
)a#3t o $+ the t$##els so hast(. 4e *$st o a#! et so*e thi#s fi%st& (es& thi#s to
hel+ $s.C
B4ell& h$%%( $+WC sai! Bilbo& %elie"e! to thi#' of Goll$* oi# a,a(. He tho$ht he
,as P$st *a'i# a# eF)$se a#! !i! #ot *ea# to )o*e ba)'. 4hat ,as Goll$* tal'i#
abo$tV 4hat $sef$l thi# )o$l! he 'ee+ o$t o# the !a%' la'eV B$t he ,as ,%o#.
Goll$* !i! *ea# to )o*e ba)'. He ,as a#%( #o, a#! h$#%(. A#! he ,as a
*ise%able ,i)'e! )%eat$%e& a#! al%ea!( he ha! a +la#.
Not fa% a,a( ,as his isla#!& of ,hi)h Bilbo '#e, #othi#& a#! the%e i# his hi!i#-
+la)e he 'e+t a fe, ,%et)he! o!!*e#ts& a#! o#e "e%( bea$tif$l thi#& "e%(
bea$tif$l& "e%( ,o#!e%f$l. He ha! a %i#& a ol!e# %i#& a +%e)io$s %i#.
B0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#tWC he ,his+e%e! to hi*self& as he ha! ofte# !o#e i# the e#!less
!a%' !a(s. BThat3s ,hat ,e ,a#ts #o,& (esS ,e ,a#ts itWC
He ,a#te! it be)a$se it ,as a %i# of +o,e%& a#! if (o$ sli++e! that %i# o# (o$%
fi#e%& (o$ ,e%e i#"isibleS o#l( i# the f$ll s$#liht )o$l! (o$ be see#& a#! the# o#l(
b( (o$% sha!o,& a#! that ,o$l! be sha'( a#! fai#t.
B0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#tW It )a*e to *e o# *( bi%th!a(& *( +%e)io$s.C /o he ha!
al,a(s sai! to hi*self. B$t ,ho '#o,s ho, Goll$* )a*e b( that +%ese#t& aes ao
i# the ol! !a(s ,he# s$)h %i#s ,e%e still at la%e i# the ,o%l!V 5e%ha+s e"e# the
0aste% ,ho %$le! the* )o$l! #ot ha"e sai!. Goll$* $se! to ,ea% it at fi%st& till it
ti%e! hi*S a#! the# he 'e+t it i# a +o$)h #eFt his s'i#& till it alle! hi*S a#! #o,
$s$all( he hi! it i# a hole i# the %o)' o# his isla#!& a#! ,as al,a(s oi# ba)' to loo'
at it. A#! still so*eti*es he +$t it o#& ,he# he )o$l! #ot bea% to be +a%te! f%o* it
a#( lo#e%& o% ,he# he ,as "e%(& "e%(& h$#%(& a#! ti%e! of fish. The# he ,o$l!
)%ee+ alo# !a%' +assaes loo'i# fo% st%a( obli#s. He *iht e"e# "e#t$%e i#to
+la)es ,he%e the to%)hes ,e%e lit a#! *a!e his e(es bli#' a#! s*a%tS fo% he ,o$l!
be safe. Oh (es& .$ite safe. No o#e ,o$l! see hi*& #o o#e ,o$l! #oti)e hi*& till he
ha! his fi#e%s o# thei% th%oat. O#l( a fe, ho$%s ao he ha! ,o%# it& a#! )a$ht a
s*all obli#-i*+. Ho, it s.$ea'e!W He still ha! a bo#e o% t,o left to #a,& b$t he
,a#te! so*ethi# softe%.
B:$ite safe& (es&C he ,his+e%e! to hi*self. BIt ,o#3t see $s& ,ill it& *( +%e)io$sV No.
It ,o#3t see $s& a#! its #asst( little s,o%! ,ill be $seless& (es .$ite.C
That is ,hat ,as i# his ,i)'e! little *i#!& as he sli++e! s$!!e#l( f%o* Bilbo3s si!e&
a#! fla++e! ba)' to his boat& a#! ,e#t off i#to the !a%'. Bilbo tho$ht he ha! hea%!
the last of hi*. /till he ,aite! a ,hileS fo% he ha! #o i!ea ho, to fi#! his ,a( o$t
alo#e.
/$!!e#l( he hea%! a s)%ee)h. It se#t a shi"e% !o,# his ba)'. Goll$* ,as )$%si# a#!
,aili# a,a( i# the loo*& #ot "e%( fa% off b( the so$#! of it. He ,as o# his isla#!&
s)%abbli# he%e a#! the%e& sea%)hi# a#! see'i# i# "ai#.
B4he%e iss itV 4he%e iss itVC Bilbo hea%! hi* )%(i#. BLosst it is& *( +%e)io$s& lost&
lostW C$%se $s a#! )%$sh $s& *( +%e)io$s is lostWC
B4hat3s the *atte%VC Bilbo )alle!. B4hat ha"e (o$ lostVC
BIt *$st#3t as' $s&C sh%ie'e! Goll$*. BNot its b$si#ess& #o& oll$*W It3s losst& oll$*&
oll$*& oll$*.C
B4ell& so a* I&C )%ie! Bilbo& Ba#! I ,a#t to et $#lost. A#! I ,o# the a*e& a#! (o$
+%o*ise!. /o )o*e alo#W Co*e a#! let *e o$t& a#! the# o o# ,ith (o$% loo'i#WC
8tte%l( *ise%able as Goll$* so$#!e!& Bilbo )o$l! #ot fi#! *$)h +it( i# his hea%t&
a#! he ha! a feeli# that a#(thi# Goll$* ,a#te! so *$)h )o$l! ha%!l( be
so*ethi# oo!. BCo*e alo#WC he sho$te!.
BNo& #ot (et& +%e)io$sWC Goll$* a#s,e%e!. B4e *$st sea%)h fo% it& it3s lost& oll$*.C
BB$t (o$ #e"e% $esse! *( last .$estio#& a#! (o$ +%o*ise!&C sai! Bilbo.
BNe"e% $esse!WC sai! Goll$*. The# s$!!e#l( o$t of the loo* )a*e a sha%+ hiss.
B4hat has it ot i# its +o)'etsesV Tell $s that. It *$st tell fi%st.C
As fa% as Bilbo '#e,& the%e ,as #o +a%ti)$la% %easo# ,h( he sho$l! #ot tell. Goll$*3s
*i#! ha! P$*+e! to a $ess .$i)'e% tha# hisS #at$%all(& fo% Goll$* ha! b%oo!e! fo%
aes o# this o#e thi#& a#! he ,as al,a(s af%ai! of its bei# stole#. B$t Bilbo ,as
a##o(e! at the !ela(. Afte% all& he ha! ,o# the a*e& +%ett( fai%l(& at a ho%%ible %is'.
BA#s,e%s ,e%e to be $esse! #ot i"e#&C he sai!.
BB$t it ,as#3t a fai% .$estio#&C sai! Goll$*. BNot a %i!!le& +%e)io$s& #o.C
BOh ,ell& if it3s a *atte% of o%!i#a%( .$estio#s&C Bilbo %e+lie!& Bthe# I as'e! o#e fi%st.
4hat ha"e (o$ lostV Tell *e thatWC
B4hat has it ot i# its +o)'etsesVC The so$#! )a*e hissi# lo$!e% a#! sha%+e%& a#!
as he loo'e! to,a%!s it& to his ala%* Bilbo #o, sa, t,o s*all +oi#ts of liht +ee%i#
at hi*. As s$s+i)io# %e, i# Goll$*3s *i#!& the liht of his e(es b$%#e! ,ith a +ale
fla*e.
B4hat ha"e (o$ lostVC Bilbo +e%siste!.
B$t #o, the liht i# Goll$*3s e(es ha! be)o*e a %ee# fi%e& a#! it ,as )o*i#
s,iftl( #ea%e%. Goll$* ,as i# his boat aai#& +a!!li# ,il!l( ba)' to the !a%' sho%eS
a#! s$)h a %ae of loss a#! s$s+i)io# ,as i# his hea%t that #o s,o%! ha! a#( *o%e
te%%o% fo% hi*.
Bilbo )o$l! #ot $ess ,hat ha! *a!!e#e! the ,%et)he! )%eat$%e& b$t he sa, that all
,as $+& a#! that Goll$* *ea#t to *$%!e% hi* at a#( %ate. J$st i# ti*e he t$%#e!
a#! %a# bli#!l( ba)' $+ the !a%' +assae !o,# ,hi)h he ha! )o*e& 'ee+i# )lose to
the ,all a#! feeli# it ,ith his left ha#!.
B4hat has it ot i# its +o)'etsesVC he hea%! the hiss lo$! behi#! hi*& a#! the s+lash
as Goll$* lea+t f%o* his boat. B4hat ha"e I& I ,o#!e%VC he sai! to hi*self& as he
+a#te! a#! st$*ble! alo#. He +$t his left ha#! i# his +o)'et. The %i# felt "e%( )ol!
as it .$ietl( sli++e! o# to his %o+i# fo%efi#e%.
The hiss ,as )lose behi#! hi*. He t$%#e! #o, a#! sa, Goll$*3s e(es li'e s*all
%ee# la*+s )o*i# $+ the slo+e. Te%%ifie! he t%ie! to %$# faste%& b$t s$!!e#l( he
st%$)' his toes o# a s#a i# the floo%& a#! fell flat ,ith his little s,o%! $#!e% hi*.
I# a *o*e#t Goll$* ,as o# hi*. B$t befo%e Bilbo )o$l! !o a#(thi#& %e)o"e% his
b%eath& +i)' hi*self $+& o% ,a"e his s,o%!& Goll$* +asse! b(& ta'i# #o #oti)e of
hi*& )$%si# a#! ,his+e%i# as he %a#.
4hat )o$l! it *ea#V Goll$* )o$l! see i# the !a%'. Bilbo )o$l! see the liht of his
e(es +alel( shi#i# e"e# f%o* behi#!. 5ai#f$ll( he ot $+& a#! sheathe! his s,o%!&
,hi)h ,as #o, lo,i# fai#tl( aai#& the# "e%( )a$tio$sl( he follo,e!. The%e
see*e! #othi# else to !o. It ,as #o oo! )%a,li# ba)' !o,# to Goll$*3s ,ate%.
5e%ha+s if he follo,e! hi*& Goll$* *iht lea! hi* to so*e ,a( of es)a+e ,itho$t
*ea#i# to.
BC$%se itW )$%se itW )$%se itWC hisse! Goll$*. BC$%se the Bai#sW It3s o#eW 4hat has it
ot i# its +o)'etsesV Oh ,e $ess& ,e $ess& *( +%e)io$s. He3s fo$#! it& (es he *$st
ha"e. 0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#t.C
Bilbo +%i)'e! $+ his ea%s. He ,as at last bei##i# to $ess hi*self. He h$%%ie! a
little& etti# as )lose as he !a%e! behi#! Goll$*& ,ho ,as still oi# .$i)'l(& #ot
loo'i# ba)'& b$t t$%#i# his hea! f%o* si!e to si!e& as Bilbo )o$l! see f%o* the fai#t
li**e% o# the ,alls.
B0( bi%th!a(-+%ese#tW C$%se itW Ho, !i! ,e lose it& *( +%e)io$sV Yes& that3s it. 4he#
,e )a*e this ,a( last& ,he# ,e t,iste! that #asst( (o$# s.$ea'e%. That3s it. C$%se
itW It sli++e! f%o* $s& afte% all these aes a#! aesW It3s o#e& oll$*.C
/$!!e#l( Goll$* sat !o,# a#! bea# to ,ee+& a ,histli# a#! $%li# so$#!
ho%%ible to liste# to. Bilbo halte! a#! flatte#e! hi*self aai#st the t$##el-,all. Afte%
a ,hile Goll$* sto++e! ,ee+i# a#! bea# to tal'. He see*e! to be ha"i# a#
a%$*e#t ,ith hi*self.
BIt3s #o oo! oi# ba)' the%e to sea%)h& #o. 4e !oes#3t %e*e*be% all the +la)es
,e3"e "isite!. A#! it3s #o $se. The Bai#s has ot it i# its +o)'etsesS the #asst(
#ose% has fo$#! it& ,e sa(s.C
B4e $esses& +%e)io$s& o#l( $esses. 4e )a#3t '#o, till ,e fi#! the #asst( )%eat$%e
a#! s.$eeHes it. B$t it !oes#3t '#o, ,hat the +%ese#t )a# !o& !oes itV It3ll P$st 'ee+
it i# its +o)'etses. It !oes#3t '#o,& a#! it )a#3t o fa%. It3s lost itself& the #asst( #ose(
thi#. It !oes#3t '#o, the ,a( o$t. It sai! so.C
BIt sai! so& (esS b$t it3s t%i)'s(. It !oes#3t sa( ,hat it *ea#s. It ,o#3t sa( ,hat it3s ot
i# its +o)'etses. It '#o,s. It '#o,s a ,a( i#& it *$st '#o, a ,a( o$t& (es. It3s off to
the ba)'-!oo%. To the ba)'-!oo%& that3s it.C
BThe obli#ses ,ill )at)h it the#. It )a#3t et o$t that ,a(& +%e)io$s.C
B/sss& sss& oll$*W Gobli#sesW Yes& b$t if it3s ot the +%ese#t& o$% +%e)io$s +%ese#t&
the# obli#ses ,ill et it& oll$*W The(3ll fi#! it& the(3ll fi#! o$t ,hat it !oes. 4e
sha#3t e"e% be safe aai#& #e"e%& oll$*W O#e of the obli#ses ,ill +$t it o#& a#!
the# #o o#e ,ill see hi*. He3ll be the%e b$t #ot see#. Not e"e# o$% )le"e% e(eses ,ill
#oti)e hi*S a#! he3ll )o*e )%ee+s( a#! t%i)'s( a#! )at)h $s& oll$*& oll$*WC
BThe# let3s sto+ tal'i#& +%e)io$s& a#! *a'e haste. If the Bai#s has o#e that ,a(&
,e *$st o .$i)' a#! see. GoW Not fa% #o,. 0a'e hasteWC
4ith a s+%i# Goll$* ot $+ a#! sta%te! sha*bli# off at a %eat +a)e. Bilbo h$%%ie!
afte% hi*& still )a$tio$sl(& tho$h his )hief fea% #o, ,as of t%i++i# o# a#othe% s#a
a#! falli# ,ith a #oise. His hea! ,as i# a ,hi%l of ho+e a#! ,o#!e%. It see*e! that
the %i# he ha! ,as a *ai) %i#2 it *a!e (o$ i#"isibleW He ha! hea%! of s$)h thi#s&
of )o$%se& i# ol! ol! talesS b$t it ,as ha%! to belie"e that he %eall( ha! fo$#! o#e& b(
a))i!e#t. /till the%e it ,as2 Goll$* ,ith his b%iht e(es ha! +asse! hi* b(& o#l( a
(a%! to o#e si!e.
O# the( ,e#t& Goll$* fli+-fla++i# ahea!& hissi# a#! )$%si#S Bilbo behi#! oi# as
softl( as a hobbit )a#. /oo# the( )a*e to +la)es ,he%e& as Bilbo ha! #oti)e! o# the
,a( !o,#& si!e-+assaes o+e#e!& this ,a( a#! that. Goll$* bea# at o#)e to )o$#t
the*.
BO#e left& (es. O#e %iht& (es. T,o %iht& (es& (es. T,o left& (es& (es.C A#! so o# a#!
o#.
As the )o$#t %e, he slo,e! !o,#& a#! he bea# to et sha'( a#! ,ee+(S fo% he
,as lea"i# the ,ate% f$%the% a#! f$%the% behi#!& a#! he ,as etti# af%ai!. Gobli#s
*iht be abo$t& a#! he ha! lost his %i#. At last he sto++e! b( a lo, o+e#i#& o#
thei% left as the( ,e#t $+.
B/e"e# %iht& (es. /iF left& (esWC he ,his+e%e!. BThis is it. This is the ,a( to the ba)'-
!oo%& (es. He%e3s the +assaeWC
He +ee%e! i#& a#! sh%a#' ba)'. BB$t ,e !$%s#3t o i#& +%e)io$s& #o ,e !$%s#3t.
Gobli#ses !o,# the%e. Lots of obli#ses. 4e s*ells the*. /sssWC
B4hat shall ,e !oV C$%se the* a#! )%$sh the*W 4e *$st ,ait he%e& +%e)io$s& ,ait a
bit a#! see.C
/o the( )a*e to a !ea! sto+. Goll$* ha! b%o$ht Bilbo to the ,a( o$t afte% all& b$t
Bilbo )o$l! #ot et i#W The%e ,as Goll$* sitti# h$*+e! $+ %iht i# the o+e#i#& a#!
his e(es lea*e! )ol! i# his hea!& as he s,a(e! it f%o* si!e to si!e bet,ee# his
'#ees.
Bilbo )%e+t a,a( f%o* the ,all *o%e .$ietl( tha# a *o$seS b$t Goll$* stiffe#e! at
o#)e& a#! s#iffe!& a#! his e(es ,e#t %ee#. He hisse! softl( b$t *e#a)i#l(. He
)o$l! #ot see the hobbit& b$t #o, he ,as o# the ale%t& a#! he ha! othe% se#ses that
the !a%'#ess ha! sha%+e#e!2 hea%i# a#! s*ell. He see*e! to be )%o$)he! %iht
!o,# ,ith his flat ha#!s s+la(e! o# the floo%& a#! his hea! th%$st o$t& #ose al*ost
to the sto#e. Tho$h he ,as o#l( a bla)' sha!o, i# the lea* of his o,# e(es& Bilbo
)o$l! see o% feel that he ,as te#se as a bo,st%i#& athe%e! fo% a s+%i#.
Bilbo al*ost sto++e! b%eathi#& a#! ,e#t stiff hi*self. He ,as !es+e%ate. He *$st
et a,a(& o$t of this ho%%ible !a%'#ess& ,hile he ha! a#( st%e#th left. He *$st fiht.
He *$st stab the fo$l thi#& +$t its e(es o$t& 'ill it. It *ea#t to 'ill hi*. No& #ot a fai%
fiht. He ,as i#"isible #o,. Goll$* ha! #o s,o%!. Goll$* ha! #ot a)t$all(
th%eate#e! to 'ill hi*& o% t%ie! to (et. A#! he ,as *ise%able& alo#e& lost. A s$!!e#
$#!e%sta#!i#& a +it( *iFe! ,ith ho%%o%& ,elle! $+ i# Bilbo3s hea%t2 a li*+se of
e#!less $#*a%'e! !a(s ,itho$t liht o% ho+e of bette%*e#t& ha%! sto#e& )ol! fish&
s#ea'i# a#! ,his+e%i#. All these tho$hts +asse! i# a flash of a se)o#!. He
t%e*ble!. A#! the# .$ite s$!!e#l( i# a#othe% flash& as if lifte! b( a #e, st%e#th a#!
%esol"e& he lea+e!.
No %eat lea+ fo% a *a#& b$t a lea+ i# the !a%'. /t%aiht o"e% Goll$*3s hea! he
P$*+e!& se"e# feet fo%,a%! a#! th%ee i# the ai%S i#!ee!& ha! he '#o,# it& he o#l(
P$st *isse! )%a)'i# his s'$ll o# the lo, a%)h of the +assae.
Goll$* th%e, hi*self ba)',a%!s& a#! %abbe! as the hobbit fle, o"e% hi*& b$t too
late2 his ha#!s s#a++e! o# thi# ai%& a#! Bilbo& falli# fai% o# his st$%!( feet& s+e! off
!o,# the #e, t$##el. He !i! #ot t$%# to see ,hat Goll$* ,as !oi#. The%e ,as a
hissi# a#! )$%si# al*ost at his heels at fi%st& the# it sto++e!. All at o#)e the%e )a*e
a bloo!-)$%!li# sh%ie'& fille! ,ith hat%e! a#! !es+ai%. Goll$* ,as !efeate!. He
!a%e! o #o f$%the%. He ha! lost2 lost his +%e(& a#! lost& too& the o#l( thi# he ha!
e"e% )a%e! fo%& his +%e)io$s. The )%( b%o$ht Bilbo3s hea%t to his *o$th& b$t still he
hel! o#. No, fai#t as a# e)ho& b$t *e#a)i#& the "oi)e )a*e behi#!2
BThief& thief& thiefW Bai#sW 4e hates it& ,e hates it& ,e hates it fo% e"e%WC
The# the%e ,as a sile#)e. B$t that too see*e! *e#a)i# to Bilbo. BIf obli#s a%e so
#ea% that he s*elt the*&C he tho$ht& Bthe# the(3ll ha"e hea%! his sh%ie'i# a#!
)$%si#. Ca%ef$l #o,& o% this ,a( ,ill lea! (o$ to ,o%se thi#s.C
The +assae ,as lo, a#! %o$hl( *a!e. It ,as #ot too !iffi)$lt fo% the hobbit& eF)e+t
,he#& i# s+ite of all )a%e& he st$bbe! his +oo% toes aai#& se"e%al ti*es& o# #ast(
Pae! sto#es i# the floo%. BA bit lo, fo% obli#s& at least fo% the bi o#es&C tho$ht
Bilbo& #ot '#o,i# that e"e# the bi o#es& the o%)s of the *o$#tai#s& o alo# at a
%eat s+ee! stoo+i# lo, ,ith thei% ha#!s al*ost o# the %o$#!.
/oo# the +assae that ha! bee# slo+i# !o,# bea# to o $+ aai#& a#! afte% a
,hile it )li*be! stee+l(. That slo,e! Bilbo !o,#. B$t at last the slo+e sto++e!& the
+assae t$%#e! a )o%#e% a#! !i++e! !o,# aai#& a#! the%e& at the botto* of a sho%t
i#)li#e& he sa,& filte%i# %o$#! a#othe% )o%#e%Ua li*+se of liht. Not %e! liht& as of
fi%e o% la#te%#& b$t a +ale o$t-of-!oo%s so%t of liht. The# Bilbo bea# to %$#.
/)$ttli# as fast as his les ,o$l! )a%%( hi* he t$%#e! the last )o%#e% a#! )a*e
s$!!e#l( %iht i#to a# o+e# s+a)e& ,he%e the liht& afte% all that ti*e i# the !a%'&
see*e! !aHHli#l( b%iht. Reall( it ,as o#l( a lea' of s$#shi#e i# th%o$h a !oo%,a(&
,he%e a %eat !oo%& a sto#e !oo%& ,as left sta#!i# o+e#.
Bilbo bli#'e!& a#! the# s$!!e#l( he sa, the obli#s2 obli#s i# f$ll a%*o$% ,ith
!%a,# s,o%!s sitti# P$st i#si!e the !oo%& a#! ,at)hi# it ,ith ,i!e e(es& a#!
,at)hi# the +assae that le! to it. The( ,e%e a%o$se!& ale%t& %ea!( fo% a#(thi#.
The( sa, hi* soo#e% tha# he sa, the*. Yes& the( sa, hi*. 4hethe% it ,as a#
a))i!e#t& o% a last t%i)' of the %i# befo%e it too' a #e, *aste%& it ,as #ot o# his
fi#e%. 4ith (ells of !eliht the obli#s %$she! $+o# hi*.
A +a# of fea% a#! loss& li'e a# e)ho of Goll$*3s *ise%(& s*ote Bilbo& a#! fo%etti#
e"e# to !%a, his s,o%! he st%$)' his ha#!s i#to his +o)'ets. A#! the%e ,as the %i#
still& i# his left +o)'et& a#! it sli++e! o# his fi#e%. The obli#s sto++e! sho%t. The(
)o$l! #ot see a si# of hi*. He ha! "a#ishe!. The( (elle! t,i)e as lo$! as befo%e& b$t
#ot so !elihte!l(.
B4he%e is itVC the( )%ie!.
BGo ba)' $+ the +assaeWC so*e sho$te!.
BThis ,a(WC so*e (elle!. BThat ,a(WC othe%s (elle!. BLoo' o$t fo% the !oo%&C
bello,e! the )a+tai#. 4histles ble,& a%*o$% )lashe!& s,o%!s %attle!& obli#s )$%se!
a#! s,o%e a#! %a# hithe% a#! thithe%& falli# o"e% o#e a#othe% a#! etti# "e%(
a#%(. The%e ,as a te%%ible o$t)%(& to-!o& a#! !ist$%ba#)e.
Bilbo ,as !%ea!f$ll( f%ihte#e!& b$t he ha! the se#se to $#!e%sta#! ,hat ha!
ha++e#e! a#! to s#ea' behi#! a bi ba%%el ,hi)h hel! !%i#' fo% the obli#-$a%!s&
a#! so et o$t of the ,a( a#! a"oi! bei# b$*+e! i#to& t%a*+le! to !eath& o%
)a$ht b( feel.
BI *$st et to the !oo%& I *$st et to the !oo%WC he 'e+t o# sa(i# to hi*self& b$t it
,as a lo# ti*e befo%e he "e#t$%e! to t%(. The# it ,as li'e a ho%%ible a*e of bli#!-
*a#3s-b$ff. The +la)e ,as f$ll of obli#s %$##i# abo$t& a#! the +oo% little hobbit
!o!e! this ,a( a#! that& ,as '#o)'e! o"e% b( a obli# ,ho )o$l! #ot *a'e o$t
,hat he ha! b$*+e! i#to& s)%a*ble! a,a( o# all fo$%s& sli++e! bet,ee# the les of
the )a+tai# P$st i# ti*e& ot $+& a#! %a# fo% the !oo%.
It ,as still aPa%& b$t a obli# ha! +$she! it #ea%l( to. Bilbo st%$le! b$t he )o$l! #ot
*o"e it. He t%ie! to s.$eeHe th%o$h the )%a)'. He s.$eeHe! a#! s.$eeHe!& a#! he
st$)'W It ,as a,f$l. His b$tto#s ha! ot ,e!e! o# the e!e of the !oo% a#! the
!oo%-+ost. He )o$l! see o$tsi!e i#to the o+e# ai%2 the%e ,e%e a fe, ste+s %$##i#
!o,# i#to a #a%%o, "alle( bet,ee# tall *o$#tai#sS the s$# )a*e o$t f%o* behi#! a
)lo$! a#! sho#e b%iht o# the o$tsi!e of the !oo%Ub$t he )o$l! #ot et th%o$h.
/$!!e#l( o#e of the obli#s i#si!e sho$te!2 BThe%e is a sha!o, b( the !oo%.
/o*ethi# is o$tsi!eWC
Bilbo3s hea%t P$*+e! i#to his *o$th. He a"e a te%%ifi) s.$i%*. B$tto#s b$%st off i# all
!i%e)tio#s. He ,as th%o$h& ,ith a to%# )oat a#! ,aist)oat& lea+i# !o,# the ste+s
li'e a oat& ,hile be,il!e%e! obli#s ,e%e still +i)'i# $+ his #i)e b%ass b$tto#s o#
the !oo%ste+.
Of )o$%se the( soo# )a*e !o,# afte% hi*& hooti# a#! hallooi#& a#! h$#ti#
a*o# the t%ees. B$t the( !o#3t li'e the s$#2 it *a'es thei% les ,obble a#! thei%
hea!s i!!(. The( )o$l! #ot fi#! Bilbo ,ith the %i# o#& sli++i# i# a#! o$t of the
sha!o, of the t%ees& %$##i# .$i)' a#! .$iet& a#! 'ee+i# o$t of the s$#S so soo#
the( ,e#t ba)' %$*bli# a#! )$%si# to $a%! the !oo%. Bilbo ha! es)a+e!.
Cha+te% 7I
O8T O1 THE 1RYING-5AN INTO THE 1IRE
Bilbo ha! es)a+e! the obli#s& b$t he !i! #ot '#o, ,he%e he ,as. He ha! lost hoo!& )loa'&
foo!& +o#(& his b$tto#s a#! his f%ie#!s. He ,a#!e%e! o# a#! o#& till the s$# bea# to si#'
,est,a%!sUbehi#! the *o$#tai#s. Thei% sha!o,s fell a)%oss Bilbo3s +ath& a#! he loo'e! ba)'.
The# he loo'e! fo%,a%! a#! )o$l! see befo%e hi* o#l( %i!es a#! slo+es falli# to,a%!s
lo,la#!s a#! +lai#s li*+se! o))asio#all( bet,ee# the t%ees.
BGoo! hea"e#sWC he eF)lai*e!. BI see* to ha"e ot %iht to the othe% si!e of the
0ist( 0o$#tai#s& %iht to the e!e of the La#! Be(o#!W 4he%e a#! O ,he%e )a#
Ga#!alf a#! the !,a%"es ha"e ot toV I o#l( ho+e to oo!#ess the( a%e #ot still ba)'
the%e i# the +o,e% of the obli#sWC
He still ,a#!e%e! o#& o$t of the little hih "alle(& o"e% its e!e& a#! !o,# the slo+es
be(o#!S b$t all the ,hile a "e%( $#)o*fo%table tho$ht ,as %o,i# i#si!e hi*. He
,o#!e%e! ,hethe% he o$ht #ot& #o, he ha! the *ai) %i#& to o ba)' i#to the
ho%%ible& ho%%ible& t$##els a#! loo' fo% his f%ie#!s. He ha! P$st *a!e $+ his *i#!
that it ,as his !$t(& that he *$st t$%# ba)'Ua#! "e%( *ise%able he felt abo$t
itU,he# he hea%! "oi)es.
He sto++e! a#! liste#e!. It !i! #ot so$#! li'e obli#sS so he )%e+t fo%,a%! )a%ef$ll(.
He ,as o# a sto#( +ath ,i#!i# !o,#,a%!s ,ith a %o)'( ,all o# the left ha#!S o#
the othe% si!e the %o$#! slo+e! a,a( a#! the%e ,e%e !ells belo, the le"el of the
+ath o"e%h$# ,ith b$shes a#! lo, t%ees. I# o#e of these !ells $#!e% the b$shes
+eo+le ,e%e tal'i#.
He )%e+t still #ea%e%& a#! s$!!e#l( he sa, +ee%i# bet,ee# t,o bi bo$l!e%s a hea!
,ith a %e! hoo! o#2 it ,as Bali# !oi# loo'-o$t. He )o$l! ha"e )la++e! a#! sho$te!
fo% Po(& b$t he !i! #ot. He ha! still ot the %i# o#& fo% fea% of *eeti# so*ethi#
$#eF+e)te! a#! $#+leasa#t& a#! he sa, that Bali# ,as loo'i# st%aiht at hi*
,itho$t #oti)i# hi*.
BI ,ill i"e the* all a s$%+%ise&C he tho$ht& as he )%a,le! i#to the b$shes at the
e!e of the !ell. Ga#!alf ,as a%$i# ,ith the !,a%"es. The( ,e%e !is)$ssi# all
that ha! ha++e#e! to the* i# the t$##els& a#! ,o#!e%i# a#! !ebati# ,hat the(
,e%e to !o #o,. The !,a%"es ,e%e %$*bli#& a#! Ga#!alf ,as sa(i# that the(
)o$l! #ot +ossibl( o o# ,ith thei% Po$%#e( lea"i# 0%. Bai#s i# the ha#!s of the
obli#s& ,itho$t t%(i# to fi#! o$t if he ,as ali"e o% !ea!& a#! ,itho$t t%(i# to
%es)$e hi*.
BAfte% all he is *( f%ie#!&C sai! the ,iHa%!& Ba#! #ot a ba! little )ha+. I feel
%es+o#sible fo% hi*. I ,ish to oo!#ess (o$ ha! #ot lost hi*.C
The !,a%"es ,a#te! to '#o, ,h( he ha! e"e% bee# b%o$ht at all& ,h( he )o$l! #ot
sti)' to his f%ie#!s a#! )o*e alo# ,ith the*& a#! ,h( the ,iHa%! ha! #ot )hose#
so*eo#e ,ith *o%e se#se. BHe has bee# *o%e t%o$ble tha# $se so fa%&C sai! o#e. BIf
,e ha"e ot to o ba)' #o, i#to those abo*i#able t$##els to loo' fo% hi*& the# !%at
hi*& I sa(.C
Ga#!alf a#s,e%e! a#%il(2 BI b%o$ht hi*& a#! I !o#3t b%i# thi#s that a%e of #o $se.
Eithe% (o$ hel+ *e to loo' fo% hi*& o% I o a#! lea"e (o$ he%e to et o$t of the *ess
as best (o$ )a# (o$%sel"es. If ,e )a# o#l( fi#! hi* aai#& (o$ ,ill tha#' *e befo%e
all is o"e%. 4hate"e% !i! (o$ ,a#t to o a#! !%o+ hi* fo%& Do%iVC
BYo$ ,o$l! ha"e !%o++e! hi*&C sai! Do%i& Bif a obli# ha! s$!!e#l( %abbe! (o$%
les f%o* behi#! i# the !a%'& t%i++e! $+ (o$% feet& a#! 'i)'e! (o$ i# the ba)'WC
BThe# ,h( !i!#3t (o$ +i)' hi* $+ aai#VC
BGoo! hea"e#sW Ca# (o$ as'W Gobli#s fihti# a#! biti# i# the !a%'& e"e%(bo!(
falli# o"e% bo!ies a#! hitti# o#e a#othe%W Yo$ #ea%l( )ho++e! off *( hea! ,ith
Gla*!%i#& a#! Tho%i# ,as stabbi# he%e the%e a#! e"e%(,he%e ,ith O%)%ist. All of a
s$!!e# (o$ a"e o#e of (o$% bli#!i# flashes& a#! ,e sa, the obli#s %$##i# ba)'
(el+i#. Yo$ sho$te! 6follo, *e e"e%(bo!(W3 a#! e"e%(bo!( o$ht to ha"e follo,e!.
4e tho$ht e"e%(bo!( ha!. The%e ,as #o ti*e to )o$#t& as (o$ '#o, .$ite ,ell& till
,e ha! !ashe! th%o$h the ate-$a%!s& o$t of the lo,e% !oo%& a#! helte%-s'elte%
!o,# he%e. A#! he%e ,e a%eU,itho$t the b$%la%& )o#f$sti)ate hi*WC
BA#! he%e3s the b$%la%WC sai! Bilbo ste++i# !o,# i#to the *i!!le of the*& a#!
sli++i# off the %i#.
Bless *e& ho, the( P$*+e!W The# the( sho$te! ,ith s$%+%ise a#! !eliht. Ga#!alf
,as as asto#ishe! as a#( of the*& b$t +%obabl( *o%e +lease! tha# all the othe%s. He
)alle! to Bali# a#! tol! hi* ,hat he tho$ht of a loo'-o$t *a# ,ho let +eo+le ,al'
%iht i#to the* li'e that ,itho$t ,a%#i#. It is a fa)t that Bilbo3s %e+$tatio# ,e#t $+
a "e%( %eat !eal ,ith the !,a%"es afte% this. If the( ha! still !o$bte! that he ,as
%eall( a fi%st-)lass b$%la%& i# s+ite of Ga#!alf3s ,o%!s& the( !o$bte! #o lo#e%. Bali#
,as the *ost +$HHle! of allS b$t e"e%(o#e sai! it ,as a "e%( )le"e% bit of ,o%'.
I#!ee! Bilbo ,as so +lease! ,ith thei% +%aise that he P$st )h$)'le! i#si!e a#! sai!
#othi# ,hate"e% abo$t the %i#S a#! ,he# the( as'e! hi* ho, he !i! it& he sai!2
BOh& P$st )%e+t alo#& (o$ '#o,U"e%( )a%ef$ll( a#! .$ietl(.C
B4ell& it is the fi%st ti*e that e"e# a *o$se has )%e+t alo# )a%ef$ll( a#! .$ietl(
$#!e% *( "e%( #ose a#! #ot bee# s+otte!&C sai! Bali#& Ba#! I ta'e off *( hoo! to
(o$.C 4hi)h he !i!.
BBali# at (o$% se%"i)e&C sai! he.
BYo$% se%"a#t& 0%. Bai#s&C sai! Bilbo.
The# the( ,a#te! to '#o, all abo$t his a!"e#t$%es afte% the( ha! lost hi*& a#! he
sat !o,# a#! tol! the* e"e%(thi#UeF)e+t abo$t the fi#!i# of the %i# @B#ot P$st
#o,C he tho$htA. The( ,e%e +a%ti)$la%l( i#te%este! i# the %i!!le-)o*+etitio#& a#!
sh$!!e%e! *ost a++%e)iati"el( at his !es)%i+tio# of Goll$*.
BA#! the# I )o$l!#3t thi#' of a#( othe% .$estio# ,ith hi* sitti# besi!e *e&C e#!e!
BilboS Bso I sai! 6,hat3s i# *( +o)'etV3 A#! he )o$l!#3t $ess i# th%ee oes. /o I sai!2
6,hat abo$t (o$% +%o*iseV /ho, *e the ,a( o$tW3 B$t he )a*e at *e to 'ill *e&
a#! I %a#& a#! fell o"e%& a#! he *isse! *e i# the !a%'. The# I follo,e! hi*& be)a$se I
hea%! hi* tal'i# to hi*self. He tho$ht I %eall( '#e, the ,a( o$t& a#! so he ,as
*a'i# fo% it. A#! the# he sat !o,# i# the e#t%a#)e& a#! I )o$l! #ot et b(. /o I
P$*+e! o"e% hi* a#! es)a+e!& a#! %a# !o,# to the ate.C
B4hat abo$t the $a%!sVC the( as'e!. B4e%e#3t the%e a#(VC
BO (esW lots of the*S b$t I !o!e! 3e*. I ot st$)' i# the !oo%& ,hi)h ,as o#l( o+e# a
)%a)'& a#! I lost lots of b$tto#s&C he sai! sa!l( loo'i# at his to%# )lothes. BB$t I
s.$eeHe! th%o$h all %ihtUa#! he%e I a*.C
The !,a%"es loo'e! at hi* ,ith .$ite a #e, %es+e)t& ,he# he tal'e! abo$t !o!i#
$a%!s& P$*+i# o"e% Goll$*& a#! s.$eeHi# th%o$h& as if it ,as #ot "e%( !iffi)$lt o%
"e%( ala%*i#.
B4hat !i! I tell (o$VC sai! Ga#!alf la$hi#. B0%. Bai#s has *o%e abo$t hi* tha#
(o$ $ess.C He a"e Bilbo a .$ee% loo' f%o* $#!e% his b$sh( e(eb%o,s& as he sai!
this& a#! the hobbit ,o#!e%e! if he $esse! at the +a%t of his tale that he ha! left
o$t.
The# he ha! .$estio#s of his o,# to as'& fo% if Ga#!alf ha! eF+lai#e! it all b( #o, to
the !,a%"es& Bilbo ha! #ot hea%! it. He ,a#te! to '#o, ho, the ,iHa%! ha! t$%#e!
$+ aai#& a#! ,he%e the( ha! all ot to #o,.
The ,iHa%!& to tell the t%$th& #e"e% *i#!e! eF+lai#i# his )le"e%#ess *o%e tha# o#)e&
so #o, he tol! Bilbo that both he a#! El%o#! ha! bee# ,ell a,a%e of the +%ese#)e
of e"il obli#s i# that +a%t of the *o$#tai#s. B$t thei% *ai# ate $se! to )o*e o$t
o# a !iffe%e#t +ass& o#e *o%e eas( to t%a"el b(& so that the( ofte# )a$ht +eo+le
be#ihte! #ea% thei% ates. E"i!e#tl( +eo+le ha! i"e# $+ oi# that ,a(& a#! the
obli#s *$st ha"e o+e#e! thei% #e, e#t%a#)e at the to+ of the +ass the !,a%"es
ha! ta'e#& .$ite %e)e#tl(& be)a$se it ha! bee# fo$#! .$ite safe $+ to #o,.
BI *$st see if I )a#3t fi#! a *o%e o% less !e)e#t ia#t to blo)' it $+ aai#&C sai!
Ga#!alf& Bo% soo# the%e ,ill be #o etti# o"e% the *o$#tai#s at all.C
As soo# as Ga#!alf ha! hea%! Bilbo3s (ell he %ealiHe! ,hat ha! ha++e#e!. I# the flash
,hi)h 'ille! the obli#s that ,e%e %abbi# hi* he ha! #i++e! i#si!e the )%a)'& P$st
as it s#a++e! to. He follo,e! afte% the !%i"e%s a#! +%iso#e%s %iht to the e!e of the
%eat hall& a#! the%e he sat !o,# a#! ,o%'e! $+ the best *ai) he )o$l! i# the
sha!o,s.
BA "e%( ti)'lish b$si#ess& it ,as&C he sai!. BTo$)h a#! oWC
B$t& of )o$%se& Ga#!alf ha! *a!e a s+e)ial st$!( of be,it)h*e#ts ,ith fi%e a#! lihts
@e"e# the hobbit ha! #e"e% fo%otte# the *ai) fi%e,o%'s at Ol! Too'3s *i!s$**e%-
e"e +a%ties& as (o$ %e*e*be%A. The %est ,e all '#o,UeF)e+t that Ga#!alf '#e, all
abo$t the ba)'-!oo%& as the obli#s )alle! the lo,e% ate& ,he%e Bilbo lost his
b$tto#s. As a *atte% of fa)t it ,as ,ell '#o,# to a#(bo!( ,ho ,as a).$ai#te! ,ith
this +a%t of the *o$#tai#sS b$t it too' a ,iHa%! to 'ee+ his hea! i# the t$##els a#!
$i!e the* i# the %iht !i%e)tio#.
BThe( *a!e that ate aes ao&C he sai!& B+a%tl( fo% a ,a( of es)a+e& if the( #ee!e!
o#eS +a%tl( as a ,a( o$t i#to the la#!s be(o#!& ,he%e the( still )o*e i# the !a%' a#!
!o %eat !a*ae. The( $a%! it al,a(s a#! #o o#e has e"e% *a#ae! to blo)' it $+.
The( ,ill $a%! it !o$bl( afte% this&C he la$he!.
All the othe%s la$he! too. Afte% all the( ha! lost a oo! !eal& b$t the( ha! 'ille! the
G%eat Gobli# a#! a %eat *a#( othe%s besi!es& a#! the( ha! all es)a+e!& so the(
*iht be sai! to ha"e ha! the best of it so fa%.
B$t the ,iHa%! )alle! the* to thei% se#ses. B4e *$st be etti# o# at o#)e& #o, ,e
a%e a little %este!&C he sai!. BThe( ,ill be o$t afte% $s i# h$#!%e!s ,he# #iht )o*es
o#S a#! al%ea!( sha!o,s a%e le#the#i#. The( )a# s*ell o$% footste+s fo% ho$%s
a#! ho$%s afte% ,e ha"e +asse!. 4e *$st be *iles o# befo%e !$s'. The%e ,ill be a
bit of *oo#& if it 'ee+s fi#e& a#! that is l$)'(. Not that the( *i#! the *oo# *$)h&
b$t it ,ill i"e $s a little liht to stee% b(.C
BO (esWC he sai! i# a#s,e% to *o%e .$estio#s f%o* the hobbit. BYo$ lose t%a)' of
ti*e i#si!e obli#-t$##els. To!a(3s Th$%s!a(& a#! it ,as 0o#!a( #iht o% T$es!a(
*o%#i# that ,e ,e%e )a+t$%e!. 4e ha"e o#e *iles a#! *iles& a#! )o*e %iht
!o,# th%o$h the hea%t of the *o$#tai#s& a#! a%e #o, o# the othe% si!eU.$ite a
sho%t )$t. B$t ,e a%e #ot at the +oi#t to ,hi)h o$% +ass ,o$l! ha"e b%o$ht $sS ,e
a%e too fa% to the No%th& a#! ha"e so*e a,',a%! )o$#t%( ahea!. A#! ,e a%e still
+%ett( hih $+. Let3s et o#WC
BI a* !%ea!f$ll( h$#%(&C %oa#e! Bilbo& ,ho ,as s$!!e#l( a,a%e that he ha! #ot
ha! a *eal si#)e the #iht befo%e the #iht befo%e last. J$st thi#' of that fo% a
hobbitW His sto*a)h felt all e*+t( a#! loose a#! his les all ,obbl(& #o, that the
eF)ite*e#t ,as o"e%.
BCa#3t hel+ it&C sai! Ga#!alf& B$#less (o$ li'e to o ba)' a#! as' the obli#s #i)el( to
let (o$ ha"e (o$% +o#( ba)' a#! (o$% l$ae.C
BNo tha#' (o$WC sai! Bilbo.
B7e%( ,ell the#& ,e *$st P$st tihte# o$% belts a#! t%$!e o#Uo% ,e shall be *a!e
i#to s$++e%& a#! that ,ill be *$)h ,o%se tha# ha"i# #o#e o$%sel"es.C
As the( ,e#t o# Bilbo loo'e! f%o* si!e to si!e fo% so*ethi# to eatS b$t the
bla)'be%%ies ,e%e still o#l( i# flo,e%& a#! of )o$%se the%e ,e%e #o #$ts& #ot e"e#
ha,tho%#-be%%ies. He #ibble! a bit of so%%el& a#! he !%a#' f%o* a s*all *o$#tai#-
st%ea* that )%osse! the +ath& a#! he ate th%ee ,il! st%a,be%%ies that he fo$#! o#
its ba#'& b$t it ,as #ot *$)h oo!.
The( still ,e#t o# a#! o#. The %o$h +ath !isa++ea%e!. The b$shes& a#! the lo#
%asses bet,ee# the bo$l!e%s& the +at)hes of %abbit-)%o++e! t$%f& the th(*e a#!
the sae a#! the *a%Po%a*& a#! the (ello, %o)'%oses all "a#ishe!& a#! the( fo$#!
the*sel"es at the to+ of a ,i!e stee+ slo+e of falle# sto#es& the %e*ai#s of a
la#!sli!e. 4he# the( bea# to o !o,# this& %$bbish a#! s*all +ebbles %olle! a,a(
f%o* thei% feetS soo# la%e% bits of s+lit sto#e ,e#t )latte%i# !o,# a#! sta%te! othe%
+ie)es belo, the* slithe%i# a#! %olli#S the# l$*+s of %o)' ,e%e !ist$%be! a#!
bo$#!e! off& )%ashi# !o,# ,ith a !$st a#! a #oise. Befo%e lo# the ,hole slo+e
abo"e the* a#! belo, the* see*e! o# the *o"e& a#! the( ,e%e sli!i# a,a(&
h$!!le! all toethe%& i# a fea%f$l )o#f$sio# of sli++i#& %attli#& )%a)'i# slabs a#!
sto#es.
It ,as the t%ees at the botto* that sa"e! the*. The( sli! i#to the e!e of a )li*bi#
,oo! of +i#es that he%e stoo! %iht $+ the *o$#tai# slo+e f%o* the !ee+e% !a%'e%
fo%ests of the "alle(s belo,. /o*e )a$ht hol! of the t%$#'s a#! s,$# the*sel"es
i#to lo,e% b%a#)hes& so*e @li'e the little hobbitA ot behi#! a t%ee to shelte% f%o*
the o#sla$ht of the %o)'s. /oo# the !a#e% ,as o"e%& the sli!e ha! sto++e!& a#! the
last fai#t )%ashes )o$l! be hea%! as the la%est of the !ist$%be! sto#es ,e#t
bo$#!i# a#! s+i##i# a*o# the b%a)'e# a#! the +i#e-%oots fa% belo,.
B4ellW that has ot $s o# a bit&C sai! Ga#!alfS Ba#! e"e# obli#s t%a)'i# $s ,ill ha"e
a Pob to )o*e !o,# he%e .$ietl(.C
BI !a%esa(&C %$*ble! Bo*b$%S Bb$t the( ,o#3t fi#! it !iffi)$lt to se#! sto#es
bo$#)i# !o,# o# o$% hea!s.C The !,a%"es @a#! BilboA ,e%e feeli# fa% f%o* ha++(&
a#! ,e%e %$bbi# thei% b%$ise! a#! !a*ae! les a#! feet.
BNo#se#seW 4e a%e oi# to t$%# asi!e he%e o$t of the +ath of the sli!e. 4e *$st be
.$i)'W Loo' at the lihtWC
The s$# ha! lo# o#e behi#! the *o$#tai#s. Al%ea!( the sha!o,s ,e%e !ee+e#i#
abo$t the*& tho$h fa% a,a( th%o$h the t%ees a#! o"e% the bla)' to+s of those
%o,i# lo,e% !o,# the( )o$l! still see the e"e#i# lihts o# the +lai#s be(o#!.
The( li*+e! alo# #o, as fast as the( ,e%e able !o,# the e#tle slo+es of a +i#e
fo%est i# a sla#ti# +ath lea!i# stea!il( so$th,a%!s. At ti*es the( ,e%e +$shi#
th%o$h a sea of b%a)'e# ,ith tall f%o#!s %isi# %iht abo"e the hobbit3s hea!S at
ti*es the( ,e%e *a%)hi# alo# .$iet as .$iet o"e% a floo% of +i#e-#ee!lesS a#! all
the ,hile the fo%est-loo* ot hea"ie% a#! the fo%est-sile#)e !ee+e%. The%e ,as #o
,i#! that e"e#i# to b%i# e"e# a sea-sihi# i#to the b%a#)hes of the t%ees.
B0$st ,e o a#( f$%the%VC as'e! Bilbo& ,he# it ,as so !a%' that he )o$l! o#l( P$st see Tho%i#3s
bea%! ,ai# besi!e hi*& a#! so .$iet that he )o$l! hea% the !,a%"es3 b%eathi# li'e a lo$!
#oise. B0( toes a%e all b%$ise! a#! be#t& a#! *( les a)he& a#! *( sto*a)h is ,ai# li'e a#
e*+t( sa)'.C
BA bit f$%the%&C sai! Ga#!alf.
Afte% ,hat see*e! aes f$%the% the( )a*e s$!!e#l( to a# o+e#i# ,he%e #o t%ees
%e,. The *oo# ,as $+ a#! ,as shi#i# i#to the )lea%i#. /o*eho, it st%$)' all of
the* as #ot at all a #i)e +la)e& altho$h the%e ,as #othi# ,%o# to see.
All of a s$!!e# the( hea%! a ho,l a,a( !o,# hill& a lo# sh$!!e%i# ho,l. It ,as
a#s,e%e! b( a#othe% a,a( to the %iht a#! a oo! !eal #ea%e% to the*S the# b(
a#othe% #ot fa% a,a( to the left. It ,as ,ol"es ho,li# at the *oo#& ,ol"es
athe%i# toethe%W
The%e ,e%e #o ,ol"es li"i# #ea% 0%. Bai#s3 hole at ho*e& b$t he '#e, that #oise.
He ha! ha! it !es)%ibe! to hi* ofte# e#o$h i# tales. O#e of his el!e% )o$si#s @o#
the Too' si!eA& ,ho ha! bee# a %eat t%a"elle%& $se! to i*itate it to f%ihte# hi*. To
hea% it o$t i# the fo%est $#!e% the *oo# ,as too *$)h fo% Bilbo. E"e# *ai) %i#s
a%e #ot *$)h $se aai#st ,ol"esUes+e)iall( aai#st the e"il +a)'s that li"e! $#!e%
the sha!o, of the obli#-i#feste! *o$#tai#s& o"e% the E!e of the 4il! o# the
bo%!e%s of the $#'#o,#. 4ol"es of that so%t s*ell 'ee#e% tha# obli#s& a#! !o #ot
#ee! to see (o$ to )at)h (o$W
B4hat shall ,e !o& ,hat shall ,e !oWC he )%ie!. BEs)a+i# obli#s to be )a$ht b(
,ol"esWC he sai!& a#! it be)a*e a +%o"e%b& tho$h ,e #o, sa( Bo$t of the f%(i#-
+a# i#to the fi%eC i# the sa*e so%t of $#)o*fo%table sit$atio#s.
B8+ the t%ees .$i)'WC )%ie! Ga#!alfS a#! the( %a# to the t%ees at the e!e of the
la!e& h$#ti# fo% those that ha! b%a#)hes fai%l( lo,& o% ,e%e sle#!e% e#o$h to
s,a%* $+. The( fo$#! the* as .$i)' as e"e% the( )o$l!& (o$ )a# $essS a#! $+ the(
,e#t as hih as e"e% the( )o$l! t%$st the b%a#)hes. Yo$ ,o$l! ha"e la$he! @f%o* a
safe !ista#)eA& if (o$ ha! see# the !,a%"es sitti# $+ i# the t%ees ,ith thei% bea%!s
!a#li# !o,#& li'e ol! e#tle*e# o#e )%a)'e! a#! +la(i# at bei# bo(s. 1ili a#!
Kili ,e%e at the to+ of a tall la%)h li'e a# e#o%*o$s Ch%ist*as t%ee. Do%i& No%i& O%i&
Oi#& a#! Gloi# ,e%e *o%e )o*fo%table i# a h$e +i#e ,ith %e$la% b%a#)hes sti)'i#
o$t at i#te%"als li'e the s+o'es of a ,heel. Bif$%& Bof$%& Bo*b$%& a#! Tho%i# ,e%e i#
a#othe%. D,ali# a#! Bali# ha! s,a%*e! $+ a tall sle#!e% fi% ,ith fe, b%a#)hes a#!
,e%e t%(i# to fi#! a +la)e to sit i# the %ee#e%( of the to+*ost bo$hs. Ga#!alf&
,ho ,as a oo! !eal talle% tha# the othe%s& ha! fo$#! a t%ee i#to ,hi)h the( )o$l!
#ot )li*b& a la%e +i#e sta#!i# at the "e%( e!e of the la!e. He ,as .$ite hi!!e# i#
its bo$hs& b$t (o$ )o$l! see his e(es lea*i# i# the *oo# as he +ee+e! o$t.
A#! BilboV He )o$l! #ot et i#to a#( t%ee& a#! ,as s)$ttli# abo$t f%o* t%$#' to
t%$#'& li'e a %abbit that has lost its hole a#! has a !o afte% it.
BYo$3"e left the b$%la% behi#! aai#WC sai! No%i to Do%i loo'i# !o,#.
BI )a#3t be al,a(s )a%%(i# b$%la%s o# *( ba)'&C sai! Do%i& B!o,# t$##els a#! $+
t%eesW 4hat !o (o$ thi#' I a*V A +o%te%VC
BHe3ll be eate# if ,e !o#3t !o so*ethi#&C sai! Tho%i#& fo% the%e ,e%e ho,ls all
%o$#! the* #o,& etti# #ea%e% a#! #ea%e%. BDo%iWC he )alle!& fo% Do%i ,as lo,est
!o,# i# the easiest t%ee& Bbe .$i)'& a#! i"e 0%. Bai#s a ha#! $+WC
Do%i ,as %eall( a !e)e#t fello, i# s+ite of his %$*bli#. 5oo% Bilbo )o$l! #ot %ea)h
his ha#! e"e# ,he# he )li*be! !o,# to the botto* b%a#)h a#! h$# his a%* !o,#
as fa% as e"e% he )o$l!. /o Do%i a)t$all( )li*be! o$t of the t%ee a#! let Bilbo
s)%a*ble $+ a#! sta#! o# his ba)'.
J$st at that *o*e#t the ,ol"es t%otte! ho,li# i#to the )lea%i#. All of a s$!!e#
the%e ,e%e h$#!%e!s of e(es loo'i# at the*. /till Do%i !i! #ot let Bilbo !o,#. He
,aite! till he ha! )la*be%e! off his sho$l!e%s i#to the b%a#)hes& a#! the# he P$*+e!
fo% the b%a#)hes hi*self. O#l( P$st i# ti*eW A ,olf s#a++e! at his )loa' as he s,$#
$+& a#! #ea%l( ot hi*. I# a *i#$te the%e ,as a ,hole +a)' of the* (el+i# all
%o$#! the t%ee a#! lea+i# $+ at the t%$#'& ,ith e(es blaHi# a#! to#$es ha#i#
o$t.
B$t e"e# the ,il! 4a%s @fo% so the e"il ,ol"es o"e% the E!e of the 4il! ,e%e
#a*e!A )a##ot )li*b t%ees. 1o% a ti*e the( ,e%e safe. L$)'il( it ,as ,a%* a#! #ot
,i#!(. T%ees a%e #ot "e%( )o*fo%table to sit i# fo% lo# at a#( ti*eS b$t i# the )ol!
a#! the ,i#!& ,ith ,ol"es all %o$#! belo, ,aiti# fo% (o$& the( )a# be +e%fe)tl(
*ise%able +la)es.
This la!e i# the %i# of t%ees ,as e"i!e#tl( a *eeti#-+la)e of the ,ol"es. 0o%e a#!
*o%e 'e+t )o*i# i#. The( left $a%!s at the foot of the t%ee i# ,hi)h Do%i a#! Bilbo
,e%e& a#! the# ,e#t s#$ffli# abo$t till the( ha! s*elt o$t e"e%( t%ee that ha!
a#(o#e i# it. These the( $a%!e! too& ,hile all the %est @h$#!%e!s a#! h$#!%e!s it
see*e!A ,e#t a#! sat i# a %eat )i%)le i# the la!eS a#! i# the *i!!le of the )i%)le
,as a %eat %e( ,olf. He s+o'e to the* i# the !%ea!f$l la#$ae of the 4a%s.
Ga#!alf $#!e%stoo! it. Bilbo !i! #ot& b$t it so$#!e! te%%ible to hi*& a#! as if all thei%
tal' ,as abo$t )%$el a#! ,i)'e! thi#s& as it ,as. E"e%( #o, a#! the# all the 4a%s
i# the )i%)le ,o$l! a#s,e% thei% %e( )hief all toethe%& a#! thei% !%ea!f$l )la*o$%
al*ost *a!e the hobbit fall o$t of his +i#e-t%ee.
I ,ill tell (o$ ,hat Ga#!alf hea%!& tho$h Bilbo !i! #ot $#!e%sta#! it. The 4a%s a#!
the obli#s ofte# hel+e! o#e a#othe% i# ,i)'e! !ee!s. Gobli#s !o #ot $s$all(
"e#t$%e "e%( fa% f%o* thei% *o$#tai#s& $#less the( a%e !%i"e# o$t a#! a%e loo'i# fo%
#e, ho*es& o% a%e *a%)hi# to ,a% @,hi)h I a* la! to sa( has #ot ha++e#e! fo% a
lo# ,hileA. B$t i# those !a(s the( so*eti*es $se! to o o# %ai!s& es+e)iall( to et
foo! o% sla"es to ,o%' fo% the*. The# the( ofte# ot the 4a%s to hel+ a#! sha%e!
the +l$#!e% ,ith the*. /o*eti*es the( %o!e o# ,ol"es li'e *e# !o o# ho%ses. No,
it see*e! that a %eat obli#-%ai! ha! bee# +la##e! fo% that "e%( #iht. The 4a%s
ha! )o*e to *eet the obli#s a#! the obli#s ,e%e late. The %easo#& #o !o$bt& ,as
the !eath of the G%eat Gobli#& a#! all the eF)ite*e#t )a$se! b( the !,a%"es a#!
Bilbo a#! the ,iHa%!& fo% ,ho* the( ,e%e +%obabl( still h$#ti#.
I# s+ite of the !a#e%s of this fa% la#! bol! *e# ha! of late bee# *a'i# thei% ,a(
ba)' i#to it f%o* the /o$th& )$tti# !o,# t%ees& a#! b$il!i# the*sel"es +la)es to
li"e i# a*o# the *o%e +leasa#t ,oo!s i# the "alle(s a#! alo# the %i"e%-sho%es.
The%e ,e%e *a#( of the*& a#! the( ,e%e b%a"e a#! ,ell-a%*e!& a#! e"e# the 4a%s
!a%e! #ot atta)' the* if the%e ,e%e *a#( toethe%& o% i# the b%iht !a(. B$t #o,
the( ha! +la##e! ,ith the obli#s3 hel+ to )o*e b( #iht $+o# so*e of the "illaes
#ea%est the *o$#tai#s. If thei% +la# ha! bee# )a%%ie! o$t& the%e ,o$l! ha"e bee#
#o#e left the%e #eFt !a(S all ,o$l! ha"e bee# 'ille! eF)e+t the fe, the obli#s 'e+t
f%o* the ,ol"es a#! )a%%ie! ba)' as +%iso#e%s to thei% )a"es.
This ,as !%ea!f$l tal' to liste# to& #ot o#l( be)a$se of the b%a"e ,oo!*e# a#! thei%
,i"es a#! )hil!%e#& b$t also be)a$se of the !a#e% ,hi)h #o, th%eate#e! Ga#!alf
a#! his f%ie#!s. The 4a%s ,e%e a#%( a#! +$HHle! at fi#!i# the* he%e i# thei% "e%(
*eeti#-+la)e. The( tho$ht the( ,e%e f%ie#!s of the ,oo!*e#& a#! ,e%e )o*e to
s+( o# the*& a#! ,o$l! ta'e #e,s of thei% +la#s !o,# i#to the "alle(s& a#! the# the
obli#s a#! the ,ol"es ,o$l! ha"e to fiht a te%%ible battle i#stea! of )a+t$%i#
+%iso#e%s a#! !e"o$%i# +eo+le ,a'e! s$!!e#l( f%o* thei% slee+. /o the 4a%s ha!
#o i#te#tio# of oi# a,a( a#! letti# the +eo+le $+ the t%ees es)a+e& at a#( %ate
#ot $#til *o%#i#. A#! lo# befo%e that& the( sai!& obli# sol!ie%s ,o$l! be )o*i#
!o,# f%o* the *o$#tai#sS a#! obli#s )a# )li*b t%ees& o% )$t the* !o,#.
No, (o$ )a# $#!e%sta#! ,h( Ga#!alf& liste#i# to thei% %o,li# a#! (el+i#& bea#
to be !%ea!f$ll( af%ai!& ,iHa%! tho$h he ,as& a#! to feel that the( ,e%e i# a "e%(
ba! +la)e& a#! ha! #ot (et es)a+e! at all. All the sa*e he ,as #ot oi# to let the*
ha"e it all thei% o,# ,a(& tho$h he )o$l! #ot !o "e%( *$)h st$)' $+ i# a tall t%ee
,ith ,ol"es all %o$#! o# the %o$#! belo,. He athe%e! the h$e +i#e-)o#es f%o*
the b%a#)hes of the t%ee. The# he set o#e aliht ,ith b%iht bl$e fi%e& a#! th%e, it
,hiHHi# !o,# a*o# the )i%)le of the ,ol"es. It st%$)' o#e o# the ba)'& a#!
i**e!iatel( his sha( )oat )a$ht fi%e& a#! he ,as lea+i# to a#! f%o (el+i#
ho%%ibl(. The# a#othe% )a*e a#! a#othe%& o#e i# bl$e fla*es& o#e i# %e!& a#othe% i#
%ee#. The( b$%st o# the %o$#! i# the *i!!le of the )i%)le a#! ,e#t off i# )olo$%e!
s+a%'s a#! s*o'e. A s+e)iall( la%e o#e hit the )hief ,olf o# the #ose& a#! he lea+e!
i# the ai% te# feet& a#! the# %$she! %o$#! a#! %o$#! the )i%)le biti# a#! s#a++i#
e"e# at the othe% ,ol"es i# his a#e% a#! f%iht.
The !,a%"es a#! Bilbo sho$te! a#! )hee%e!. The %ae of the ,ol"es ,as te%%ible to
see& a#! the )o**otio# the( *a!e fille! all the fo%est. 4ol"es a%e af%ai! of fi%e at
all ti*es& b$t this ,as a *ost ho%%ible a#! $#)a##( fi%e. If a s+a%' ot i# thei% )oats it
st$)' a#! b$%#e! i#to the*& a#! $#less the( %olle! o"e% .$i)' the( ,e%e soo# all i#
fla*es. 7e%( soo# all abo$t the la!e ,ol"es ,e%e %olli# o"e% a#! o"e% to +$t o$t
the s+a%'s o# thei% ba)'s& ,hile those that ,e%e b$%#i# ,e%e %$##i# abo$t
ho,li# a#! setti# othe%s aliht& till thei% o,# f%ie#!s )hase! the* a,a( a#! the(
fle! off !o,# the slo+es )%(i# a#! (a**e%i# a#! loo'i# fo% ,ate%.
B4hat is all this $+%oa% i# the fo%est to#ihtVC sai! the Lo%! of the Eales. He ,as sitti#& bla)'
i# the *oo#liht& o# the to+ of a lo#el( +i##a)le of %o)' at the easte%# e!e of the *o$#tai#s.
BI hea% ,ol"es3 "oi)esW A%e the obli#s at *is)hief i# the ,oo!sVC
He s,e+t $+ i#to the ai%& a#! i**e!iatel( t,o of his $a%!s f%o* the %o)'s at eithe%
ha#! lea+e! $+ to follo, hi*. The( )i%)le! $+ i# the s'( a#! loo'e! !o,# $+o# the
%i# of the 4a%s& a ti#( s+ot fa% fa% belo,. B$t eales ha"e 'ee# e(es a#! )a# see
s*all thi#s at a %eat !ista#)e. The Lo%! of the Eales of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s ha!
e(es that )o$l! loo' at the s$# $#bli#'i#& a#! )o$l! see a %abbit *o"i# o# the
%o$#! a *ile belo, e"e# i# the *oo#liht. /o tho$h he )o$l! #ot see the +eo+le i#
the t%ees& he )o$l! *a'e o$t the )o**otio# a*o# the ,ol"es a#! see the ti#(
flashes of fi%e& a#! hea% the ho,li# a#! (el+i# )o*e $+ fai#t f%o* fa% be#eath
hi*. Also he )o$l! see the li#t of the *oo# o# obli# s+ea%s a#! hel*ets& as lo#
li#es of the ,i)'e! fol' )%e+t !o,# the hillsi!es f%o* thei% ate a#! ,o$#! i#to the
,oo!.
Eales a%e #ot 'i#!l( bi%!s. /o*e a%e )o,a%!l( a#! )%$el. B$t the a#)ie#t %a)e of the
#o%the%# *o$#tai#s ,e%e the %eatest of all bi%!sS the( ,e%e +%o$! a#! st%o# a#!
#oble-hea%te!. The( !i! #ot lo"e obli#s& o% fea% the*. 4he# the( too' a#( #oti)e
of the* at all @,hi)h ,as sel!o*& fo% the( !i! #ot eat s$)h )%eat$%esA& the( s,oo+e!
o# the* a#! !%o"e the* sh%ie'i# ba)' to thei% )a"es& a#! sto++e! ,hate"e%
,i)'e!#ess the( ,e%e !oi#. The obli#s hate! the eales a#! fea%e! the*& b$t
)o$l! #ot %ea)h thei% loft( seats& o% !%i"e the* f%o* the *o$#tai#s.
To#iht the Lo%! of the Eales ,as fille! ,ith )$%iosit( to '#o, ,hat ,as afootS so he
s$**o#e! *a#( othe% eales to hi*& a#! the( fle, a,a( f%o* the *o$#tai#s& a#!
slo,l( )i%)li# e"e% %o$#! a#! %o$#! the( )a*e !o,#& !o,#& !o,# to,a%!s the %i#
of the ,ol"es a#! the *eeti#-+la)e of the obli#s.
A "e%( oo! thi# tooW D%ea!f$l thi#s ha! bee# oi# o# !o,# the%e. The ,ol"es
that ha! )a$ht fi%e a#! fle! i#to the fo%est ha! set it aliht i# se"e%al +la)es. It ,as
hih s$**e%& a#! o# this easte%# si!e of the *o$#tai#s the%e ha! bee# little %ai#
fo% so*e ti*e. Yello,i# b%a)'e#& falle# b%a#)hes& !ee+-+ile! +i#e-#ee!les& a#!
he%e a#! the%e !ea! t%ees& ,e%e soo# i# fla*es. All %o$#! the )lea%i# of the 4a%s
fi%e ,as lea+i#. B$t the ,olf-$a%!s !i! #ot lea"e the t%ees. 0a!!e#e! a#! a#%(
the( ,e%e lea+i# a#! ho,li# %o$#! the t%$#'s& a#! )$%si# the !,a%"es i# thei%
ho%%ible la#$ae& ,ith thei% to#$es ha#i# o$t& a#! thei% e(es shi#i# as %e! a#!
fie%)e as the fla*es.
The# s$!!e#l( obli#s )a*e %$##i# $+ (elli#. The( tho$ht a battle ,ith the
,oo!*e# ,as oi# o#S b$t the( soo# lea%#e! ,hat ha! %eall( ha++e#e!. /o*e of
the* a)t$all( sat !o,# a#! la$he!. Othe%s ,a"e! thei% s+ea%s a#! )lashe! the
shafts aai#st thei% shiel!s. Gobli#s a%e #ot af%ai! of fi%e& a#! the( soo# ha! a +la#
,hi)h see*e! to the* *ost a*$si#.
/o*e ot all the ,ol"es toethe% i# a +a)'. /o*e sta)'e! fe%# a#! b%$sh,oo! %o$#!
the t%ee-t%$#'s. Othe%s %$she! %o$#! a#! sta*+e! a#! beat& a#! beat a#! sta*+e!&
$#til #ea%l( all the fla*es ,e%e +$t o$tUb$t the( !i! #ot +$t o$t the fi%e #ea%est to
the t%ees ,he%e the !,a%"es ,e%e. That fi%e the( fe! ,ith lea"es a#! !ea! b%a#)hes
a#! b%a)'e#. /oo# the( ha! a %i# of s*o'e a#! fla*e all %o$#! the !,a%"es& a %i#
,hi)h the( 'e+t f%o* s+%ea!i# o$t,a%!sS b$t it )lose! slo,l( i#& till the %$##i# fi%e
,as li)'i# the f$el +ile! $#!e% the t%ees. /*o'e ,as i# Bilbo3s e(es& he )o$l! feel
the heat of the fla*esS a#! th%o$h the %ee' he )o$l! see the obli#s !a#)i# %o$#!
a#! %o$#! i# a )i%)le li'e +eo+le %o$#! a *i!s$**e% bo#fi%e. O$tsi!e the %i# of
!a#)i# ,a%%io%s ,ith s+ea%s a#! aFes stoo! the ,ol"es at a %es+e)tf$l !ista#)e&
,at)hi# a#! ,aiti#.
He )o$l! hea% the obli#s bei##i# a ho%%ible so#2
1iftee# bi%!s i# fi"e fi%-t%ees&
thei% feathe%s ,e%e fa##e! i# a fie%( b%eeHeW
B$t& f$##( little bi%!s& the( ha! #o ,i#sW
O ,hat shall ,e !o ,ith the f$##( little thi#sV Roast 3e* ali"e& o% ste, the* i# a +otS
f%( the*& boil the* a#! eat the* hotV
The# the( sto++e! a#! sho$te! o$t2 B1l( a,a( little bi%!sW 1l( a,a( if (o$ )a#W Co*e
!o,# little bi%!s& o% (o$ ,ill et %oaste! i# (o$% #estsW /i#& si# little bi%!sW 4h(
!o#3t (o$ si#VC
BGo a,a(W little bo(sWC sho$te! Ga#!alf i# a#s,e%. BIt is#3t bi%!-#esti# ti*e. Also
#a$ht( little bo(s that +la( ,ith fi%e et +$#ishe!.C He sai! it to *a'e the* a#%(&
a#! to sho, the* he ,as #ot f%ihte#e! of the*Utho$h of )o$%se he ,as& ,iHa%!
tho$h he ,as. B$t the( too' #o #oti)e& a#! the( ,e#t o# si#i#.
B$%#& b$%# t%ee a#! fe%#W
/h%i"el a#! s)o%)hW A fiHHli# to%)h
To liht the #iht fo% o$% !eliht&
Ya he(W
Ba'e a#! toast 3e*& f%( a#! %oast 3e*W
till bea%!s blaHe& a#! e(es laHeS
till hai% s*ells a#! s'i#s )%a)'&
fat *elts& a#! bo#es bla)'
i# )i#!e%s lie
be#eath the s'(W
/o !,a%"es shall !ie&
a#! liht the #iht fo% o$% !eliht&
Ya he(W
Ya-ha%%i-he(W
Ya ho(W
A#! ,ith that Ya ho(W the fla*es ,e%e $#!e% Ga#!alf3s t%ee. I# a *o*e#t it s+%ea!
to the othe%s. The ba%' )a$ht fi%e& the lo,e% b%a#)hes )%a)'e!.
The# Ga#!alf )li*be! to the to+ of his t%ee. The s$!!e# s+le#!o$% flashe! f%o* his
,a#! li'e liht#i#& as he ot %ea!( to s+%i# !o,# f%o* o# hih %iht a*o# the
s+ea%s of the obli#s. That ,o$l! ha"e bee# the e#! of hi*& tho$h he ,o$l!
+%obabl( ha"e 'ille! *a#( of the* as he )a*e h$%tli# !o,# li'e a th$#!e%bolt. B$t
he #e"e% lea+e!.
J$st at that *o*e#t the Lo%! of the Eales s,e+t !o,# f%o* abo"e& seiHe! hi* i# his
talo#s& a#! ,as o#e.
The%e ,as a ho,l of a#e% a#! s$%+%ise f%o* the obli#s. Lo$! )%ie! the Lo%! of the Eales& to
,ho* Ga#!alf ha! #o, s+o'e#. Ba)' s,e+t the %eat bi%!s that ,e%e ,ith hi*& a#! !o,# the(
)a*e li'e h$e bla)' sha!o,s. The ,ol"es (a**e%e! a#! #ashe! thei% teethS the obli#s
(elle! a#! sta*+e! ,ith %ae& a#! fl$# thei% hea"( s+ea%s i# the ai% i# "ai#. O"e% the*
s,oo+e! the ealesS the !a%' %$sh of thei% beati# ,i#s s*ote the* to the floo% o% !%o"e
the* fa% a,a(S thei% talo#s to%e at obli# fa)es. Othe% bi%!s fle, to the t%ee-to+s a#! seiHe!
the !,a%"es& ,ho ,e%e s)%a*bli# $+ #o, as fa% as the( e"e% !a%e! to o.
5oo% little Bilbo ,as "e%( #ea%l( left behi#! aai#W He P$st *a#ae! to )at)h hol! of
Do%i3s les& as Do%i ,as bo%#e off last of allS a#! $+ the( ,e#t toethe% abo"e the
t$*$lt a#! the b$%#i#& Bilbo s,i#i# i# the ai% ,ith his a%*s #ea%l( b%ea'i#.
No, fa% belo, the obli#s a#! the ,ol"es ,e%e s)atte%i# fa% a#! ,i!e i# the ,oo!s.
A fe, eales ,e%e still )i%)li# a#! s,ee+i# abo"e the battle%o$#!. The fla*es
abo$t the t%ees s+%a# s$!!e#l( $+ abo"e the hihest b%a#)hes. The( ,e#t $+ i#
)%a)'li# fi%e. The%e ,as a s$!!e# fl$%%( of s+a%'s a#! s*o'e. Bilbo ha! es)a+e!
o#l( P$st i# ti*eW
/oo# the liht of the b$%#i# ,as fai#t belo,& a %e! t,i#'le o# the bla)' floo%S a#!
the( ,e%e hih $+ i# the s'(& %isi# all the ti*e i# st%o# s,ee+i# )i%)les. Bilbo
#e"e% fo%ot that fliht& )li#i# o#to Do%i3s a#'les. He *oa#e! B*( a%*s& *(
a%*sWCS b$t Do%i %oa#e! B*( +oo% les& *( +oo% lesWC
At the best of ti*es heihts *a!e Bilbo i!!(. He $se! to t$%# .$ee% if he loo'e!
o"e% the e!e of .$ite a little )liffS a#! he ha! #e"e% li'e! la!!e%s& let alo#e t%ees
@#e"e% ha"i# ha! to es)a+e f%o* ,ol"es befo%eA. /o (o$ )a# i*ai#e ho, his hea!
s,a* #o,& ,he# he loo'e! !o,# bet,ee# his !a#li# toes a#! sa, the !a%' la#!s
o+e#i# ,i!e $#!e%#eath hi*& to$)he! he%e a#! the%e ,ith the liht of the *oo#
o# a hill-si!e %o)' o% a st%ea* i# the +lai#s.
The +ale +ea's of the *o$#tai#s ,e%e )o*i# #ea%e%& *oo#lit s+i'es of %o)' sti)'i#
o$t of bla)' sha!o,s. /$**e% o% #ot& it see*e! "e%( )ol!. He sh$t his e(es a#!
,o#!e%e! if he )o$l! hol! o# a#( lo#e%. The# he i*ai#e! ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# if he
!i! #ot. He felt si)'.
The fliht e#!e! o#l( P$st i# ti*e fo% hi*& P$st befo%e his a%*s a"e ,a(. He loose!
Do%i3s a#'les ,ith a as+ a#! fell o#to the %o$h +latfo%* of a# eale3s e(%ie. The%e
he la( ,itho$t s+ea'i#& a#! his tho$hts ,e%e a *iFt$%e of s$%+%ise at bei# sa"e!
f%o* the fi%e& a#! fea% lest he fall off that #a%%o, +la)e i#to the !ee+ sha!o,s o#
eithe% si!e. He ,as feeli# "e%( .$ee% i#!ee! i# his hea! b( this ti*e afte% the
!%ea!f$l a!"e#t$%es of the last th%ee !a(s ,ith #eFt to #othi# to eat& a#! he fo$#!
hi*self sa(i# alo$!2 BNo, I '#o, ,hat a +ie)e of ba)o# feels li'e ,he# it is
s$!!e#l( +i)'e! o$t of the +a# o# a fo%' a#! +$t ba)' o# the shelfWC
BNo (o$ !o#3tWC he hea%! Do%i a#s,e%i#& Bbe)a$se the ba)o# '#o,s that it ,ill et
ba)' i# the +a# soo#e% o% late%S a#! it is to be ho+e! ,e sha#3t. Also eales a%e#3t
fo%'sWC
BO #oW Not a bit li'e sto%'sUfo%'s& I *ea#&C sai! Bilbo sitti# $+ a#! loo'i#
a#Fio$sl( at the eale ,ho ,as +e%)he! )lose b(. He ,o#!e%e! ,hat othe%
#o#se#se he ha! bee# sa(i#& a#! if the eale ,o$l! thi#' it %$!e. Yo$ o$ht #ot to
be %$!e to a# eale& ,he# (o$ a%e o#l( the siHe of a hobbit& a#! a%e $+ i# his e(%ie at
#ihtW
The eale o#l( sha%+e#e! his bea' o# a sto#e a#! t%i**e! his feathe%s a#! too' #o
#oti)e.
/oo# a#othe% eale fle, $+. BThe Lo%! of the Eales bi!s (o$ to b%i# (o$% +%iso#e%s
to the G%eat /helf&C he )%ie! a#! ,as off aai#. The othe% seiHe! Do%i i# his )la,s
a#! fle, a,a( ,ith hi* i#to the #iht lea"i# Bilbo all alo#e. He ha! P$st st%e#th to
,o#!e% ,hat the *esse#e% ha! *ea#t b( 6+%iso#e%s&3 a#! to bei# to thi#' of
bei# to%# $+ fo% s$++e% li'e a %abbit& ,he# his o,# t$%# )a*e.
The eale )a*e ba)'& seiHe! hi* i# his talo#s b( the ba)' of his )oat& a#! s,oo+e!
off. This ti*e he fle, o#l( a sho%t ,a(. 7e%( soo# Bilbo ,as lai! !o,#& t%e*bli#
,ith fea%& o# a ,i!e shelf of %o)' o# the *o$#tai#-si!e. The%e ,as #o +ath !o,# o#
to it sa"e b( fl(i#S a#! #o +ath !o,# off it eF)e+t b( P$*+i# o"e% a +%e)i+i)e. The%e
he fo$#! all the othe%s sitti# ,ith thei% ba)'s to the *o$#tai# ,all. The Lo%! of the
Eales also ,as the%e a#! ,as s+ea'i# to Ga#!alf.
It see*e! that Bilbo ,as #ot oi# to be eate# afte% all. The ,iHa%! a#! the eale-
lo%! a++ea%e! to '#o, o#e a#othe% slihtl(& a#! e"e# to be o# f%ie#!l( te%*s. As a
*atte% of fa)t Ga#!alf& ,ho ha! ofte# bee# i# the *o$#tai#s& ha! o#)e %e#!e%e! a
se%"i)e to the eales a#! heale! thei% lo%! f%o* a# a%%o,-,o$#!. /o (o$ see
6+%iso#e%s3 ha! *ea#t 6+%iso#e%s %es)$e! f%o* the obli#s3 o#l(& a#! #ot )a+ti"es of
the eales. As Bilbo liste#e! to the tal' of Ga#!alf he %ealiHe! that at last the( ,e%e
oi# to es)a+e %eall( a#! t%$l( f%o* the !%ea!f$l *o$#tai#s. He ,as !is)$ssi#
+la#s ,ith the G%eat Eale fo% )a%%(i# the !,a%"es a#! hi*self a#! Bilbo fa% a,a(
a#! setti# the* !o,# ,ell o# thei% Po$%#e( a)%oss the +lai#s belo,.
The 0ist( 0o$#tai#s Loo'i# 4est f%o* the E(%ie to,a%!s Gobli# Gate
The Lo%! of the Eales ,o$l! #ot ta'e the* a#(,he%e #ea% ,he%e *e# li"e!. BThe(
,o$l! shoot at $s ,ith thei% %eat bo,s of (e,&C he sai!& Bfo% the( ,o$l! thi#' ,e
,e%e afte% thei% shee+. A#! at othe% ti*es the( ,o$l! be %iht. NoW ,e a%e la! to
)heat the obli#s of thei% s+o%t& a#! la! to %e+a( o$% tha#'s to (o$& b$t ,e ,ill #ot
%is' o$%sel"es fo% !,a%"es i# the so$th,a%! +lai#s.C
B7e%( ,ell&C sai! Ga#!alf. BTa'e $s ,he%e a#! as fa% as (o$ ,illW 4e a%e al%ea!(
!ee+l( oblie! to (o$. B$t i# the *ea#ti*e ,e a%e fa*ishe! ,ith h$#e%.C
BI a* #ea%l( !ea! of it&C sai! Bilbo i# a ,ea' little "oi)e that #obo!( hea%!.
BThat )a# +e%ha+s be *e#!e!&C sai! the Lo%! of the Eales.
Late% o# (o$ *iht ha"e see# a b%iht fi%e o# the shelf of %o)' a#! the fi$%es of the
!,a%"es %o$#! it )oo'i# a#! *a'i# a fi#e %oasti# s*ell. The eales ha! b%o$ht
$+ !%( bo$hs fo% f$el& a#! the( ha! b%o$ht %abbits& ha%es& a#! a s*all shee+. The
!,a%"es *a#ae! all the +%e+a%atio#s. Bilbo ,as too ,ea' to hel+& a#! a#(,a( he
,as #ot *$)h oo! at s'i##i# %abbits o% )$tti# $+ *eat& bei# $se! to ha"i# it
!eli"e%e! b( the b$t)he% all %ea!( to )oo'. Ga#!alf& too& ,as l(i# !o,# afte% !oi#
his +a%t i# setti# the fi%e oi#& si#)e Oi# a#! Gloi# ha! lost thei% ti#!e%-boFes.
@D,a%"es ha"e #e"e% ta'e# to *at)hes e"e# (et.A
/o e#!e! the a!"e#t$%es of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s. /oo# Bilbo3s sto*a)h ,as feeli#
f$ll a#! )o*fo%table aai#& a#! he felt he )o$l! slee+ )o#te#te!l(& tho$h %eall( he
,o$l! ha"e li'e! a loaf a#! b$tte% bette% tha# bits of *eat toaste! o# sti)'s. He
sle+t )$%le! $+ o# the ha%! %o)' *o%e so$#!l( tha# e"e% he ha! !o#e o# his feathe%-
be! i# his o,# little hole at ho*e. B$t all #iht he !%ea*e! of his o,# ho$se a#!
,a#!e%e! i# his slee+ i#to all his !iffe%e#t %oo*s loo'i# fo% so*ethi# that he
)o$l! #ot fi#! #o% %e*e*be% ,hat it loo'e! li'e.
Cha+te% 7II
:8EER LODGING/
The #eFt *o%#i# Bilbo ,o'e $+ ,ith the ea%l( s$# i# his e(es. He P$*+e! $+ to loo' at the
ti*e a#! to o a#! +$t his 'ettle o#Ua#! fo$#! he ,as #ot ho*e at all. /o he sat !o,# a#!
,ishe! i# "ai# fo% a ,ash a#! a b%$sh. He !i! #ot et eithe%& #o% tea #o% toast #o% ba)o# fo% his
b%ea'fast& o#l( )ol! *$tto# a#! %abbit. A#! afte% that he ha! to et %ea!( fo% a f%esh sta%t.
This ti*e he ,as allo,e! to )li*b o# to a# eale3s ba)' a#! )li# bet,ee# his ,i#s.
The ai% %$she! o"e% hi* a#! he sh$t his e(es. The !,a%"es ,e%e )%(i# fa%e,ells a#!
+%o*isi# to %e+a( the Lo%! of the Eales if e"e% the( )o$l!& as off %ose fiftee# %eat
bi%!s f%o* the *o$#tai#3s si!e. The s$# ,as still )lose to the easte%# e!e of thi#s.
The *o%#i# ,as )ool& a#! *ists ,e%e i# the "alle(s a#! hollo,s a#! t,i#e! he%e
a#! the%e abo$t the +ea's a#! +i##a)les of the hills. Bilbo o+e#e! a# e(e to +ee+
a#! sa, that the bi%!s ,e%e al%ea!( hih $+ a#! the ,o%l! ,as fa% a,a(& a#! the
*o$#tai#s ,e%e falli# ba)' behi#! the* i#to the !ista#)e. He sh$t his e(es aai#
a#! hel! o# tihte%.
BDo#3t +i#)hWC sai! his eale. BYo$ #ee! #ot be f%ihte#e! li'e a %abbit& e"e# if (o$
loo' %athe% li'e o#e. It is a fai% *o%#i# ,ith little ,i#!. 4hat is fi#e% tha# fl(i#VC
Bilbo ,o$l! ha"e li'e! to sa(2 BA ,a%* bath a#! late b%ea'fast o# the la,#
afte%,a%!sSC b$t he tho$ht it bette% to sa( #othi# at all& a#! to let o his )l$t)h
P$st a ti#( bit.
Afte% a oo! ,hile the eales *$st ha"e see# the +oi#t the( ,e%e *a'i# fo%& e"e#
f%o* thei% %eat heiht& fo% the( bea# to o !o,# )i%)li# %o$#! i# %eat s+i%als.
The( !i! this fo% a lo# ,hile& a#! at last the hobbit o+e#e! his e(es aai#. The
ea%th ,as *$)h #ea%e%& a#! belo, the* ,e%e t%ees that loo'e! li'e oa's a#! el*s&
a#! ,i!e %ass la#!s& a#! a %i"e% %$##i# th%o$h it all. B$t )%o++i# o$t of the
%o$#!& %iht i# the +ath of the st%ea* ,hi)h loo+e! itself abo$t it& ,as a %eat %o)'&
al*ost a hill of sto#e& li'e a last o$t+ost of the !ista#t *o$#tai#s& o% a h$e +ie)e
)ast *iles i#to the +lai# b( so*e ia#t a*o# ia#ts.
:$i)'l( #o, to the to+ of this %o)' the eales s,oo+e! o#e b( o#e a#! set !o,#
thei% +asse#e%s.
B1a%e,ellWC the( )%ie!& B,he%e"e% (o$ fa%e& till (o$% e(%ies %e)ei"e (o$ at the
Po$%#e(3s e#!WC That is the +olite thi# to sa( a*o# eales.
B0a( the ,i#! $#!e% (o$% ,i#s bea% (o$ ,he%e the s$# sails a#! the *oo# ,al's&C
a#s,e%e! Ga#!alf& ,ho '#e, the )o%%e)t %e+l(.
A#! so the( +a%te!. A#! tho$h the Lo%! of the Eales be)a*e i# afte% !a(s the Ki#
of All Bi%!s a#! ,o%e a ol!e# )%o,#& a#! his fiftee# )hieftai#s ol!e# )olla%s @*a!e
of the ol! that the !,a%"es a"e the*A& Bilbo #e"e% sa, the* aai#UeF)e+t hih
a#! fa% off i# the battle of 1i"e A%*ies. B$t as that )o*es i# at the e#! of this tale ,e
,ill sa( #o *o%e abo$t it P$st #o,.
The%e ,as a flat s+a)e o# the to+ of the hill of sto#e a#! a ,ell ,o%# +ath ,ith *a#(
ste+s lea!i# !o,# it to the %i"e%& a)%oss ,hi)h a fo%! of h$e flat sto#es le! to the
%ass-la#! be(o#! the st%ea*. The%e ,as a little )a"e @a ,holeso*e o#e ,ith a
+ebbl( floo%A at the foot of the ste+s a#! #ea% the e#! of the sto#( fo%!. He%e the
+a%t( athe%e! a#! !is)$sse! ,hat ,as to be !o#e.
BI al,a(s *ea#t to see (o$ all safe @if +ossibleA o"e% the *o$#tai#s&C sai! the ,iHa%!&
Ba#! #o, b( oo! *a#ae*e#t a#! oo! l$)' I ha"e !o#e it. I#!ee! ,e a%e #o, a
oo! !eal f$%the% east tha# I e"e% *ea#t to )o*e ,ith (o$& fo% afte% all this is #ot
*( a!"e#t$%e. I *a( loo' i# o# it aai# befo%e it is all o"e%& b$t i# the *ea#,hile I
ha"e so*e othe% +%essi# b$si#ess to atte#! to.C
The !,a%"es %oa#e! a#! loo'e! *ost !ist%esse!& a#! Bilbo ,e+t. The( ha! be$#
to thi#' Ga#!alf ,as oi# to )o*e all the ,a( a#! ,o$l! al,a(s be the%e to hel+
the* o$t of !iffi)$lties. BI a* #ot oi# to !isa++ea% this "e%( i#sta#t&C sai! he. BI
)a# i"e (o$ a !a( o% t,o *o%e. 5%obabl( I )a# hel+ (o$ o$t of (o$% +%ese#t +liht&
a#! I #ee! a little hel+ *(self. 4e ha"e #o foo!& a#! #o baae& a#! #o +o#ies to
%i!eS a#! (o$ !o#3t '#o, ,he%e (o$ a%e. No, I )a# tell (o$ that. Yo$ a%e still so*e
*iles #o%th of the +ath ,hi)h ,e sho$l! ha"e bee# follo,i#& if ,e ha! #ot left the
*o$#tai# +ass i# a h$%%(. 7e%( fe, +eo+le li"e i# these +a%ts& $#less the( ha"e )o*e
he%e si#)e I ,as last !o,# this ,a(& ,hi)h is so*e (ea%s ao. B$t the%e is so*ebo!(
that I '#o, of& ,ho li"es #ot fa% a,a(. That /o*ebo!( *a!e the ste+s o# the %eat
%o)'Uthe Ca%%o)' I belie"e he )alls it. He !oes #ot )o*e he%e ofte#& )e%tai#l( #ot i#
the !a(ti*e& a#! it is #o oo! ,aiti# fo% hi*. I# fa)t it ,o$l! be "e%( !a#e%o$s.
4e *$st o a#! fi#! hi*S a#! if all oes ,ell at o$% *eeti#& I thi#' I shall be off a#!
,ish (o$ li'e the eales 6fa%e,ell ,he%e"e% (o$ fa%eW3C
The( bee! hi* #ot to lea"e the*. The( offe%e! hi* !%ao#-ol! a#! sil"e% a#!
Pe,els& b$t he ,o$l! #ot )ha#e his *i#!. B4e shall see& ,e shall seeWC he sai!&
Ba#! I thi#' I ha"e ea%#e! al%ea!( so*e of (o$% !%ao#-ol!U,he# (o$ ha"e ot it.C
Afte% that the( sto++e! +lea!i#. The# the( too' off thei% )lothes a#! bathe! i# the %i"e%&
,hi)h ,as shallo, a#! )lea% a#! sto#( at the fo%!. 4he# the( ha! !%ie! i# the s$#& ,hi)h ,as
#o, st%o# a#! ,a%*& the( ,e%e %ef%eshe!& if still so%e a#! a little h$#%(. /oo# the( )%osse!
the fo%! @)a%%(i# the hobbitA& a#! the# bea# to *a%)h th%o$h the lo# %ee# %ass a#!
!o,# the li#es of the ,i!e-a%*e! oa's a#! the tall el*s.
BA#! ,h( is it )alle! the Ca%%o)'VC as'e! Bilbo as he ,e#t alo# at the ,iHa%!3s si!e.
BHe )alle! it the Ca%%o)'& be)a$se )a%%o)' is his ,o%! fo% it. He )alls thi#s li'e that
)a%%o)'s& a#! this o#e is the Ca%%o)' be)a$se it is the o#l( o#e #ea% his ho*e a#! he
'#o,s it ,ell.C
B4ho )alls itV 4ho '#o,s itVC
BThe /o*ebo!( I s+o'e ofUa "e%( %eat +e%so#. Yo$ *$st all be "e%( +olite ,he# I
i#t%o!$)e (o$. I shall i#t%o!$)e (o$ slo,l(& t,o b( t,o& I thi#'S a#! (o$ *$st be
)a%ef$l #ot to a##o( hi*& o% hea"e# '#o,s ,hat ,ill ha++e#. He )a# be a++alli#
,he# he is a#%(& tho$h he is 'i#! e#o$h if h$*o$%e!. /till I ,a%# (o$ he ets
a#%( easil(.C
The !,a%"es all athe%e! %o$#! ,he# the( hea%! the ,iHa%! tal'i# li'e this to Bilbo.
BIs that the +e%so# (o$ a%e ta'i# $s to #o,VC the( as'e!. BCo$l!#3t (o$ fi#!
so*eo#e *o%e eas(-te*+e%e!V Ha!#3t (o$ bette% eF+lai# it all a bit )lea%e%VCUa#!
so o#.
BYes it )e%tai#l( isW No I )o$l! #otW A#! I ,as eF+lai#i# "e%( )a%ef$ll(&C a#s,e%e! the
,iHa%! )%ossl(. BIf (o$ *$st '#o, *o%e& his #a*e is Beo%#. He is "e%( st%o#& a#! he
is a s'i#-)ha#e%.C
B4hatW a f$%%ie%& a *a# that )alls %abbits )o#ies& ,he# he !oes#3t t$%# thei% s'i#s
i#to s.$i%%elsVC as'e! Bilbo.
BGoo! %a)io$s hea"e#s& #o& #o& NO& NOWC sai! Ga#!alf. BDo#3t be a fool 0%. Bai#s
if (o$ )a# hel+ itS a#! i# the #a*e of all ,o#!e% !o#3t *e#tio# the ,o%! f$%%ie%
aai# as lo# as (o$ a%e ,ithi# a h$#!%e! *iles of his ho$se& #o% %$& )a+e& ti++et&
*$ff& #o% a#( othe% s$)h $#fo%t$#ate ,o%!W He is a s'i#-)ha#e%. He )ha#es his
s'i#2 so*eti*es he is a h$e bla)' bea%& so*eti*es he is a %eat st%o# bla)'-hai%e!
*a# ,ith h$e a%*s a#! a %eat bea%!. I )a##ot tell (o$ *$)h *o%e& tho$h that
o$ht to be e#o$h. /o*e sa( that he is a bea% !es)e#!e! f%o* the %eat a#!
a#)ie#t bea%s of the *o$#tai#s that li"e! the%e befo%e the ia#ts )a*e. Othe%s sa(
that he is a *a# !es)e#!e! f%o* the fi%st *e# ,ho li"e! befo%e /*a$ o% the othe%
!%ao#s )a*e i#to this +a%t of the ,o%l!& a#! befo%e the obli#s )a*e i#to the hills
o$t of the No%th. I )a##ot sa(& tho$h I fa#)( the last is the t%$e tale. He is #ot the
so%t of +e%so# to as' .$estio#s of.
BAt a#( %ate he is $#!e% #o e#)ha#t*e#t b$t his o,#. He li"es i# a# oa'-,oo! a#!
has a %eat ,oo!e# ho$seS a#! as a *a# he 'ee+s )attle a#! ho%ses ,hi)h a%e
#ea%l( as *a%"ello$s as hi*self. The( ,o%' fo% hi* a#! tal' to hi*. He !oes #ot eat
the*S #eithe% !oes he h$#t o% eat ,il! a#i*als. He 'ee+s hi"es a#! hi"es of %eat
fie%)e bees& a#! li"es *ost o# )%ea* a#! ho#e(. As a bea% he %a#es fa% a#! ,i!e. I
o#)e sa, hi* sitti# all alo#e o# the to+ of the Ca%%o)' at #iht ,at)hi# the *oo#
si#'i# to,a%!s the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s& a#! I hea%! hi* %o,l i# the to#$e of bea%s2
6The !a( ,ill )o*e ,he# the( ,ill +e%ish a#! I shall o ba)'W3 That is ,h( I belie"e he
o#)e )a*e f%o* the *o$#tai#s hi*self.C
Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es ha! #o, +le#t( to thi#' abo$t& a#! the( as'e! #o *o%e .$estio#s. The(
still ha! a lo# ,a( to ,al' befo%e the*. 8+ slo+e a#! !o,# !ale the( +lo!!e!. It %e, "e%(
hot. /o*eti*es the( %este! $#!e% the t%ees& a#! the# Bilbo felt so h$#%( that he ,o$l! ha"e
eate# a)o%#s& if a#( ha! bee# %i+e e#o$h (et to ha"e falle# to the %o$#!.
It ,as the *i!!le of the afte%#oo# befo%e the( #oti)e! that %eat +at)hes of flo,e%s
ha! be$# to s+%i# $+& all the sa*e 'i#!s %o,i# toethe% as if the( ha! bee#
+la#te!. Es+e)iall( the%e ,as )lo"e%& ,a"i# +at)hes of )o)'s)o*b )lo"e%& a#! +$%+le
)lo"e%& a#! ,i!e st%et)hes of sho%t ,hite s,eet ho#e(-s*elli# )lo"e%. The%e ,as a
b$HHi# a#! a ,hi%%i# a#! a !%o#i# i# the ai%. Bees ,e%e b$s( e"e%(,he%e. A#!
s$)h beesW Bilbo ha! #e"e% see# a#(thi# li'e the*.
BIf o#e ,as to sti# *e&C he tho$ht& BI sho$l! s,ell $+ as bi aai# as I a*WC
The( ,e%e bie% tha# ho%#ets. The !%o#es ,e%e bie% tha# (o$% th$*b& a oo!
!eal& a#! the ba#!s of (ello, o# thei% !ee+ bla)' bo!ies sho#e li'e fie%( ol!.
B4e a%e etti# #ea%&C sai! Ga#!alf. B4e a%e o# the e!e of his bee-+ast$%es.C
Afte% a ,hile the( )a*e to a belt of tall a#! "e%( a#)ie#t oa's& a#! be(o#! these to a hih
tho%#-he!e th%o$h ,hi)h (o$ )o$l! #eithe% see #o% s)%a*ble.
BYo$ ha! bette% ,ait he%e&C sai! the ,iHa%! to the !,a%"esS Ba#! ,he# I )all o%
,histle bei# to )o*e afte% *eU(o$ ,ill see the ,a( I oUb$t o#l( i# +ai%s& *i#!&
abo$t fi"e *i#$tes bet,ee# ea)h +ai% of (o$. Bo*b$% is fattest a#! ,ill !o fo% t,o&
he ha! bette% )o*e alo#e a#! last. Co*e o# 0%. Bai#sW The%e is a ate so*e,he%e
%o$#! this ,a(.C A#! ,ith that he ,e#t off alo# the he!e ta'i# the f%ihte#e!
hobbit ,ith hi*.
The( soo# )a*e to a ,oo!e# ate& hih a#! b%oa!& be(o#! ,hi)h the( )o$l! see
a%!e#s a#! a )l$ste% of lo, ,oo!e# b$il!i#s& so*e that)he! a#! *a!e of
$#sha+e! los2 ba%#s& stables& she!s& a#! a lo# lo, ,oo!e# ho$se. I#si!e o# the
so$th,a%! si!e of the %eat he!e ,e%e %o,s a#! %o,s of hi"es ,ith bell-sha+e!
to+s *a!e of st%a,. The #oise of the ia#t bees fl(i# to a#! f%o a#! )%a,li# i# a#!
o$t fille! all the ai%.
The ,iHa%! a#! the hobbit +$she! o+e# the hea"( )%ea'i# ate a#! ,e#t !o,# a
,i!e t%a)' to,a%!s the ho$se. /o*e ho%ses& "e%( slee' a#! ,ell-%oo*e!& t%otte!
$+ a)%oss the %ass a#! loo'e! at the* i#te#tl( ,ith "e%( i#tellie#t fa)esS the# off
the( allo+e! to the b$il!i#s.
BThe( ha"e o#e to tell hi* of the a%%i"al of st%a#e%s&C sai! Ga#!alf.
/oo# the( %ea)he! a )o$%t(a%!& th%ee ,alls of ,hi)h ,e%e fo%*e! b( the ,oo!e#
ho$se a#! its t,o lo# ,i#s. I# the *i!!le the%e ,as l(i# a %eat oa'-t%$#' ,ith
*a#( lo++e! b%a#)hes besi!e it. /ta#!i# #ea% ,as a h$e *a# ,ith a thi)' bla)'
bea%! a#! hai%& a#! %eat ba%e a%*s a#! les ,ith '#otte! *$s)les. He ,as )lothe!
i# a t$#i) of ,ool !o,# to his '#ees& a#! ,as lea#i# o# a la%e aFe. The ho%ses
,e%e sta#!i# b( hi* ,ith thei% #oses at his sho$l!e%.
B8hW he%e the( a%eWC he sai! to the ho%ses. BThe( !o#3t loo' !a#e%o$s. Yo$ )a# be
offWC He la$he! a %eat %olli# la$h& +$t !o,# his aFe a#! )a*e fo%,a%!.
B4ho a%e (o$ a#! ,hat !o (o$ ,a#tVC he as'e! %$ffl(& sta#!i# i# f%o#t of the*
a#! to,e%i# tall abo"e Ga#!alf. As fo% Bilbo he )o$l! easil( ha"e t%otte! th%o$h
his les ,itho$t !$)'i# his hea! to *iss the f%i#e of the *a#3s b%o,# t$#i).
BI a* Ga#!alf&C sai! the ,iHa%!.
BNe"e% hea%! of hi*&C %o,le! the *a#. BA#! ,hat3s this little fello,VC he sai!&
stoo+i# !o,# to f%o,# at the hobbit ,ith his b$sh( bla)' e(eb%o,s.
BThat is 0%. Bai#s& a hobbit of oo! fa*il( a#! $#i*+ea)hable %e+$tatio#&C sai!
Ga#!alf. Bilbo bo,e!. He ha! #o hat to ta'e off& a#! ,as +ai#f$ll( )o#s)io$s of his
*a#( *issi# b$tto#s. BI a* a ,iHa%!&C )o#ti#$e! Ga#!alf. BI ha"e hea%! of (o$& if
(o$ ha"e #ot hea%! of *eS b$t +e%ha+s (o$ ha"e hea%! of *( oo! )o$si# Ra!aast
,ho li"es #ea% the /o$the%# bo%!e%s of 0i%',oo!VC
BYesS #ot a ba! fello, as ,iHa%!s o& I belie"e. I $se! to see hi* #o, a#! aai#&C sai!
Beo%#. B4ell& #o, I '#o, ,ho (o$ a%e& o% ,ho (o$ sa( (o$ a%e. 4hat !o (o$ ,a#tVC
BTo tell (o$ the t%$th& ,e ha"e lost o$% l$ae a#! #ea%l( lost o$% ,a(& a#! a%e
%athe% i# #ee! of hel+& o% at least of a!"i)e. I *a( sa( ,e ha"e ha! %athe% a ba! ti*e
,ith obli#s i# the *o$#tai#s.C
BGobli#sVC sai! the bi *a# less %$ffl(. BO ho& so (o$3"e bee# ha"i# t%o$ble ,ith
the* ha"e (o$V 4hat !i! (o$ o #ea% the* fo%VC
B4e !i! #ot *ea# to. The( s$%+%ise! $s at #iht i# a +ass ,hi)h ,e ha! to )%ossS ,e
,e%e )o*i# o$t of the La#!s o"e% 4est i#to these )o$#t%iesUit is a lo# tale.C
BThe# (o$ ha! bette% )o*e i#si!e a#! tell *e so*e of it& if it ,o#3t ta'e all !a(&C sai!
the *a# lea!i# the ,a( th%o$h a !a%' !oo% that o+e#e! o$t of the )o$%t(a%! i#to
the ho$se.
1ollo,i# hi* the( fo$#! the*sel"es i# a ,i!e hall ,ith a fi%e-+la)e i# the *i!!le.
Tho$h it ,as s$**e% the%e ,as a ,oo!-fi%e b$%#i# a#! the s*o'e ,as %isi# to
the bla)'e#e! %afte%s i# sea%)h of the ,a( o$t th%o$h a# o+e#i# i# the %oof. The(
+asse! th%o$h this !i* hall& lit o#l( b( the fi%e a#! the hole abo"e it& a#! )a*e
th%o$h a#othe% s*alle% !oo% i#to a so%t of "e%a#!a +%o++e! o# ,oo!e# +osts
*a!e of si#le t%ee-t%$#'s. It fa)e! so$th a#! ,as still ,a%* a#! fille! ,ith the liht
of the ,este%i# s$# ,hi)h sla#te! i#to it& a#! fell ol!e# o# the a%!e# f$ll of
flo,e%s that )a*e %iht $+ to the ste+s.
He%e the( sat o# ,oo!e# be#)hes ,hile Ga#!alf bea# his tale& a#! Bilbo s,$# his
!a#li# les a#! loo'e! at the flo,e%s i# the a%!e#& ,o#!e%i# ,hat thei% #a*es
)o$l! be& as he ha! #e"e% see# half of the* befo%e.
BI ,as )o*i# o"e% the *o$#tai#s ,ith a f%ie#! o% t,o...C sai! the ,iHa%!.
BO% t,oV I )a# o#l( see o#e& a#! a little o#e at that&C sai! Beo%#.
B4ell to tell (o$ the t%$th& I !i! #ot li'e to bothe% (o$ ,ith a lot of $s& $#til I fo$#!
o$t if (o$ ,e%e b$s(. I ,ill i"e a )all& if I *a(.C
BGo o#& )all a,a(WC
/o Ga#!alf a"e a lo# sh%ill ,histle& a#! +%ese#tl( Tho%i# a#! Do%i )a*e %o$#! the
ho$se b( the a%!e# +ath a#! stoo! bo,i# lo, befo%e the*.
BO#e o% th%ee (o$ *ea#t& I seeWC sai! Beo%#. BB$t these a%e#3t hobbits& the( a%e
!,a%"esWC
BTho%i# Oa'e#shiel!& at (o$% se%"i)eW Do%i at (o$% se%"i)eWC sai! the t,o !,a%"es
bo,i# aai#.
BI !o#3t #ee! (o$% se%"i)e& tha#' (o$&C sai! Beo%#& Bb$t I eF+e)t (o$ #ee! *i#e. I a*
#ot o"e% fo#! of !,a%"esS b$t if it is t%$e (o$ a%e Tho%i# @so# of Th%ai#& so# of Th%o%&
I belie"eA& a#! that (o$% )o*+a#io# is %es+e)table& a#! that (o$ a%e e#e*ies of
obli#s a#! a%e #ot $+ to a#( *is)hief i# *( la#!sU,hat a%e (o$ $+ to& b( the
,a(VC
BThe( a%e o# thei% ,a( to "isit the la#! of thei% fathe%s& a,a( east be(o#!
0i%',oo!&C +$t i# Ga#!alf& Ba#! it is e#ti%el( a# a))i!e#t that ,e a%e i# (o$% la#!s
at all. 4e ,e%e )%ossi# b( the Hih 5ass that sho$l! ha"e b%o$ht $s to the %oa!
that lies to the so$th of (o$% )o$#t%(& ,he# ,e ,e%e atta)'e! b( the e"il obli#sUas
I ,as abo$t to tell (o$.C
BGo o# telli#& the#WC sai! Beo%#& ,ho ,as #e"e% "e%( +olite.
BThe%e ,as a te%%ible sto%*S the sto#e-ia#ts ,e%e o$t h$%li# %o)'s& a#! at the hea!
of the +ass ,e too' %ef$e i# a )a"e& the hobbit a#! I a#! se"e%al of o$%
)o*+a#io#s...C
BDo (o$ )all t,o se"e%alVC
B4ell& #o. As a *atte% of fa)t the%e ,e%e *o%e tha# t,o.C
B4he%e a%e the(V Kille!& eate#& o#e ho*eVC B4ell& #o. The( !o#3t see* all to ha"e
)o*e ,he# I ,histle!. /h(& I eF+e)t. Yo$ see& ,e a%e "e%( *$)h af%ai! that ,e a%e
%athe% a lot fo% (o$ to e#te%tai#.C
BGo o#& ,histle aai#W I a* i# fo% a +a%t(& it see*s& a#! o#e o% t,o *o%e ,o#3t *a'e
*$)h !iffe%e#)e&C %o,le! Beo%#.
Ga#!alf ,histle! aai#S b$t No%i a#! O%i ,e%e the%e al*ost befo%e he ha! sto++e!&
fo%& if (o$ %e*e*be%& Ga#!alf ha! tol! the* to )o*e i# +ai%s e"e%( fi"e *i#$tes.
BH$lloWC sai! Beo%#. BYo$ )a*e +%ett( .$i)'U,he%e ,e%e (o$ hi!i#V Co*e o# *(
Pa)'-i#-the-boFesWC
BNo%i at (o$% se%"i)e& O%i at...C the( bea#S b$t Beo%# i#te%%$+te! the*.
BTha#' (o$W 4he# I ,a#t (o$% hel+ I ,ill as' fo% it. /it !o,#& a#! let3s et o# ,ith
this tale& o% it ,ill be s$++e%-ti*e befo%e it is e#!e!.C
BAs soo# as ,e ,e%e aslee+&C ,e#t o# Ga#!alf& Ba )%a)' at the ba)' of the )a"e
o+e#e!S obli#s )a*e o$t a#! %abbe! the hobbit a#! the !,a%"es a#! o$% t%oo+ of
+o#iesUC
BT%oo+ of +o#iesV 4hat ,e%e (o$Ua t%a"elli# )i%)$sV O% ,e%e (o$ )a%%(i# lots of
oo!sV O% !o (o$ al,a(s )all siF a t%oo+VC
BO #oW As a *atte% of fa)t the%e ,e%e *o%e tha# siF +o#ies& fo% the%e ,e%e *o%e
tha# siF of $sUa#! ,ell& he%e a%e t,o *o%eWC J$st at that *o*e#t Bali# a#! D,ali#
a++ea%e! a#! bo,e! so lo, that thei% bea%!s s,e+t the sto#e floo%. The bi *a#
,as f%o,#i# at fi%st& b$t the( !i! thei% best to be f%ihtf$ll( +olite& a#! 'e+t o#
#o!!i# a#! be#!i# a#! bo,i# a#! ,a"i# thei% hoo!s befo%e thei% '#ees @i#
+%o+e% !,a%f-fashio#A& till he sto++e! f%o,#i# a#! b$%st i#to a )h$)'li# la$h2 the(
loo'e! so )o*i)al.
BT%oo+& ,as %iht&C he sai!. BA fi#e )o*i) o#e. Co*e i# *( *e%%( *e#& a#! ,hat a%e
(o$% #a*esV I !o#3t ,a#t (o$% se%"i)e P$st #o,& o#l( (o$% #a*esS a#! the# sit !o,#
a#! sto+ ,ai#WC
BBali# a#! D,ali#&C the( sai! #ot !a%i# to be offe#!e!& a#! sat flo+ o# the floo%
loo'i# %athe% s$%+%ise!.
BNo, o o# aai#WC sai! Beo%# to the ,iHa%!. B4he%e ,as IV O (esUI ,as #ot
%abbe!. I 'ille! a obli# o% t,o ,ith a flashUC
BGoo!WC %o,le! Beo%#. BIt is so*e oo! bei# a ,iHa%!& the#.C
BUa#! sli++e! i#si!e the )%a)' befo%e it )lose!. I follo,e! !o,# i#to the *ai# hall&
,hi)h ,as )%o,!e! ,ith obli#s. The G%eat Gobli# ,as the%e ,ith thi%t( o% fo%t(
a%*e! $a%!s. I tho$ht to *(self 6e"e# if the( ,e%e #ot all )hai#e! toethe%& ,hat
)a# a !oHe# !o aai#st so *a#(VC3
BA !oHe#W That3s the fi%st ti*e I3"e hea%! eiht )alle! a !oHe#. O% ha"e (o$ still ot
so*e *o%e Pa)'s that ha"e#3t (et )o*e o$t of thei% boFesVC
B4ell& (es& the%e see* to be a )o$+le *o%e he%e #o,U1ili a#! Kili& I belie"e&C sai!
Ga#!alf& as these t,o #o, a++ea%e! a#! stoo! s*ili# a#! bo,i#.
BThat3s e#o$hWC sai! Beo%#. B/it !o,# a#! be .$ietW No, o o#& Ga#!alfWC
/o Ga#!alf ,e#t o# ,ith the tale& $#til he )a*e to the fiht i# the !a%'& the !is)o"e%(
of the lo,e% ate& a#! thei% ho%%o% ,he# the( fo$#! that 0%. Bai#s ha! bee#
*islai!. B4e )o$#te! o$%sel"es a#! fo$#! that the%e ,as #o hobbit. The%e ,e%e o#l(
fo$%tee# of $s leftWC
B1o$%tee#W That3s the fi%st ti*e I3"e hea%! o#e f%o* te# lea"e fo$%tee#. Yo$ *ea#
#i#e& o% else (o$ ha"e#3t tol! *e (et all the #a*es of (o$% +a%t(.C
B4ell& of )o$%se (o$ ha"e#3t see# Oi# a#! Gloi# (et. A#!& bless *eW he%e the( a%e. I
ho+e (o$ ,ill fo%i"e the* fo% bothe%i# (o$.C
BO let 3e* all )o*eW H$%%( $+W Co*e alo#& (o$ t,o& a#! sit !o,#W B$t loo' he%e&
Ga#!alf& e"e# #o, ,e ha"e o#l( ot (o$%self a#! te# !,a%"es a#! the hobbit that
,as lost. That o#l( *a'es ele"e# @+l$s o#e *islai!A a#! #ot fo$%tee#& $#less ,iHa%!s
)o$#t !iffe%e#tl( to othe% +eo+le. B$t #o, +lease et o# ,ith the tale.C Beo%# !i!
#ot sho, it *o%e tha# he )o$l! hel+& b$t %eall( he ha! be$# to et "e%( i#te%este!.
Yo$ see& i# the ol! !a(s he ha! '#o,# the "e%( +a%t of the *o$#tai#s that Ga#!alf
,as !es)%ibi#. He #o!!e! a#! he %o,le!& ,he# he hea%! of the hobbit3s
%ea++ea%a#)e a#! of thei% s)%a*ble !o,# the sto#e-sli!e a#! of the ,olf-%i# i# the
,oo!s.
4he# Ga#!alf )a*e to thei% )li*bi# i#to t%ees ,ith the ,ol"es all $#!e%#eath& he
ot $+ a#! st%o!e abo$t a#! *$tte%e!2 BI ,ish I ha! bee# the%eW I ,o$l! ha"e i"e#
the* *o%e tha# fi%e,o%'sWC
B4ell&C sai! Ga#!alf "e%( la! to see that his tale ,as *a'i# a oo! i*+%essio#& BI
!i! the best I )o$l!. The%e ,e ,e%e ,ith the ,ol"es oi# *a! $#!e%#eath $s a#!
the fo%est bei##i# to blaHe i# +la)es& ,he# the obli#s )a*e !o,# f%o* the hills
a#! !is)o"e%e! $s. The( (elle! ,ith !eliht a#! sa# so#s *a'i# f$# of $s. 1iftee#
bi%!s i# fi"e fi%-t%ees ...C
BGoo! hea"e#sWC %o,le! Beo%#. BDo#3t +%ete#! that obli#s )a#3t )o$#t. The( )a#.
T,el"e is#3t fiftee# a#! the( '#o, it.C
BA#! so !o I. The%e ,e%e Bif$% a#! Bof$% as ,ell. I ha"e#3t "e#t$%e! to i#t%o!$)e
the* befo%e& b$t he%e the( a%e.C
I# )a*e Bif$% a#! Bof$%. BA#! *eWC as+e! Bo*b$% +$ffi# $+ behi#!. He ,as fat&
a#! also a#%( at bei# left till last. He %ef$se! to ,ait fi"e *i#$tes& a#! follo,e!
i**e!iatel( afte% the othe% t,o.
B4ell& #o, the%e a%e fiftee# of (o$S a#! si#)e obli#s )a# )o$#t& I s$++ose that is all
that the%e ,e%e $+ the t%ees. No, +e%ha+s ,e )a# fi#ish this sto%( ,itho$t a#(
*o%e i#te%%$+tio#s.C 0%. Bai#s sa, the# ho, )le"e% Ga#!alf ha! bee#. The
i#te%%$+tio#s ha! %eall( *a!e Beo%# *o%e i#te%este! i# the sto%(& a#! the sto%( ha!
'e+t hi* f%o* se#!i# the !,a%"es off at o#)e li'e s$s+i)io$s bea%s. He #e"e%
i#"ite! +eo+le i#to his ho$se& if he )o$l! hel+ it. He ha! "e%( fe, f%ie#!s a#! the(
li"e! a oo! ,a( a,a(S a#! he #e"e% i#"ite! *o%e tha# a )o$+le of these to his
ho$se at a ti*e. No, he ha! ot fiftee# st%a#e%s sitti# i# his +o%)hW
B( the ti*e the ,iHa%! ha! fi#ishe! his tale a#! ha! tol! of the eales3 %es)$e a#! of
ho, the( ha! all bee# b%o$ht to the Ca%%o)'& the s$# ha! falle# behi#! the +ea's
of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s a#! the sha!o,s ,e%e lo# i# Beo%#3s a%!e#.
BA "e%( oo! taleWC sai! he. BThe best I ha"e hea%! fo% a lo# ,hile. If all bea%s
)o$l! tell s$)h a oo! o#e& the( *iht fi#! *e 'i#!e%. Yo$ *a( be *a'i# it all $+&
of )o$%se& b$t (o$ !ese%"e a s$++e% fo% the sto%( all the sa*e. Let3s ha"e so*ethi#
to eatWC
BYes +leaseWC the( all sai! toethe%. BTha#' (o$ "e%( *$)hWC
I#si!e the hall it ,as #o, .$ite !a%'. Beo%# )la++e! his ha#!s& a#! i# t%otte! fo$% bea$tif$l
,hite +o#ies a#! se"e%al la%e lo#-bo!ie! %e( !os. Beo%# sai! so*ethi# to the* i# a .$ee%
la#$ae li'e a#i*al #oises t$%#e! i#to tal'. The( ,e#t o$t aai# a#! soo# )a*e ba)' )a%%(i#
to%)hes i# thei% *o$ths& ,hi)h the( lit at the fi%e a#! st$)' i# lo, b%a)'ets o# the +illa%s of the
hall abo$t the )e#t%al hea%th. The !os )o$l! sta#! o# thei% hi#!-les ,he# the( ,ishe!& a#!
)a%%( thi#s ,ith thei% fo%e-feet. :$i)'l( the( ot o$t boa%!s a#! t%estles f%o* the si!e ,alls
a#! set the* $+ #ea% the fi%e.
The# baaUbaaUbaaW ,as hea%!& a#! i# )a*e so*e s#o,-,hite shee+ le! b( a la%e
)oal-bla)' %a*. O#e bo%e a ,hite )loth e*b%oi!e%e! at the e!es ,ith fi$%es of
a#i*alsS othe%s bo%e o# thei% b%oa! ba)'s t%a(s ,ith bo,ls a#! +latte%s a#! '#i"es
a#! ,oo!e# s+oo#s& ,hi)h the !os too' a#! .$i)'l( lai! o# the t%estle-tables.
These ,e%e "e%( lo,& lo, e#o$h e"e# fo% Bilbo to sit at )o*fo%tabl(. Besi!e the* a
+o#( +$she! t,o lo,-seate! be#)hes ,ith ,i!e %$sh-botto*s a#! little sho%t thi)'
les fo% Ga#!alf a#! Tho%i#& ,hile at the fa% e#! he +$t Beo%#3s bi bla)' )hai% of the
sa*e so%t @i# ,hi)h he sat ,ith his %eat les st$)' fa% o$t $#!e% the tableA. These
,e%e all the )hai%s he ha! i# his hall& a#! he +%obabl( ha! the* lo, li'e the tables
fo% the )o#"e#ie#)e of the ,o#!e%f$l a#i*als that ,aite! o# hi*. 4hat !i! the %est
sit o#V The( ,e%e #ot fo%otte#. The othe% +o#ies )a*e i# %olli# %o$#! !%$*-
sha+e! se)tio#s of los& s*oothe! a#! +olishe!& a#! lo, e#o$h e"e# fo% BilboS so
soo# the( ,e%e all seate! at Beo%#3s table& a#! the hall ha! #ot see# s$)h a
athe%i# fo% *a#( a (ea%.
The%e the( ha! a s$++e%& o% a !i##e%& s$)h as the( ha! #ot ha! si#)e the( left the
Last Ho*el( Ho$se i# the 4est a#! sai! oo!-b(e to El%o#!. The liht of the to%)hes
a#! the fi%e fli)'e%e! abo$t the*& a#! o# the table ,e%e t,o tall %e! bees,aF
)a#!les. All the ti*e the( ate& Beo%# i# his !ee+ %olli# "oi)e tol! tales of the ,il!
la#!s o# this si!e of the *o$#tai#s& a#! es+e)iall( of the !a%' a#! !a#e%o$s ,oo!&
that la( o$tst%et)he! fa% to No%th a#! /o$th a !a(3s %i!e befo%e the*& ba%%i# thei%
,a( to the East& the te%%ible fo%est of 0i%',oo!.
The !,a%"es liste#e! a#! shoo' thei% bea%!s& fo% the( '#e, that the( *$st soo#
"e#t$%e i#to that fo%est a#! that afte% the *o$#tai#s it ,as the ,o%st of the +e%ils
the( ha! to +ass befo%e the( )a*e to the !%ao#3s st%o#hol!. 4he# !i##e% ,as
o"e% the( bea# to tell tales of thei% o,#& b$t Beo%# see*e! to be %o,i# !%o,s(
a#! +ai! little hee! to the*. The( s+o'e *ost of ol! a#! sil"e% a#! Pe,els a#! the
*a'i# of thi#s b( s*ith-)%aft& a#! Beo%# !i! #ot a++ea% to )a%e fo% s$)h thi#s2
the%e ,e%e #o thi#s of ol! o% sil"e% i# his hall& a#! fe, sa"e the '#i"es ,e%e *a!e
of *etal at all.
The( sat lo# at the table ,ith thei% ,oo!e# !%i#'i#-bo,ls fille! ,ith *ea!. The
!a%' #iht )a*e o# o$tsi!e. The fi%es i# the *i!!le of the hall ,e%e b$ilt ,ith f%esh
los a#! the to%)hes ,e%e +$t o$t& a#! still the( sat i# the liht of the !a#)i# fla*es
,ith the +illa%s of the ho$se sta#!i# tall behi#! the*& a#! !a%' at the to+ li'e t%ees
of the fo%est. 4hethe% it ,as *ai) o% #ot& it see*e! to Bilbo that he hea%! a so$#!
li'e ,i#! i# the b%a#)hes sti%%i# i# the %afte%s& a#! the hoot of o,ls. /oo# he bea#
to #o! ,ith slee+ a#! the "oi)es see*e! to %o, fa% a,a(& $#til he ,o'e ,ith a
sta%t.
The %eat !oo% ha! )%ea'e! a#! sla**e!. Beo%# ,as o#e. The !,a%"es ,e%e sitti#
)%oss-lee! o# the floo% %o$#! the fi%e& a#! +%ese#tl( the( bea# to si#. /o*e of
the "e%ses ,e%e li'e this& b$t the%e ,e%e *a#( *o%e& a#! thei% si#i# ,e#t o# fo% a
lo# ,hile2
The ,i#! ,as o# the ,ithe%e! heath&
b$t i# the fo%est sti%%e! #o leaf2
the%e sha!o,s la( b( #iht a#! !a(&
a#! !a%' thi#s sile#t )%e+t be#eath.
The ,i#! )a*e !o,# f%o* *o$#tai#s )ol!&
a#! li'e a ti!e it %oa%e! a#! %olle!S
the b%a#)hes %oa#e!& the fo%est *oa#e!&
a#! lea"es ,e%e lai! $+o# the *o$l!.
The ,i#! ,e#t o# f%o* 4est to EastS
all *o"e*e#t i# the fo%est )ease!&
b$t sh%ill a#! ha%sh a)%oss the *a%sh
its ,histli# "oi)es ,e%e %elease!.
The %asses hisse!& thei% tassels be#t&
the %ee!s ,e%e %attli#Uo# it ,e#t
o3e% sha'e# +ool $#!e% hea"e#s )ool
,he%e %a)i# )lo$!s ,e%e to%# a#! %e#t.
It +asse! the lo#el( 0o$#tai# ba%e
a#! s,e+t abo"e the !%ao#3s lai%2
the%e bla)' a#! !a%' la( bo$l!e%s sta%'
a#! fl(i# s*o'e ,as i# the ai%.
It left the ,o%l! a#! too' its fliht
o"e% the ,i!e seas of the #iht.
The *oo# set sail $+o# the ale&
a#! sta%s ,e%e fa##e! to lea+i# liht.
Bilbo bea# to #o! aai#. /$!!e#l( $+ stoo! Ga#!alf.
BIt is ti*e fo% $s to slee+&C he sai!& BUfo% $s& b$t #ot I thi#' fo% Beo%#. I# this hall ,e
)a# %est so$#! a#! safe& b$t I ,a%# (o$ all #ot to fo%et ,hat Beo%# sai! befo%e he
left $s2 (o$ *$st #ot st%a( o$tsi!e $#til the s$# is $+& o# (o$% +e%il.C
Bilbo fo$#! that be!s ha! al%ea!( bee# lai! at the si!e of the hall& o# a so%t of %aise!
+latfo%* bet,ee# the +illa%s a#! the o$te% ,all. 1o% hi* the%e ,as a little *att%ess
of st%a, a#! ,oolle# bla#'ets. He s#$le! i#to the* "e%( la!l(& s$**e%ti*e
tho$h it ,as. The fi%e b$%#e! lo, a#! he fell aslee+. Yet i# the #iht he ,o'e2 the
fi%e ha! #o, s$#' to a fe, e*be%sS the !,a%"es a#! Ga#!alf ,e%e all aslee+& to
P$!e b( thei% b%eathi#S a s+lash of ,hite o# the floo% )a*e f%o* the hih *oo#&
,hi)h ,as +ee%i# !o,# th%o$h the s*o'e-hole i# the %oof.
The%e ,as a %o,li# so$#! o$tsi!e& a#! a #oise as of so*e %eat a#i*al s)$ffli# at
the !oo%. Bilbo ,o#!e%e! ,hat it ,as& a#! ,hethe% it )o$l! be Beo%# i# e#)ha#te!
sha+e& a#! if he ,o$l! )o*e i# as a bea% a#! 'ill the*. He !i"e! $#!e% the bla#'ets
a#! hi! his hea!& a#! fell aslee+ aai# at last i# s+ite of his fea%s.
It ,as f$ll *o%#i# ,he# he a,o'e. O#e of the !,a%"es ha! falle# o"e% hi* i# the sha!o,s
,he%e he la(& a#! ha! %olle! !o,# ,ith a b$*+ f%o* the +latfo%* o# to the floo%. It ,as Bof$%&
a#! he ,as %$*bli# abo$t it& ,he# Bilbo o+e#e! his e(es.
BGet $+ laH(bo#es&C he sai!& Bo% the%e ,ill be #o b%ea'fast left fo% (o$.C
8+ P$*+e! Bilbo. BB%ea'fastWC he )%ie!. B4he%e is b%ea'fastVC
B0ostl( i#si!e $s&C a#s,e%e! the othe% !,a%"es ,ho ,e%e *o"i# abo$t the hallS
Bb$t ,hat is left is o$t o# the "e%a#!a. 4e ha"e bee# abo$t loo'i# fo% Beo%# e"e%
si#)e the s$# ot $+S b$t the%e is #o si# of hi* a#(,he%e& tho$h ,e fo$#!
b%ea'fast lai! as soo# as ,e ,e#t o$t.C
B4he%e is Ga#!alfVC as'e! Bilbo& *o"i# off to fi#! so*ethi# to eat as .$i)' as he
)o$l!.
BOW o$t a#! abo$t so*e,he%e&C the( tol! hi*. B$t he sa, #o si# of the ,iHa%! all
that !a( $#til the e"e#i#. J$st befo%e s$#set he ,al'e! i#to the hall& ,he%e the
hobbit a#! the !,a%"es ,e%e ha"i# s$++e%& ,aite! o# b( Beo%#3s ,o#!e%f$l
a#i*als& as the( ha! bee# all !a(. Of Beo%# the( ha! see# a#! hea%! #othi# si#)e
the #iht befo%e& a#! the( ,e%e etti# +$HHle!.
B4he%e is o$% host& a#! ,he%e ha"e (o$ bee# all !a( (o$%selfVC the( all )%ie!.
BO#e .$estio# at a ti*eUa#! #o#e till afte% s$++e%W I ha"e#3t ha! a bite si#)e
b%ea'fast.C
At last Ga#!alf +$she! a,a( his +late a#! P$Uhe ha! eate# t,o ,hole loa"es @,ith
*asses of b$tte% a#! ho#e( a#! )lotte! )%ea*A a#! !%$#' at least a .$a%t of
*ea!Ua#! he too' o$t his +i+e. BI ,ill a#s,e% the se)o#! .$estio# fi%st&C he sai!&
BUb$t bless *eW this is a s+le#!i! +la)e fo% s*o'e %i#sWC I#!ee! fo% a lo# ti*e
the( )o$l! et #othi# *o%e o$t of hi*& he ,as so b$s( se#!i# s*o'e %i#s
!o!i# %o$#! the +illa%s of the hall& )ha#i# the* i#to all so%ts of !iffe%e#t sha+es
a#! )olo$%s& a#! setti# the* at last )hasi# o#e a#othe% o$t of the hole i# the %oof.
The( *$st ha"e loo'e! "e%( .$ee% f%o* o$tsi!e& +o++i# o$t i#to the ai% o#e afte%
a#othe%& %ee#& bl$e& %e!& sil"e%-%e(& (ello,& ,hiteS bi o#es& little o#esS little o#es
!o!i# th%o$h bi o#es a#! Poi#i# i#to fi$%e-eihts& a#! oi# off li'e a flo)' of
bi%!s i#to the !ista#)e.
BI ha"e bee# +i)'i# o$t bea%-t%a)'s&C he sai! at last. BThe%e *$st ha"e bee# a
%e$la% bea%s3 *eeti# o$tsi!e he%e last #iht. I soo# sa, that Beo%# )o$l! #ot ha"e
*a!e the* all2 the%e ,e%e fa% too *a#( of the*& a#! the( ,e%e of "a%io$s siHes too.
I sho$l! sa( the%e ,e%e little bea%s& la%e bea%s& o%!i#a%( bea%s& a#! ia#ti) bi
bea%s& all !a#)i# o$tsi!e f%o* !a%' to #ea%l( !a,#. The( )a*e f%o* al*ost e"e%(
!i%e)tio#& eF)e+t f%o* the ,est o"e% the %i"e%& f%o* the 0o$#tai#s. I# that !i%e)tio#
o#l( o#e set of foot+%i#ts le!U#o#e )o*i#& o#l( o#es oi# a,a( f%o* he%e. I
follo,e! these as fa% as the Ca%%o)'. The%e the( !isa++ea%e! i#to the %i"e%& b$t the
,ate% ,as too !ee+ a#! st%o# be(o#! the %o)' fo% *e to )%oss. It is eas( e#o$h&
as (o$ %e*e*be%& to et f%o* this ba#' to the Ca%%o)' b( the fo%!& b$t o# the othe%
si!e is a )liff sta#!i# $+ f%o* a s,i%li# )ha##el. I ha! to ,al' *iles befo%e I fo$#! a
+la)e ,he%e the %i"e% ,as ,i!e a#! shallo, e#o$h fo% *e to ,a!e a#! s,i*& a#!
the# *iles ba)' aai# to +i)' $+ the t%a)'s aai#. B( that ti*e it ,as too late fo% *e
to follo, the* fa%. The( ,e#t st%aiht off i# the !i%e)tio# of the +i#e-,oo!s o# the
east si!e of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s& ,he%e ,e ha! o$% +leasa#t little +a%t( ,ith the
4a%s the #iht befo%e last. A#! #o, I thi#' I ha"e a#s,e%e! (o$% fi%st .$estio#&
too&C e#!e! Ga#!alf& a#! he sat a lo# ,hile sile#t.
Bilbo tho$ht he '#e, ,hat the ,iHa%! *ea#t. B4hat shall ,e !o&C he )%ie!& Bif he
lea!s all the 4a%s a#! the obli#s !o,# he%eV 4e shall all be )a$ht a#! 'ille!W I
tho$ht (o$ sai! he ,as #ot a f%ie#! of thei%s.C
B/o I !i!. A#! !o#3t be sill(W Yo$ ha! bette% o to be!& (o$% ,its a%e slee+(.C
The hobbit felt .$ite )%$she!& a#! as the%e see*e! #othi# else to !o he !i! o to
be!S a#! ,hile the !,a%"es ,e%e still si#i# so#s he !%o++e! aslee+& still +$HHli#
his little hea! abo$t Beo%#& till he !%ea*e! a !%ea* of h$#!%e!s of bla)' bea%s
!a#)i# slo, hea"( !a#)es %o$#! a#! %o$#! i# the *oo#liht i# the )o$%t(a%!. The#
he ,o'e $+ ,he# e"e%(o#e else ,as aslee+& a#! he hea%! the sa*e s)%a+i#&
s)$ffli#& s#$ffli#& a#! %o,li# as befo%e.
NeFt *o%#i# the( ,e%e all ,a'e#e! b( Beo%# hi*self. B/o he%e (o$ all a%e stillWC he
sai!. He +i)'e! $+ the hobbit a#! la$he!2 BNot eate# $+ b( 4a%s o% obli#s o%
,i)'e! bea%s (et I seeCS a#! he +o'e! 0%. Bai#s3 ,aist)oat *ost !is%es+e)tf$ll(.
BLittle b$##( is etti# #i)e a#! fat aai# o# b%ea! a#! ho#e(&C he )h$)'le!. BCo*e
a#! ha"e so*e *o%eWC
/o the( all ,e#t to b%ea'fast ,ith hi*. Beo%# ,as *ost Poll( fo% a )ha#eS i#!ee! he
see*e! to be i# a s+le#!i!l( oo! h$*o$% a#! set the* all la$hi# ,ith his f$##(
sto%iesS #o% !i! the( ha"e to ,o#!e% lo# ,he%e he ha! bee# o% ,h( he ,as so #i)e
to the*& fo% he tol! the* hi*self. He ha! bee# o"e% the %i"e% a#! %iht ba)' $+ i#to
the *o$#tai#sUf%o* ,hi)h (o$ )a# $ess that he )o$l! t%a"el .$i)'l(& i# bea%3s
sha+e at a#( %ate. 1%o* the b$%#t ,olf-la!e he ha! soo# fo$#! o$t that +a%t of
thei% sto%( ,as t%$eS b$t he ha! fo$#! *o%e tha# that2 he ha! )a$ht a 4a% a#! a
obli# ,a#!e%i# i# the ,oo!s. 1%o* these he ha! ot #e,s2 the obli# +at%ols
,e%e still h$#ti# ,ith 4a%s fo% the !,a%"es& a#! the( ,e%e fie%)el( a#%( be)a$se
of the !eath of the G%eat Gobli#& a#! also be)a$se of the b$%#i# of the )hief ,olf3s
#ose a#! the !eath f%o* the ,iHa%!3s fi%e of *a#( of his )hief se%"a#ts. /o *$)h
the( tol! hi* ,he# he fo%)e! the*& b$t he $esse! the%e ,as *o%e ,i)'e!#ess
tha# this afoot& a#! that a %eat %ai! of the ,hole obli# a%*( ,ith thei% ,olf-allies
i#to the la#!s sha!o,e! b( the *o$#tai#s *iht soo# be *a!e to fi#! the !,a%"es&
o% to ta'e "e#ea#)e o# the *e# a#! )%eat$%es that li"e! the%e& a#! ,ho the(
tho$ht *$st be shelte%i# the*.
BIt ,as a oo! sto%(& that of (o$%s&C sai! Beo%#& Bb$t I li'e it still bette% #o, I a* s$%e
it is t%$e. Yo$ *$st fo%i"e *( #ot ta'i# (o$% ,o%!. If (o$ li"e! #ea% the e!e of
0i%',oo!& (o$ ,o$l! ta'e the ,o%! of #o o#e that (o$ !i! #ot '#o, as ,ell as (o$%
b%othe% o% bette%. As it is& I )a# o#l( sa( that I ha"e h$%%ie! ho*e as fast as I )o$l! to
see that (o$ ,e%e safe& a#! to offe% (o$ a#( hel+ that I )a#. I shall thi#' *o%e 'i#!l(
of !,a%"es afte% this. Kille! the G%eat Gobli#& 'ille! the G%eat Gobli#WC he )h$)'le!
fie%)el( to hi*self.
B4hat !i! (o$ !o ,ith the obli# a#! the 4a%VC as'e! Bilbo s$!!e#l(.
BCo*e a#! seeWC sai! Beo%#& a#! the( follo,e! %o$#! the ho$se. A obli#3s hea!
,as st$)' o$tsi!e the ate a#! a ,a%-s'i# ,as #aile! to a t%ee P$st be(o#!. Beo%#
,as a fie%)e e#e*(. B$t #o, he ,as thei% f%ie#!& a#! Ga#!alf tho$ht it ,ise to tell
hi* thei% ,hole sto%( a#! the %easo# of thei% Po$%#e(& so that the( )o$l! et the
*ost hel+ he )o$l! offe%.
This is ,hat he +%o*ise! to !o fo% the*. He ,o$l! +%o"i!e +o#ies fo% ea)h of the*&
a#! a ho%se fo% Ga#!alf& fo% thei% Po$%#e( to the fo%est& a#! he ,o$l! la!e the* ,ith
foo! to last the* fo% ,ee's ,ith )a%e& a#! +a)'e! so as to be as eas( as +ossible to
)a%%(U#$ts& flo$%& seale! Pa%s of !%ie! f%$its& a#! %e! ea%the#,a%e +ots of ho#e(& a#!
t,i)e-ba'e! )a'es that ,o$l! 'ee+ oo! a lo# ti*e& a#! o# a little of ,hi)h the(
)o$l! *a%)h fa%. The *a'i# of these ,as o#e of his se)%etsS b$t ho#e( ,as i# the*&
as i# *ost of his foo!s& a#! the( ,e%e oo! to eat& tho$h the( *a!e o#e thi%st(.
4ate%& he sai!& the( ,o$l! #ot #ee! to )a%%( this si!e of the fo%est& fo% the%e ,e%e
st%ea*s a#! s+%i#s alo# the %oa!. BB$t (o$% ,a( th%o$h 0i%',oo! is !a%'&
!a#e%o$s a#! !iffi)$lt&C he sai!. B4ate% is #ot eas( to fi#! the%e& #o% foo!. The
ti*e is #ot (et )o*e fo% #$ts @tho$h it *a( be +ast a#! o#e i#!ee! befo%e (o$ et
to the othe% si!eA& a#! #$ts a%e abo$t all that %o,s the%e fit fo% foo!S i# the%e the
,il! thi#s a%e !a%'& .$ee%& a#! sa"ae. I ,ill +%o"i!e (o$ ,ith s'i#s fo% )a%%(i#
,ate%& a#! I ,ill i"e (o$ so*e bo,s a#! a%%o,s. B$t I !o$bt "e%( *$)h ,hethe%
a#(thi# (o$ fi#! i# 0i%',oo! ,ill be ,holeso*e to eat o% to !%i#'. The%e is o#e
st%ea* the%e& I '#o,& bla)' a#! st%o# ,hi)h )%osses the +ath. That (o$ sho$l!
#eithe% !%i#' of& #o% bathe i#S fo% I ha"e hea%! that it )a%%ies e#)ha#t*e#t a#! a
%eat !%o,si#ess a#! fo%etf$l#ess. A#! i# the !i* sha!o,s of that +la)e I !o#3t
thi#' (o$ ,ill shoot a#(thi#& ,holeso*e o% $#,holeso*e& ,itho$t st%a(i# f%o*
the +ath. That (o$ 08/T NOT !o& fo% a#( %easo#.
BThat is all the a!"i)e I )a# i"e (o$. Be(o#! the e!e of the fo%est I )a##ot hel+ (o$
*$)hS (o$ *$st !e+e#! o# (o$% l$)' a#! (o$% )o$%ae a#! the foo! I se#! ,ith
(o$. At the ate of the fo%est I *$st as' (o$ to se#! ba)' *( ho%se a#! *( +o#ies.
B$t I ,ish (o$ all s+ee!& a#! *( ho$se is o+e# to (o$& if e"e% (o$ )o*e ba)' this ,a(
aai#.C
The( tha#'e! hi*& of )o$%se& ,ith *a#( bo,s a#! s,ee+i#s of thei% hoo!s a#! ,ith *a#( a#
Bat (o$% se%"i)e& O *aste% of the ,i!e ,oo!e# hallsWC B$t thei% s+i%its sa#' at his %a"e ,o%!s&
a#! the( all felt that the a!"e#t$%e ,as fa% *o%e !a#e%o$s tha# the( ha! tho$ht& ,hile all
the ti*e& e"e# if the( +asse! all the +e%ils of the %oa!& the !%ao# ,as ,aiti# at the e#!.
All that *o%#i# the( ,e%e b$s( ,ith +%e+a%atio#s. /oo# afte% *i!!a( the( ate ,ith
Beo%# fo% the last ti*e& a#! afte% the *eal the( *o$#te! the stee!s he ,as le#!i#
the*& a#! bi!!i# hi* *a#( fa%e,ells the( %o!e off th%o$h his ate at a oo! +a)e.
As soo# as the( left his hih he!es at the east of his fe#)e! la#!s the( t$%#e! #o%th
a#! the# bo%e to the #o%th-,est. B( his a!"i)e the( ,e%e #o lo#e% *a'i# fo% the
*ai# fo%est-%oa! to the so$th of his la#!. Ha! the( follo,e! the +ass& thei% +ath
,o$l! ha"e le! the* !o,# a st%ea* f%o* the *o$#tai#s that Poi#e! the %eat %i"e%
*iles so$th of the Ca%%o)'. At that +oi#t the%e ,as a !ee+ fo%! ,hi)h the( *iht
ha"e +asse!& if the( ha! still ha! thei% +o#ies& a#! be(o#! that a t%a)' le! to the
s'i%ts of the ,oo! a#! to the e#t%a#)e of the ol! fo%est %oa!. B$t Beo%# ha! ,a%#e!
the* that that ,a( ,as #o, ofte# $se! b( the obli#s& ,hile the fo%est-%oa! itself&
he ha! hea%!& ,as o"e%%o,# a#! !is$se! at the easte%# e#! a#! le! to i*+assable
*a%shes ,he%e the +aths ha! lo# bee# lost. Its easte%# o+e#i# ha! also al,a(s
bee# fa% to the so$th of the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& a#! ,o$l! ha"e left the* still ,ith a
lo# a#! !iffi)$lt #o%th,a%! *a%)h ,he# the( ot to the othe% si!e. No%th of the
Ca%%o)' the e!e of 0i%',oo! !%e, )lose% to the bo%!e%s of the G%eat Ri"e%& a#!
tho$h he%e the 0o$#tai#s too !%e, !o,# #ea%e%& Beo%# a!"ise! the* to ta'e this
,a(S fo% at a +la)e a fe, !a(s3 %i!e !$e #o%th of the Ca%%o)' ,as the ate of a little-
'#o,# +ath,a( th%o$h 0i%',oo! that le! al*ost st%aiht to,a%!s the Lo#el(
0o$#tai#.
BThe obli#s&C Beo%# ha! sai!& B,ill #ot !a%e to )%oss the G%eat Ri"e% fo% a h$#!%e!
*iles #o%th of the Ca%%o)' #o% to )o*e #ea% *( ho$seUit is ,ell +%ote)te! at
#ihtWUb$t I sho$l! %i!e fastS fo% if the( *a'e thei% %ai! soo# the( ,ill )%oss the
%i"e% to the so$th a#! s)o$% all the e!e of the fo%est so as to )$t (o$ off& a#! 4a%s
%$# s,ifte% tha# +o#ies. /till (o$ a%e safe% oi# #o%th& e"e# tho$h (o$ see* to be
oi# ba)' #ea%e% to thei% st%o#hol!sS fo% that is ,hat the( ,ill least eF+e)t& a#!
the( ,ill ha"e the lo#e% %i!e to )at)h (o$. Be off #o, as .$i)' as (o$ *a(WC
That is ,h( the( ,e%e #o, %i!i# i# sile#)e& allo+i# ,he%e"e% the %o$#! ,as
%ass( a#! s*ooth& ,ith the *o$#tai#s !a%' o# thei% left& a#! i# the !ista#)e the
li#e of the %i"e% ,ith its t%ees !%a,i# e"e% )lose%. The s$# ha! o#l( P$st t$%#e! ,est
,he# the( sta%te!& a#! till e"e#i# it la( ol!e# o# the la#! abo$t the*. It ,as
!iffi)$lt to thi#' of +$%s$i# obli#s behi#!& a#! ,he# the( ha! +$t *a#( *iles
bet,ee# the* a#! Beo%#3s ho$se the( bea# to tal' a#! to si# aai# a#! to fo%et
the !a%' fo%est-+ath that la( i# f%o#t. B$t i# the e"e#i# ,he# the !$s' )a*e o# a#!
the +ea's of the *o$#tai#s lo,e%e! aai#st the s$#set the( *a!e a )a*+ a#! set a
$a%!& a#! *ost of the* sle+t $#easil( ,ith !%ea*s i# ,hi)h the%e )a*e the ho,l of
h$#ti# ,ol"es a#! the )%ies of obli#s.
/till the #eFt *o%#i# !a,#e! b%iht a#! fai% aai#. The%e ,as a# a$t$*#-li'e *ist
,hite $+o# the %o$#! a#! the ai% ,as )hill& b$t soo# the s$# %ose %e! i# the East
a#! the *ists "a#ishe!& a#! ,hile the sha!o,s ,e%e still lo# the( ,e%e off aai#.
/o the( %o!e #o, fo% t,o *o%e !a(s& a#! all the ,hile the( sa, #othi# sa"e %ass
a#! flo,e%s a#! bi%!s a#! s)atte%e! t%ees& a#! o))asio#all( s*all he%!s of %e! !ee%
b%o,si# o% sitti# at #oo# i# the sha!e. /o*eti*es Bilbo sa, the ho%#s of the ha%ts
sti)'i# $+ o$t of the lo# %ass& a#! at fi%st he tho$ht the( ,e%e the !ea! b%a#)hes
of t%ees. That thi%! e"e#i# the( ,e%e so eae% to +%ess o#& fo% Beo%# ha! sai! that
the( sho$l! %ea)h the fo%est-ate ea%l( o# the fo$%th-!a(& that the( %o!e still
fo%,a%! afte% !$s' a#! i#to the #iht be#eath the *oo#. As the liht fa!e! Bilbo
tho$ht he sa, a,a( to the %iht& o% to the left& the sha!o,( fo%* of a %eat bea%
+%o,li# alo# i# the sa*e !i%e)tio#. B$t if he !a%e! to *e#tio# it to Ga#!alf& the
,iHa%! o#l( sai!2 BH$shW Ta'e #o #oti)eWC
NeFt !a( the( sta%te! befo%e !a,#& tho$h thei% #iht ha! bee# sho%t. As soo# as it
,as liht the( )o$l! see the fo%est )o*i# as it ,e%e to *eet the*& o% ,aiti# fo%
the* li'e a bla)' a#! f%o,#i# ,all befo%e the*. The la#! bea# to slo+e $+ a#! $+&
a#! it see*e! to the hobbit that a sile#)e bea# to !%a, i# $+o# the*. Bi%!s bea#
to si# less. The%e ,e%e #o *o%e !ee%S #ot e"e# %abbits ,e%e to be see#. B( the
afte%#oo# the( ha! %ea)he! the ea"es of 0i%',oo!& a#! ,e%e %esti# al*ost
be#eath the %eat o"e%ha#i# bo$hs of its o$te% t%ees. Thei% t%$#'s ,e%e h$e
a#! #a%le!& thei% b%a#)hes t,iste!& thei% lea"es ,e%e !a%' a#! lo#. I"( %e, o#
the* a#! t%aile! alo# the %o$#!.
B4ell& he%e is 0i%',oo!WC sai! Ga#!alf. BThe %eatest of the fo%ests of the No%the%#
,o%l!. I ho+e (o$ li'e the loo' of it. No, (o$ *$st se#! ba)' these eF)elle#t +o#ies
(o$ ha"e bo%%o,e!.C
The !,a%"es ,e%e i#)li#e! to %$*ble at this& b$t the ,iHa%! tol! the* the( ,e%e
fools. BBeo%# is #ot as fa% off as (o$ see* to thi#'& a#! (o$ ha! bette% 'ee+ (o$%
+%o*ises a#(,a(& fo% he is a ba! e#e*(. 0%. Bai#s3 e(es a%e sha%+e% tha# (o$%s& if
(o$ ha"e #ot see# ea)h #iht afte% !a%' a %eat bea% oi# alo# ,ith $s o% sitti# fa%
off i# the *oo# ,at)hi# o$% )a*+s. Not o#l( to $a%! (o$ a#! $i!e (o$& b$t to
'ee+ a# e(e o# the +o#ies too. Beo%# *a( be (o$% f%ie#!& b$t he lo"es his a#i*als as
his )hil!%e#. Yo$ !o #ot $ess ,hat 'i#!#ess he has sho,# (o$ i# letti# !,a%"es
%i!e the* so fa% a#! so fast& #o% ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# to (o$& if (o$ t%ie! to ta'e
the* i#to the fo%est.C
B4hat abo$t the ho%se& the#VC sai! Tho%i#. BYo$ !o#3t *e#tio# se#!i# that ba)'.C
BI !o#3t& be)a$se I a* #ot se#!i# it.C
B4hat abo$t (o$% +%o*ise the#VC
BI ,ill loo' afte% that. I a* #ot se#!i# the ho%se ba)'& I a* %i!i# itWC
The# the( '#e, that Ga#!alf ,as oi# to lea"e the* at the "e%( e!e of 0i%',oo!&
a#! the( ,e%e i# !es+ai%. B$t #othi# the( )o$l! sa( ,o$l! )ha#e his *i#!.
BNo, ,e ha! this all o$t befo%e& ,he# ,e la#!e! o# the Ca%%o)'&C he sai!. BIt is #o
$se a%$i#. I ha"e& as I tol! (o$& so*e +%essi# b$si#ess a,a( so$thS a#! I a*
al%ea!( late th%o$h bothe%i# ,ith (o$ +eo+le. 4e *a( *eet aai# befo%e all is
o"e%& a#! the# aai# of )o$%se ,e *a( #ot. That !e+e#!s o# (o$% l$)' a#! o# (o$%
)o$%ae a#! se#seS a#! I a* se#!i# 0%. Bai#s ,ith (o$. I ha"e tol! (o$ befo%e
that he has *o%e abo$t hi* tha# (o$ $ess& a#! (o$ ,ill fi#! that o$t befo%e lo#.
/o )hee% $+ Bilbo a#! !o#3t loo' so l$*. Chee% $+ Tho%i# a#! Co*+a#(W This is
(o$% eF+e!itio# afte% all. Thi#' of the t%eas$%e at the e#!& a#! fo%et the fo%est a#!
the !%ao#& at a#( %ate $#til to*o%%o, *o%#i#WC
4he# to*o%%o, *o%#i# )a*e he still sai! the sa*e. /o #o, the%e ,as #othi# left
to !o b$t to fill thei% ,ate%-s'i#s at a )lea% s+%i# the( fo$#! )lose to the fo%est-ate&
a#! $#+a)' the +o#ies. The( !ist%ib$te! the +a)'aes as fai%l( as the( )o$l!& tho$h
Bilbo tho$ht his lot ,as ,ea%iso*el( hea"(& a#! !i! #ot at all li'e the i!ea of
t%$!i# fo% *iles a#! *iles ,ith all that o# his ba)'.
BDo#3t (o$ ,o%%(WC sai! Tho%i#. BIt ,ill et lihte% all too soo#. Befo%e lo# I eF+e)t
,e shall all ,ish o$% +a)'s hea"ie%& ,he# the foo! bei#s to %$# sho%t.C
The# at last the( sai! oo!-b(e to thei% +o#ies a#! t$%#e! thei% hea!s fo% ho*e. Off
the( t%otte! ail(& see*i# "e%( la! to +$t thei% tails to,a%!s the sha!o, of
0i%',oo!. As the( ,e#t a,a( Bilbo )o$l! ha"e s,o%# that a thi# li'e a bea% left
the sha!o, of the t%ees a#! sha*ble! off .$i)'l( afte% the*.
No, Ga#!alf too sai! fa%e,ell. Bilbo sat o# the %o$#! feeli# "e%( $#ha++( a#!
,ishi# he ,as besi!e the ,iHa%! o# his tall ho%se. He ha! o#e P$st i#si!e the fo%est
afte% b%ea'fast @a "e%( +oo% o#eA& a#! it ha! see*e! as !a%' i# the%e i# the *o%#i#
as at #iht& a#! "e%( se)%et2 Ba so%t of ,at)hi# a#! ,aiti# feeli#&C he sai! to
hi*self.
BGoo!-b(eWC sai! Ga#!alf to Tho%i#. BA#! oo!b(e to (o$ all& oo!-b(eW /t%aiht
th%o$h the fo%est is (o$% ,a( #o,. Do#3t st%a( off the t%a)'WUif (o$ !o& it is a
tho$sa#! to o#e (o$ ,ill #e"e% fi#! it aai# a#! #e"e% et o$t of 0i%',oo!S a#!
the# I !o#3t s$++ose I& o% a#( o#e else& ,ill e"e% see (o$ aai#.C
BDo ,e %eall( ha"e to o th%o$hVC %oa#e! the hobbit.
BYes& (o$ !oWC sai! the ,iHa%!& Bif (o$ ,a#t to et to the othe% si!e. Yo$ *$st eithe%
o th%o$h o% i"e $+ (o$% .$est. A#! I a* #ot oi# to allo, (o$ to ba)' o$t #o,&
0%. Bai#s. I a* asha*e! of (o$ fo% thi#'i# of it. Yo$ ha"e ot to loo' afte% all
these !,a%"es fo% *e&C he la$he!.
BNoW #oWC sai! Bilbo. BI !i!#3t *ea# that. I *ea#t& is the%e #o ,a( %o$#!VC
BThe%e is& if (o$ )a%e to o t,o h$#!%e! *iles o% so o$t of (o$% ,a( #o%th& a#! t,i)e
that so$th. B$t (o$ ,o$l!#3t et a safe +ath e"e# the#. The%e a%e #o safe +aths i#
this +a%t of the ,o%l!. Re*e*be% (o$ a%e o"e% the E!e of the 4il! #o,& a#! i# fo%
all so%ts of f$# ,he%e"e% (o$ o. Befo%e (o$ )o$l! et %o$#! 0i%',oo! i# the No%th
(o$ ,o$l! be %iht a*o# the slo+es of the G%e( 0o$#tai#s& a#! the( a%e si*+l(
stiff ,ith obli#s& hobobli#s& a#! o%)s of the ,o%st !es)%i+tio#. Befo%e (o$ )o$l!
et %o$#! it i# the /o$th& (o$ ,o$l! et i#to the la#! of the Ne)%o*a#)e%S a#! e"e#
(o$& Bilbo& ,o#3t #ee! *e to tell (o$ tales of that bla)' so%)e%e%. I !o#3t a!"ise (o$
to o a#(,he%e #ea% the +la)es o"e%loo'e! b( his !a%' to,e%W /ti)' to the fo%est-
t%a)'& 'ee+ (o$% s+i%its $+& ho+e fo% the best& a#! ,ith a t%e*e#!o$s sli)e of l$)' (o$
*a( )o*e o$t o#e !a( a#! see the Lo#
0a%shes l(i# belo, (o$& a#! be(o#! the*& hih i# the East& the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#
,he%e !ea% ol! /*a$ li"es& tho$h I ho+e he is #ot eF+e)ti# (o$.C
B7e%( )o*fo%ti# (o$ a%e to be s$%e&C %o,le! Tho%i#. BGoo!-b(eW If (o$ ,o#3t )o*e
,ith $s& (o$ ha! bette% et off ,itho$t a#( *o%e tal'WC
BGoo!-b(e the#& a#! %eall( oo!-b(eWC sai! Ga#!alf& a#! he t$%#e! his ho%se a#!
%o!e !o,# i#to the 4est. B$t he )o$l! #ot %esist the te*+tatio# to ha"e the last
,o%!. Befo%e he ha! +asse! .$ite o$t of hea%i# he t$%#e! a#! +$t his ha#!s to his
*o$th a#! )alle! to the*. The( hea%! his "oi)e )o*e fai#tl(2 BGoo!-b(eW Be oo!&
ta'e )a%e of (o$%sel"esUa#! DON3T LEA7E THE 5ATHWC
The# he allo+e! a,a( a#! ,as soo# lost to siht. BO oo!-b(e a#! o a,a(WC
%$#te! the !,a%"es& all the *o%e a#%( be)a$se the( ,e%e %eall( fille! ,ith !is*a(
at losi# hi*. No, bea# the *ost !a#e%o$s +a%t of all the Po$%#e(. The( ea)h
sho$l!e%e! the hea"( +a)' a#! the ,ate%-s'i# ,hi)h ,as thei% sha%e& a#! t$%#e!
f%o* the liht that la( o# the la#!s o$tsi!e a#! +l$#e! i#to the fo%est.
Cha+te% 7III
1LIE/ AND /5IDER/
The( ,al'e! i# si#le file. The e#t%a#)e to the +ath ,as li'e a so%t of a%)h lea!i# i#to a loo*(
t$##el *a!e b( t,o %eat t%ees that lea#t toethe%& too ol! a#! st%a#le! ,ith i"( a#! h$#
,ith li)he# to bea% *o%e tha# a fe, bla)'e#e! lea"es. The +ath itself ,as #a%%o, a#! ,o$#!
i# a#! o$t a*o# the t%$#'s. /oo# the liht at the ate ,as li'e a little b%iht hole fa% behi#!&
a#! the .$iet ,as so !ee+ that thei% feet see*e! to th$*+ alo# ,hile all the t%ees lea#e!
o"e% the* a#! liste#e!.
As thei% e(es be)a*e $se! to the !i*#ess the( )o$l! see a little ,a( to eithe% si!e i#
a so%t of !a%'e#e! %ee# li**e%. O))asio#all( a sle#!e% bea* of s$# that ha! the
l$)' to sli+ i# th%o$h so*e o+e#i# i# the lea"es fa% abo"e& a#! still *o%e l$)' i#
#ot bei# )a$ht i# the ta#le! bo$hs a#! *atte! t,is be#eath& stabbe! !o,#
thi# a#! b%iht befo%e the*. B$t this ,as sel!o*& a#! it soo# )ease! altoethe%.
The%e ,e%e bla)' s.$i%%els i# the ,oo!. As Bilbo3s sha%+ i#.$isiti"e e(es ot $se! to
seei# thi#s he )o$l! )at)h li*+ses of the* ,his'i# off the +ath a#! s)$ttli#
behi#! t%ee-t%$#'s. The%e ,e%e .$ee% #oises too& %$#ts& s)$ffli#s& a#! h$%%(i#s i#
the $#!e%%o,th& a#! a*o# the lea"es that la( +ile! e#!lessl( thi)' i# +la)es o# the
fo%est-floo%S b$t ,hat *a!e the #oises he )o$l! #ot see. The #astiest thi#s the(
sa, ,e%e the )ob,ebs2 !a%' !e#se )ob,ebs ,ith th%ea!s eFt%ao%!i#a%il( thi)'& ofte#
st%et)he! f%o* t%ee to t%ee& o% ta#le! i# the lo,e% b%a#)hes o# eithe% si!e of the*.
The%e ,e%e #o#e st%et)he! a)%oss the +ath& b$t ,hethe% be)a$se so*e *ai) 'e+t
it )lea%& o% fo% ,hat othe% %easo# the( )o$l! #ot $ess.
It ,as #ot lo# befo%e the( %e, to hate the fo%est as hea%til( as the( ha! hate! the
t$##els of the obli#s& a#! it see*e! to offe% e"e# less ho+e of a#( e#!i#. B$t the(
ha! to o o# a#! o#& lo# afte% the( ,e%e si)' fo% a siht of the s$# a#! of the s'(&
a#! lo#e! fo% the feel of ,i#! o# thei% fa)es. The%e ,as #o *o"e*e#t of ai% !o,#
$#!e% the fo%est-%oof& a#! it ,as e"e%lasti#l( still a#! !a%' a#! st$ff(. E"e# the
!,a%"es felt it& ,ho ,e%e $se! to t$##elli#& a#! li"e! at ti*es fo% lo# ,hiles
,itho$t the liht of the s$#S b$t the hobbit& ,ho li'e! holes to *a'e a ho$se i# b$t
#ot to s+e#! s$**e% !a(s i#& felt that he ,as bei# slo,l( s$ffo)ate!.
The #ihts ,e%e the ,o%st. It the# be)a*e +it)h-!a%'U#ot ,hat (o$ )all +it)h-!a%'&
b$t %eall( +it)h2 so bla)' that (o$ %eall( )o$l! see #othi#. Bilbo t%ie! fla++i# his
ha#! i# f%o#t of his #ose& b$t he )o$l! #ot see it at all. 4ell& +e%ha+s it is #ot t%$e to
sa( that the( )o$l! see #othi#2 the( )o$l! see e(es. The( sle+t all )losel( h$!!le!
toethe%& a#! too' it i# t$%#s to ,at)hS a#! ,he# it ,as Bilbo3s t$%# he ,o$l! see
lea*s i# the !a%'#ess %o$#! the*& a#! so*eti*es +ai%s of (ello, o% %e! o% %ee#
e(es ,o$l! sta%e at hi* f%o* a little !ista#)e& a#! the# slo,l( fa!e a#! !isa++ea%
a#! slo,l( shi#e o$t aai# i# a#othe% +la)e. A#! so*eti*es the( ,o$l! lea* !o,#
f%o* the b%a#)hes P$st abo"e hi*S a#! that ,as *ost te%%if(i#. B$t the e(es that he
li'e! the least ,e%e ho%%ible +ale b$lbo$s so%t of e(es. BI#se)t e(es&C he tho$ht&
B#ot a#i*al e(es& o#l( the( a%e *$)h too bi.C
Altho$h it ,as #ot (et "e%( )ol!& the( t%ie! lihti# ,at)h-fi%es at #iht& b$t the(
soo# a"e that $+. It see*e! to b%i# h$#!%e!s a#! h$#!%e!s of e(es all %o$#!
the*& tho$h the )%eat$%es& ,hate"e% the( ,e%e& ,e%e )a%ef$l #e"e% to let thei%
bo!ies sho, i# the little fli)'e% of the fla*es. 4o%se still it b%o$ht tho$sa#!s of
!a%'-%e( a#! bla)' *oths& so*e #ea%l( as bi as (o$% ha#!& fla++i# a#! ,hi%%i#
%o$#! thei% ea%s. The( )o$l! #ot sta#! that& #o% the h$e bats& bla)' as a to+-hat&
eithe%S so the( a"e $+ fi%es a#! sat at #iht a#! !oHe! i# the e#o%*o$s $#)a##(
!a%'#ess.
All this ,e#t o# fo% ,hat see*e! to the hobbit aes $+o# aesS a#! he ,as al,a(s
h$#%(& fo% the( ,e%e eFt%e*el( )a%ef$l ,ith thei% +%o"isio#s. E"e# so& as !a(s
follo,e! !a(s& a#! still the fo%est see*e! P$st the sa*e& the( bea# to et a#Fio$s.
The foo! ,o$l! #ot last fo% e"e%2 it ,as i# fa)t al%ea!( bei##i# to et lo,. The(
t%ie! shooti# at the s.$i%%els& a#! the( ,aste! *a#( a%%o,s befo%e the( *a#ae!
to b%i# o#e !o,# o# the +ath. B$t ,he# the( %oaste! it& it +%o"e! ho%%ible to taste&
a#! the( shot #o *o%e s.$i%%els.
The( ,e%e thi%st( too& fo% the( ha! #o#e too *$)h ,ate%& a#! i# all the ti*e the(
ha! see# #eithe% s+%i# #o% st%ea*. This ,as thei% state ,he# o#e !a( the( fo$#!
thei% +ath blo)'e! b( a %$##i# ,ate%. It flo,e! fast a#! st%o# b$t #ot "e%( ,i!e
%iht a)%oss the ,a(& a#! it ,as bla)'& o% loo'e! it i# the loo*. It ,as ,ell that
Beo%# ha! ,a%#e! the* aai#st it& o% the( ,o$l! ha"e !%$#' f%o* it& ,hate"e% its
)olo$%& a#! fille! so*e of thei% e*+tie! s'i#s at its ba#'. As it ,as the( o#l( tho$ht
of ho, to )%oss it ,itho$t ,etti# the*sel"es i# its ,ate%. The%e ha! bee# a b%i!e
of ,oo! a)%oss& b$t it ha! %otte! a#! falle# lea"i# o#l( the b%o'e# +osts #ea% the
ba#'.
Bilbo '#eeli# o# the b%i#' a#! +ee%i# fo%,a%! )%ie!2 BThe%e is a boat aai#st the
fa% ba#'W No, ,h( )o$l!#3t it ha"e bee# this si!eWC
BHo, fa% a,a( !o (o$ thi#' it isVC as'e! Tho%i#& fo% b( #o, the( '#e, Bilbo ha! the
sha%+est e(es a*o# the*.
BNot at all fa%. I sho$l!#3t thi#' abo"e t,el"e (a%!s.C
BT,el"e (a%!sW I sho$l! ha"e tho$ht it ,as thi%t( at least& b$t *( e(es !o#3t see as
,ell as the( $se! a h$#!%e! (ea%s ao. /till t,el"e (a%!s is as oo! as a *ile. 4e
)a#3t P$*+ it& a#! ,e !a%e#3t t%( to ,a!e o% s,i*.C
BCa# a#( of (o$ th%o, a %o+eVC
B4hat3s the oo! of thatV The boat is s$%e to be tie! $+& e"e# if ,e )o$l! hoo' it&
,hi)h I !o$bt.C
BI !o#3t belie"e it is tie!&C sai! Bilbo& Btho$h of )o$%se I )a#3t be s$%e i# this lihtS
b$t it loo's to *e as if it ,as P$st !%a,# $+ o# the ba#'& ,hi)h is lo, P$st the%e
,he%e the +ath oes !o,# i#to the ,ate%.C
BDo%i is the st%o#est& b$t 1ili is the (o$#est a#! still has the best siht&C sai! Tho%i#.
BCo*e he%e 1ili& a#! see if (o$ )a# see the boat 0%. Bai#s is tal'i# abo$t.C
1ili tho$ht he )o$l!S so ,he# he ha! sta%e! a lo# ,hile to et a# i!ea of the
!i%e)tio#& the othe%s b%o$ht hi* a %o+e. The( ha! se"e%al ,ith the*& a#! o# the
e#! of the lo#est the( faste#e! o#e of the la%e i%o# hoo's the( ha! $se! fo%
)at)hi# thei% +a)'s to the st%a+s abo$t thei% sho$l!e%s. 1ili too' this i# his ha#!&
bala#)e! it fo% a *o*e#t& a#! the# fl$# it a)%oss the st%ea*.
/+lash it fell i# the ,ate%W BNot fa% e#o$hWC sai! Bilbo ,ho ,as +ee%i# fo%,a%!. BA
)o$+le of feet a#! (o$ ,o$l! ha"e !%o++e! it o# to the boat. T%( aai#. I !o#3t
s$++ose the *ai) is st%o# e#o$h to h$%t (o$& if (o$ P$st to$)h a bit of ,et %o+e.C
1ili +i)'e! $+ the hoo' ,he# he ha! !%a,# it ba)'& %athe% !o$btf$ll( all the sa*e.
This ti*e he th%e, it ,ith %eat st%e#th.
B/tea!(WC sai! Bilbo& B(o$ ha"e th%o,# it %iht i#to the ,oo! o# the othe% si!e #o,.
D%a, it ba)' e#tl(.C 1ili ha$le! the %o+e ba)' slo,l(& a#! afte% a ,hile Bilbo sai!2
BCa%ef$ll(W It is l(i# o# the boatS let3s ho+e the hoo' ,ill )at)h.C
It !i!. The %o+e ,e#t ta$t& a#! 1ili +$lle! i# "ai#. Kili )a*e to his hel+& a#! the# Oi#
a#! Gloi#. The( t$e! a#! t$e!& a#! s$!!e#l( the( all fell o"e% o# thei% ba)'s.
Bilbo ,as o# the loo' o$t& ho,e"e%& )a$ht the %o+e& a#! ,ith a +ie)e of sti)'
fe#!e! off the little bla)' boat as it )a*e %$shi# a)%oss the st%ea*. BHel+WC he
sho$te!& a#! Bali# ,as P$st i# ti*e to seiHe the boat befo%e it floate! off !o,# the
)$%%e#t.
BIt ,as tie! afte% all&C sai! he& loo'i# at the s#a++e! +ai#te% that ,as still !a#li#
f%o* it. BThat ,as a oo! +$ll& *( la!sS a#! a oo! Pob that o$% %o+e ,as the
st%o#e%.C
B4ho3ll )%oss fi%stVC as'e! Bilbo.
BI shall&C sai! Tho%i#& Ba#! (o$ ,ill )o*e ,ith *e& a#! 1ili a#! Bali#. That3s as *a#(
as the boat ,ill hol! at a ti*e. Afte% that Kili a#! Oi# a#! Gloi# a#! Do%iS #eFt O%i
a#! No%i& Bif$% a#! Bof$%S a#! last D,ali# a#! Bo*b$%.C
BI3* al,a(s last a#! I !o#3t li'e it&C sai! Bo*b$%. BIt3s so*ebo!( else3s t$%# to!a(.C
BYo$ sho$l! #ot be so fat. As (o$ a%e& (o$ *$st be ,ith the last a#! lihtest
boatloa!. Do#3t sta%t %$*bli# aai#st o%!e%s& o% so*ethi# ba! ,ill ha++e# to
(o$.C
BThe%e a%e#3t a#( oa%s. Ho, a%e (o$ oi# to +$sh the boat ba)' to the fa% ba#'VC
as'e! the hobbit.
BGi"e *e a#othe% le#th of %o+e a#! a#othe% hoo'&C sai! 1ili& a#! ,he# the( ha! ot
it %ea!(& he )ast it i#to the !a%'#ess ahea! a#! as hih as he )o$l! th%o, it. /i#)e it
!i! #ot fall !o,# aai#& the( sa, that it *$st ha"e st$)' i# the b%a#)hes. BGet i#
#o,&C sai! 1ili& Ba#! o#e of (o$ ha$l o# the %o+e that is st$)' i# a t%ee o# the othe%
si!e. O#e of the othe%s *$st 'ee+ hol! of the hoo' ,e $se! at fi%st& a#! ,he# ,e
a%e safe o# the othe% si!e he )a# hoo' it o#& a#! (o$ )a# !%a, the boat ba)'.C
I# this ,a( the( ,e%e all soo# o# the fa% ba#' safe a)%oss the e#)ha#te! st%ea*.
D,ali# ha! P$st s)%a*ble! o$t ,ith the )oile! %o+e o# his a%*& a#! Bo*b$% @still
%$*bli#A ,as etti# %ea!( to follo,& ,he# so*ethi# ba! !i! ha++e#. The%e ,as
a fl(i# so$#! of hoo"es o# the +ath ahea!. O$t of the loo* )a*e s$!!e#l( the
sha+e of a fl(i# !ee%. It )ha%e! i#to the !,a%"es a#! bo,le! the* o"e%& the#
athe%e! itself fo% a lea+. Hih it s+%a# a#! )lea%e! the ,ate% ,ith a *iht( P$*+.
B$t it !i! #ot %ea)h the othe% si!e i# safet(. Tho%i# ,as the o#l( o#e ,ho ha! 'e+t
his feet a#! his ,its. As soo# as the( ha! la#!e! he ha! be#t his bo, a#! fitte! a#
a%%o, i# )ase a#( hi!!e# $a%!ia# of the boat a++ea%e!. No, he se#t a s,ift a#!
s$%e shot i#to the lea+i# beast. As it %ea)he! the f$%the% ba#' it st$*ble!. The
sha!o,s s,allo,e! it $+& b$t the( hea%! the so$#! of hoo"es .$i)'l( falte% a#! the#
o still.
Befo%e the( )o$l! sho$t i# +%aise of the shot& ho,e"e%& a !%ea!f$l ,ail f%o* Bilbo
+$t all tho$hts of "e#iso# o$t of thei% *i#!s. BBo*b$% has falle# i#W Bo*b$% is
!%o,#i#WC he )%ie!. It ,as o#l( too t%$e. Bo*b$% ha! o#l( o#e foot o# the la#!
,he# the ha%t bo%e !o,# o# hi*& a#! s+%a# o"e% hi*. He ha! st$*ble!& th%$sti#
the boat a,a( f%o* the ba#'& a#! the# to++le! ba)' i#to the !a%' ,ate%& his ha#!s
sli++i# off the sli*( %oots at the e!e& ,hile the boat s+a# slo,l( off a#!
!isa++ea%e!.
The( )o$l! still see his hoo! abo"e the ,ate% ,he# the( %a# to the ba#'. :$i)'l(&
the( fl$# a %o+e ,ith a hoo' to,a%!s hi*. His ha#! )a$ht it& a#! the( +$lle! hi*
to the sho%e. He ,as !%e#)he! f%o* hai% to boots& of )o$%se& b$t that ,as #ot the
,o%st. 4he# the( lai! hi* o# the ba#' he ,as al%ea!( fast aslee+& ,ith o#e ha#!
)l$t)hi# the %o+e so tiht that the( )o$l! #ot et it f%o* his %as+S a#! fast aslee+
he %e*ai#e! i# s+ite of all the( )o$l! !o.
The( ,e%e still sta#!i# o"e% hi*& )$%si# thei% ill l$)'& a#! Bo*b$%3s )l$*si#ess& a#!
la*e#ti# the loss of the boat ,hi)h *a!e it i*+ossible fo% the* to o ba)' a#!
loo' fo% the ha%t& ,he# the( be)a*e a,a%e of the !i* blo,i# of ho%#s i# the ,oo!
a#! the so$#! as of !os ba(i# fa% off. The# the( all fell sile#tS a#! as the( sat it
see*e! the( )o$l! hea% the #oise of a %eat h$#t oi# b( to the #o%th of the +ath&
tho$h the( sa, #o si# of it.
The%e the( sat fo% a lo# ,hile a#! !i! #ot !a%e to *a'e a *o"e. Bo*b$% sle+t o#
,ith a s*ile o# his fat fa)e& as if he #o lo#e% )a%e! fo% all the t%o$bles that "eFe!
the*. /$!!e#l( o# the +ath ahea! a++ea%e! so*e ,hite !ee%& a hi#! a#! fa,#s as
s#o,( ,hite as the ha%t ha! bee# !a%'. The( li**e%e! i# the sha!o,s. Befo%e
Tho%i# )o$l! )%( o$t th%ee of the !,a%"es ha! lea+e! to thei% feet a#! loose! off
a%%o,s f%o* thei% bo,s. No#e see*e! to fi#! thei% *a%'. The !ee% t$%#e! a#!
"a#ishe! i# the t%ees as sile#tl( as the( ha! )o*e& a#! i# "ai# the !,a%"es shot thei%
a%%o,s afte% the*.
B/to+W sto+WC sho$te! Tho%i#S b$t it ,as too late& the eF)ite! !,a%"es ha! ,aste!
thei% last a%%o,s& a#! #o, the bo,s that Beo%# ha! i"e# the* ,e%e $seless.
The( ,e%e a loo*( +a%t( that #iht& a#! the loo* athe%e! still !ee+e% o# the* i#
the follo,i# !a(s. The( ha! )%osse! the e#)ha#te! st%ea*S b$t be(o#! it the +ath
see*e! to st%ale o# P$st as befo%e& a#! i# the fo%est the( )o$l! see #o )ha#e. Yet
if the( ha! '#o,# *o%e abo$t it a#! )o#si!e%e! the *ea#i# of the h$#t a#! the
,hite !ee% that ha! a++ea%e! $+o# thei% +ath& the( ,o$l! ha"e '#o,# that the(
,e%e at last !%a,i# to,a%!s the easte%# e!e& a#! ,o$l! soo# ha"e )o*e& if the(
)o$l! ha"e 'e+t $+ thei% )o$%ae a#! thei% ho+e& to thi##e% t%ees a#! +la)es ,he%e
the s$#liht )a*e aai#.
B$t the( !i! #ot '#o, this& a#! the( ,e%e b$%!e#e! ,ith the hea"( bo!( of Bo*b$%&
,hi)h the( ha! to )a%%( alo# ,ith the* as best the( )o$l!& ta'i# the ,ea%iso*e
tas' i# t$%#s of fo$% ea)h ,hile the othe%s sha%e! thei% +a)'s. If these ha! #ot
be)o*e all too liht i# the last fe, !a(s& the( ,o$l! #e"e% ha"e *a#ae! itS b$t a
sl$*be%i# a#! s*ili# Bo*b$% ,as a +oo% eF)ha#e fo% +a)'s fille! ,ith foo!
ho,e"e% hea"(. I# a fe, !a(s a ti*e )a*e ,he# the%e ,as +%a)ti)all( #othi# left to
eat o% to !%i#'. Nothi# ,holeso*e )o$l! the( see %o,i# i# the ,oo!& o#l(
f$#$ses a#! he%bs ,ith +ale lea"es a#! $#+leasa#t s*ell.
Abo$t fo$% !a(s f%o* the e#)ha#te! st%ea* the( )a*e to a +a%t ,he%e *ost of the
t%ees ,e%e bee)hes. The( ,e%e at fi%st i#)li#e! to be )hee%e! b( the )ha#e& fo%
he%e the%e ,as #o $#!e%%o,th a#! the sha!o, ,as #ot so !ee+. The%e ,as a
%ee#ish liht abo$t the*& a#! i# +la)es the( )o$l! see so*e !ista#)e to eithe% si!e
of the +ath. Yet the liht o#l( sho,e! the* e#!less li#es of st%aiht %e( t%$#'s li'e
the +illa%s of so*e h$e t,iliht hall. The%e ,as a b%eath of ai% a#! a #oise of ,i#!&
b$t it ha! a sa! so$#!. A fe, lea"es )a*e %$stli# !o,# to %e*i#! the* that o$tsi!e
a$t$*# ,as )o*i# o#. Thei% feet %$ffle! a*o# the !ea! lea"es of )o$#tless othe%
a$t$*#s that !%ifte! o"e% the ba#'s of the +ath f%o* the !ee+ %e! )a%+ets of the
fo%est.
/till Bo*b$% sle+t a#! the( %e, "e%( ,ea%(. At ti*es the( hea%! !is.$ieti#
la$hte%. /o*eti*es the%e ,as si#i# i# the !ista#)e too. The la$hte% ,as the
la$hte% of fai% "oi)es #ot of obli#s& a#! the si#i# ,as bea$tif$l& b$t it so$#!e!
ee%ie a#! st%a#e& a#! the( ,e%e #ot )o*fo%te!& %athe% the( h$%%ie! o# f%o* those
+a%ts ,ith ,hat st%e#th the( ha! left.
T,o !a(s late% the( fo$#! thei% +ath oi# !o,#,a%!s& a#! befo%e lo# the( ,e%e i#
a "alle( fille! al*ost e#ti%el( ,ith a *iht( %o,th of oa's.
BIs the%e #o e#! to this a))$%se! fo%estVC sai! Tho%i#. B/o*ebo!( *$st )li*b a t%ee
a#! see if he )a# et his hea! abo"e the %oof a#! ha"e a loo' %o$#!. The o#l( ,a( is
to )hoose the tallest t%ee that o"e%ha#s the +ath.C
Of )o$%se Bso*ebo!(C *ea#t Bilbo. The( )hose hi*& be)a$se to be of a#( $se the
)li*be% *$st et his hea! abo"e the to+*ost lea"es& a#! so he *$st be liht
e#o$h fo% the hihest a#! sle#!e%est b%a#)hes to bea% hi*. 5oo% 0%. Bai#s ha!
#e"e% ha! *$)h +%a)ti)e i# )li*bi# t%ees& b$t the( hoiste! hi* $+ i#to the lo,est
b%a#)hes of a# e#o%*o$s oa' that %e, %iht o$t i#to the +ath& a#! $+ he ha! to o
as best he )o$l!. He +$she! his ,a( th%o$h the ta#le! t,is ,ith *a#( a sla+ i#
the e(eS he ,as %ee#e! a#! %i*e! f%o* the ol! ba%' of the %eate% bo$hsS *o%e
tha# o#)e he sli++e! a#! )a$ht hi*self P$st i# ti*eS a#! at last& afte% a !%ea!f$l
st%$le i# a !iffi)$lt +la)e ,he%e the%e see*e! to be #o )o#"e#ie#t b%a#)hes at all&
he ot #ea% the to+. All the ti*e he ,as ,o#!e%i# ,hethe% the%e ,e%e s+i!e%s i#
the t%ee& a#! ho, he ,as oi# to et !o,# aai# @eF)e+t b( falli#A.
I# the e#! he +o'e! his hea! abo"e the %oof of lea"es& a#! the# he fo$#! s+i!e%s all
%iht. B$t the( ,e%e o#l( s*all o#es of o%!i#a%( siHe& a#! the( ,e%e afte% the
b$tte%flies. Bilbo3s e(es ,e%e #ea%l( bli#!e! b( the liht. He )o$l! hea% the !,a%"es
sho$ti# $+ at hi* f%o* fa% belo,& b$t he )o$l! #ot a#s,e%& o#l( hol! o# a#! bli#'.
The s$# ,as shi#i# b%illia#tl(& a#! it ,as a lo# ,hile befo%e he )o$l! bea% it. 4he#
he )o$l!& he sa, all %o$#! hi* a sea of !a%' %ee#& %$ffle! he%e a#! the%e b( the
b%eeHeS a#! the%e ,e%e e"e%(,he%e h$#!%e!s of b$tte%flies. I eF+e)t the( ,e%e a
'i#! of B+$%+le e*+e%o%C& a b$tte%fl( that lo"es the to+s of oa'-,oo!s& b$t these
,e%e #ot +$%+le at all& the( ,e%e a !a%' !a%' "el"et( bla)' ,itho$t a#( *a%'i#s to
be see#.
He loo'e! at the Bbla)' e*+e%o%sC fo% a lo# ti*e& a#! e#Po(e! the feel of the
b%eeHe i# his hai% a#! o# his fa)eS b$t at le#th the )%ies of the !,a%"es& ,ho ,e%e
#o, si*+l( sta*+i# ,ith i*+atie#)e !o,# belo,& %e*i#!e! hi* of his %eal
b$si#ess. It ,as #o oo!. GaHe as *$)h as he *iht& he )o$l! see #o e#! to the
t%ees a#! the lea"es i# a#( !i%e)tio#. His hea%t& that ha! bee# lihte#e! b( the siht
of the s$# a#! the feel of the ,i#!& sa#' ba)' i#to his toes2 the%e ,as #o foo! to o
ba)' to !o,# belo,.
A)t$all(& as I ha"e tol! (o$& the( ,e%e #ot fa% off the e!e of the fo%estS a#! if Bilbo
ha! ha! the se#se to see it& the t%ee that he ha! )li*be!& tho$h it ,as tall i# itself&
,as sta#!i# #ea% the botto* of a ,i!e "alle(& so that f%o* its to+ the t%ees see*e!
to s,ell $+ all %o$#! li'e the e!es of a %eat bo,l& a#! he )o$l! #ot eF+e)t to see
ho, fa% the fo%est laste!. /till he !i! #ot see this& a#! he )li*be! !o,# f$ll of
!es+ai%. He ot to the botto* aai# at last& s)%at)he!& hot& a#! *ise%able& a#! he
)o$l! #ot see a#(thi# i# the loo* belo, ,he# he ot the%e. His %e+o%t soo# *a!e
the othe%s as *ise%able as he ,as.
BThe fo%est oes o# fo% e"e% a#! e"e% a#! e"e% i# all !i%e)tio#sW 4hate"e% shall ,e
!oV A#! ,hat is the $se of se#!i# a hobbitWC the( )%ie!& as if it ,as his fa$lt. The(
!i! #ot )a%e t$++e#)e abo$t the b$tte%flies& a#! ,e%e o#l( *a!e *o%e a#%( ,he#
he tol! the* of the bea$tif$l b%eeHe& ,hi)h the( ,e%e too hea"( to )li*b $+ a#!
feel.
That #iht the( ate thei% "e%( last s)%a+s a#! )%$*bs of foo!S a#! #eFt *o%#i# ,he# the(
,o'e the fi%st thi# the( #oti)e! ,as that the( ,e%e still #a,i#l( h$#%(& a#! the #eFt thi#
,as that it ,as %ai#i# a#! that he%e a#! the%e the !%i+ of it ,as !%o++i# hea"il( o# the fo%est
floo%. That o#l( %e*i#!e! the* that the( ,e%e also +a%)hi#l( thi%st(& ,itho$t !oi# a#(thi#
to %elie"e the*2 (o$ )a##ot .$e#)h a te%%ible thi%st b( sta#!i# $#!e% ia#t oa's a#! ,aiti#
fo% a )ha#)e !%i+ to fall o# (o$% to#$e. The o#l( s)%a+ of )o*fo%t the%e ,as )a*e
$#eF+e)te!l( f%o* Bo*b$%.
He ,o'e $+ s$!!e#l( a#! sat $+ s)%at)hi# his hea!. He )o$l! #ot *a'e o$t ,he%e
he ,as at all& #o% ,h( he felt so h$#%(S fo% he ha! fo%otte# e"e%(thi# that ha!
ha++e#e! si#)e the( sta%te! thei% Po$%#e( that 0a( *o%#i# lo# ao. The last thi#
that he %e*e*be%e! ,as the +a%t( at the hobbit3s ho$se& a#! the( ha! %eat
!iffi)$lt( i# *a'i# hi* belie"e thei% tale of all the *a#( a!"e#t$%es the( ha! ha!
si#)e.
4he# he hea%! that the%e ,as #othi# to eat& he sat !o,# a#! ,e+t& fo% he felt "e%(
,ea' a#! ,obbl( i# the les. B4h( e"e% !i! I ,a'e $+WC he )%ie!. BI ,as ha"i# s$)h
bea$tif$l !%ea*s. I !%ea*e! I ,as ,al'i# i# a fo%est %athe% li'e this o#e& o#l( lit
,ith to%)hes o# the t%ees a#! la*+s s,i#i# f%o* the b%a#)hes a#! fi%es b$%#i# o#
the %o$#!S a#! the%e ,as a %eat feast oi# o#& oi# o# fo% e"e%. A ,oo!la#! 'i#
,as the%e ,ith a )%o,# of lea"es& a#! the%e ,as a *e%%( si#i#& a#! I )o$l! #ot
)o$#t o% !es)%ibe the thi#s the%e ,e%e to eat a#! !%i#'.C
BYo$ #ee! #ot t%(&C sai! Tho%i#. BI# fa)t if (o$ )a#3t tal' abo$t so*ethi# else& (o$
ha! bette% be sile#t. 4e a%e .$ite a##o(e! e#o$h ,ith (o$ as it is. If (o$ ha!#3t
,a'e! $+& ,e sho$l! ha"e left (o$ to (o$% i!ioti) !%ea*s i# the fo%estS (o$ a%e #o
Po'e to )a%%( e"e# afte% ,ee's of sho%t )o**o#s.C
The%e ,as #othi# #o, to be !o#e b$t to tihte# the belts %o$#! thei% e*+t(
sto*a)hs& a#! hoist thei% e*+t( sa)'s a#! +a)'s& a#! t%$!e alo# the t%a)' ,itho$t
a#( %eat ho+e of e"e% etti# to the e#! befo%e the( la( !o,# a#! !ie! of
sta%"atio#. This the( !i! all that !a(& oi# "e%( slo,l( a#! ,ea%il(S ,hile Bo*b$%
'e+t o# ,aili# that his les ,o$l! #ot )a%%( hi* a#! that he ,a#te! to lie !o,#
a#! slee+.
BNo (o$ !o#3tWC the( sai!. BLet (o$% les ta'e thei% sha%e& ,e ha"e )a%%ie! (o$ fa%
e#o$h.C
All the sa*e he s$!!e#l( %ef$se! to o a ste+ f$%the% a#! fl$# hi*self o# the
%o$#!. BGo o#& if (o$ *$st&C he sai!. BI3* P$st oi# to lie he%e a#! slee+ a#!
!%ea* of foo!& if I )a#3t et it a#( othe% ,a(. I ho+e I #e"e% ,a'e $+ aai#.C
At that "e%( *o*e#t Bali#& ,ho ,as a little ,a( ahea!& )alle! o$t2 B4hat ,as thatV I
tho$ht I sa, a t,i#'le of liht i# the fo%est.C
The( all loo'e!& a#! a lo#ish ,a( off& it see*e!& the( sa, a %e! t,i#'le i# the !a%'S
the# a#othe% a#! a#othe% s+%a# o$t besi!e it. E"e# Bo*b$% ot $+& a#! the(
h$%%ie! alo# the#& #ot )a%i# if it ,as t%olls o% obli#s. The liht ,as i# f%o#t of
the* a#! to the left of the +ath& a#! ,he# at last the( ha! !%a,# le"el ,ith it& it
see*e! +lai# that to%)hes a#! fi%es ,e%e b$%#i# $#!e% the t%ees& b$t a oo! ,a(
off thei% t%a)'.
BIt loo's as if *( !%ea*s ,e%e )o*i# t%$e&C as+e! Bo*b$% +$ffi# $+ behi#!. He
,a#te! to %$sh st%aiht off i#to the ,oo! afte% the lihts. B$t the othe%s
%e*e*be%e! o#l( too ,ell the ,a%#i#s of the ,iHa%! a#! of Beo%#.
BA feast ,o$l! be #o oo!& if ,e #e"e% ot ba)' ali"e f%o* it&C sai! Tho%i#.
BB$t ,itho$t a feast ,e sha#3t %e*ai# ali"e *$)h lo#e% a#(,a(&C sai! Bo*b$%& a#!
Bilbo hea%til( a%ee! ,ith hi*. The( a%$e! abo$t it ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s fo% a
lo# ,hile& $#til the( a%ee! at le#th to se#! o$t a )o$+le of s+ies& to )%ee+ #ea%
the lihts a#! fi#! o$t *o%e abo$t the*. B$t the# the( )o$l! #ot a%ee o# ,ho ,as
to be se#t2 #o o#e see*e! a#Fio$s to %$# the )ha#)e of bei# lost a#! #e"e% fi#!i#
his f%ie#!s aai#. I# the e#!& i# s+ite of ,a%#i#s& h$#e% !e)i!e! the*& be)a$se
Bo*b$% 'e+t o# !es)%ibi# all the oo! thi#s that ,e%e bei# eate#& a))o%!i# to
his !%ea*& i# the ,oo!la#! feastS so the( all left the +ath a#! +l$#e! i#to the
fo%est toethe%.
Afte% a oo! !eal of )%ee+i# a#! )%a,li# the( +ee%e! %o$#! the t%$#'s a#! loo'e!
i#to a )lea%i# ,he%e so*e t%ees ha! bee# felle! a#! the %o$#! le"elle!. The%e
,e%e *a#( +eo+le the%e& el"ish-loo'i# fol'& all !%esse! i# %ee# a#! b%o,# a#!
sitti# o# sa,# %i#s of the felle! t%ees i# a %eat )i%)le. The%e ,as a fi%e i# thei%
*i!st a#! the%e ,e%e to%)hes faste#e! to so*e of the t%ees %o$#! abo$tS b$t *ost
s+le#!i! siht of all2 the( ,e%e eati# a#! !%i#'i# a#! la$hi# *e%%il(.
The s*ell of the %oast *eats ,as so e#)ha#ti# that& ,itho$t ,aiti# to )o#s$lt o#e
a#othe%& e"e%( o#e of the* ot $+ a#! s)%a*ble! fo%,a%!s i#to the %i# ,ith the
o#e i!ea of bei# fo% so*e foo!. No soo#e% ha! the fi%st ste++e! i#to the )lea%i#
tha# all the lihts ,e#t o$t as if b( *ai). /o*ebo!( 'i)'e! the fi%e a#! it ,e#t $+ i#
%o)'ets of litte%i# s+a%'s a#! "a#ishe!. The( ,e%e lost i# a )o*+letel( lihtless
!a%' a#! the( )o$l! #ot e"e# fi#! o#e a#othe%& #ot fo% a lo# ti*e at a#( %ate. Afte%
bl$#!e%i# f%a#ti)all( i# the loo*& falli# o"e% los& b$*+i# )%ash i#to t%ees& a#!
sho$ti# a#! )alli# till the( *$st ha"e ,a'e! e"e%(thi# i# the fo%est fo% *iles& at
last the( *a#ae! to athe% the*sel"es i# a b$#!le a#! )o$#t the*sel"es b( to$)h.
B( that ti*e the( ha!& of )o$%se& .$ite fo%otte# i# ,hat !i%e)tio# the +ath la(& a#!
the( ,e%e all ho+elessl( lost& at least till *o%#i#.
The%e ,as #othi# fo% it b$t to settle !o,# fo% the #iht ,he%e the( ,e%eS the( !i!
#ot e"e# !a%e to sea%)h o# the %o$#! fo% s)%a+s of foo! fo% fea% of be)o*i#
se+a%ate! aai#. B$t the( ha! #ot bee# l(i# lo#& a#! Bilbo ,as o#l( P$st etti#
!%o,s(& ,he# Do%i& ,hose t$%# it ,as to ,at)h fi%st& sai! i# a lo$! ,his+e%2
BThe lihts a%e )o*i# o$t aai# o"e% the%e& a#! the%e a%e *o%e tha# e"e% of the*.C
8+ the( all P$*+e!. The%e& s$%e e#o$h& #ot fa% a,a( ,e%e s)o%es of t,i#'li# lihts&
a#! the( hea%! the "oi)es a#! the la$hte% .$ite +lai#l(. The( )%e+t slo,l( to,a%!s
the*& i# a si#le li#e& ea)h to$)hi# the ba)' of the o#e i# f%o#t. 4he# the( ot
#ea% Tho%i# sai!2 BNo %$shi# fo%,a%! this ti*eW No o#e is to sti% f%o* hi!i# till I sa(.
I shall se#! 0%. Bai#s alo#e fi%st to tal' to the*. The( ,o#3t be f%ihte#e! of
hi*U@64hat abo$t *e of the*V3 tho$ht BilboAUa#! a#( ,a( I ho+e the( ,o#3t !o
a#(thi# #ast( to hi*.C
4he# the( ot to the e!e of the )i%)le of lihts the( +$she! Bilbo s$!!e#l( f%o*
behi#!. Befo%e he ha! ti*e to sli+ o# his %i#& he st$*ble! fo%,a%! i#to the f$ll
blaHe of the fi%e a#! to%)hes. It ,as #o oo!. O$t ,e#t all the lihts aai# a#!
)o*+lete !a%'#ess fell.
If it ha! bee# !iffi)$lt )olle)ti# the*sel"es befo%e& it ,as fa% ,o%se this ti*e. A#!
the( si*+l( )o$l! #ot fi#! the hobbit. E"e%( ti*e the( )o$#te! the*sel"es it o#l(
*a!e thi%tee#. The( sho$te! a#! )alle!2 BBilbo Bai#sW HobbitW Yo$ !%atte! hobbitW
HiW hobbit& )o#f$sti)ate (o$& ,he%e a%e (o$VC a#! othe% thi#s of that so%t& b$t the%e
,as #o a#s,e%.
The( ,e%e P$st i"i# $+ ho+e& ,he# Do%i st$*ble! a)%oss hi* b( shee% l$)'. I# the
!a%' he fell o"e% ,hat he tho$ht ,as a lo& a#! he fo$#! it ,as the hobbit )$%le!
$+ fast aslee+. It too' a !eal of sha'i# to ,a'e hi*& a#! ,he# he ,as a,a'e he
,as #ot +lease! at all.
BI ,as ha"i# s$)h a lo"el( !%ea*&C he %$*ble!& Ball abo$t ha"i# a *ost o%eo$s
!i##e%.C
BGoo! hea"e#sW he has o#e li'e Bo*b$%&C the( sai!. BDo#3t tell $s abo$t !%ea*s.
D%ea*-!i##e%s a%e#3t a#( oo!& a#! ,e )a#3t sha%e the*.C
BThe( a%e the best I a* li'el( to et i# this beastl( +la)e&C he *$tte%e!& as he la(
!o,# besi!e the !,a%"es a#! t%ie! to o ba)' to slee+ a#! fi#! his !%ea* aai#. B$t
that ,as #ot the last of the lihts i# the fo%est. Late% ,he# the #iht *$st ha"e bee#
etti# ol!& Kili ,ho ,as ,at)hi# the#& )a*e a#! %o$se! the* all aai#& sa(i#2
BThe%e3s a %e$la% blaHe of liht be$# #ot fa% a,a(Uh$#!%e!s of to%)hes a#! *a#(
fi%es *$st ha"e bee# lit s$!!e#l( a#! b( *ai). A#! ha%' to the si#i# a#! the
ha%+sWC
Afte% l(i# a#! liste#i# fo% a ,hile& the( fo$#! the( )o$l! #ot %esist the !esi%e to o
#ea%e% a#! t%( o#)e *o%e to et hel+. 8+ the( ot aai#S a#! this ti*e the %es$lt
,as !isast%o$s. The feast that the( #o, sa, ,as %eate% a#! *o%e *a#ifi)e#t tha#
befo%eS a#! at the hea! of a lo# li#e of feaste%s sat a ,oo!la#! 'i# ,ith a )%o,# of
lea"es $+o# his ol!e# hai%& "e%( *$)h as Bo*b$% ha! !es)%ibe! the fi$%e i# his
!%ea*. The el"ish fol' ,e%e +assi# bo,ls f%o* ha#! to ha#! a#! a)%oss the fi%es&
a#! so*e ,e%e ha%+i# a#! *a#( ,e%e si#i#. Thei% lea*i# hai% ,as t,i#e! ,ith
flo,e%sS %ee# a#! ,hite e*s li#te! o# thei% )olla%s a#! thei% beltsS a#! thei%
fa)es a#! thei% so#s ,e%e fille! ,ith *i%th. Lo$! a#! )lea% a#! fai% ,e%e those
so#s& a#! o$t ste++e! Tho%i# i# to thei% *i!st.
Dea! sile#)e fell i# the *i!!le of a ,o%!. O$t ,e#t all liht. The fi%es lea+e! $+ i#
bla)' s*o'es. Ashes a#! )i#!e%s ,e%e i# the e(es of the !,a%"es& a#! the ,oo! ,as
fille! aai# ,ith thei% )la*o$% a#! thei% )%ies.
Bilbo fo$#! hi*self %$##i# %o$#! a#! %o$#! @as he tho$htA a#! )alli# a#! )alli#2
BDo%i& No%i& O%i& Oi#& Gloi#& 1ili& Kili& Bo*b$%& Bif$%& Bof$%& D,ali#& Bali#& Tho%i#
Oa'e#shiel!&C ,hile +eo+le he )o$l! #ot see o% feel ,e%e !oi# the sa*e all %o$#!
hi* @,ith a# o))asio#al BBilboWC th%o,# i#A. B$t the )%ies of the othe%s ot stea!il(
f$%the% a#! fai#te%& a#! tho$h afte% a ,hile it see*e! to hi* the( )ha#e! to (ells
a#! )%ies fo% hel+ i# the fa% !ista#)e& all #oise at last !ie! %iht a,a(& a#! he ,as left
alo#e i# )o*+lete sile#)e a#! !a%'#ess.
That ,as o#e of his *ost *ise%able *o*e#ts. B$t he soo# *a!e $+ his *i#! that it ,as #o
oo! t%(i# to !o a#(thi# till !a( )a*e ,ith so*e little liht& a#! .$ite $seless to o
bl$#!e%i# abo$t ti%i# hi*self o$t ,ith #o ho+e of a#( b%ea'fast to %e"i"e hi*. /o he sat
hi*self !o,# ,ith his ba)' to a t%ee& a#! #ot fo% the last ti*e fell to thi#'i# of his fa%-!ista#t
hobbit-hole ,ith its bea$tif$l +a#t%ies. He ,as !ee+ i# tho$hts of ba)o# a#! es a#! toast
a#! b$tte% ,he# he felt so*ethi# to$)h hi*. /o*ethi# li'e a st%o# sti)'( st%i# ,as aai#st
his left ha#!& a#! ,he# he t%ie! to *o"e he fo$#! that his les ,e%e al%ea!( ,%a++e! i# the
sa*e st$ff& so that ,he# he ot $+ he fell o"e%.
The# the %eat s+i!e%& ,ho ha! bee# b$s( t(i# hi* $+ ,hile he !oHe!& )a*e f%o*
behi#! hi* a#! )a*e at hi*. He )o$l! o#l( see the thi#3s e(es& b$t he )o$l! feel its
hai%( les as it st%$le! to ,i#! its abo*i#able th%ea!s %o$#! a#! %o$#! hi*. It ,as
l$)'( that he ha! )o*e to his se#ses i# ti*e. /oo# he ,o$l! #ot ha"e bee# able to
*o"e at all. As it ,as& he ha! a !es+e%ate fiht befo%e he ot f%ee. He beat the
)%eat$%e off ,ith his ha#!sUit ,as t%(i# to +oiso# hi* to 'ee+ hi* .$iet& as s*all
s+i!e%s !o to fliesU$#til he %e*e*be%e! his s,o%! a#! !%e, it o$t. The# the s+i!e%
P$*+e! ba)'& a#! he ha! ti*e to )$t his les loose. Afte% that it ,as his t$%# to
atta)'. The s+i!e% e"i!e#tl( ,as #ot $se! to thi#s that )a%%ie! s$)h sti#s at thei%
si!es& o% it ,o$l! ha"e h$%%ie! a,a( .$i)'e%. Bilbo )a*e at it befo%e it )o$l!
!isa++ea% a#! st$)' it ,ith his s,o%! %iht i# the e(es. The# it ,e#t *a! a#! lea+e!
a#! !a#)e! a#! fl$# o$t its les i# ho%%ible Pe%'s& $#til he 'ille! it ,ith a#othe%
st%o'eS a#! the# he fell !o,# a#! %e*e*be%e! #othi# *o%e fo% a lo# ,hile.
The%e ,as the $s$al !i* %e( liht of the fo%est-!a( abo$t hi* ,he# he )a*e to his
se#ses. The s+i!e% la( !ea! besi!e hi*& a#! his s,o%!-bla!e ,as stai#e! bla)'.
/o*eho, the 'illi# of the ia#t s+i!e%& all alo#e b( hi*self i# the !a%' ,itho$t the
hel+ of the ,iHa%! o% the !,a%"es o% of a#(o#e else& *a!e a %eat !iffe%e#)e to 0%.
Bai#s. He felt a !iffe%e#t +e%so#& a#! *$)h fie%)e% a#! bol!e% i# s+ite of a# e*+t(
sto*a)h& as he ,i+e! his s,o%! o# the %ass a#! +$t it ba)' i#to its sheath.
BI ,ill i"e (o$ a #a*e&C he sai! to it& Ba#! I shall )all (o$ /ti#.C
Afte% that he set o$t to eF+lo%e. The fo%est ,as %i* a#! sile#t& b$t ob"io$sl( he ha!
fi%st of all to loo' fo% his f%ie#!s& ,ho ,e%e #ot li'el( to be "e%( fa% off& $#less the(
ha! bee# *a!e +%iso#e%s b( the el"es @o% ,o%se thi#sA. Bilbo felt that it ,as $#safe
to sho$t& a#! he stoo! a lo# ,hile ,o#!e%i# i# ,hat !i%e)tio# the +ath la(& a#! i#
,hat !i%e)tio# he sho$l! o fi%st to loo' fo% the !,a%"es.
BOW ,h( !i! ,e #ot %e*e*be% Beo%#3s a!"i)e& a#! Ga#!alf3sWC he la*e#te!. B4hat a
*ess ,e a%e i# #o,W 4eW I o#l( ,ish it ,as ,e2 it is ho%%ible bei# all alo#e.C
I# the e#! he *a!e as oo! a $ess as he )o$l! at the !i%e)tio# f%o* ,hi)h the )%ies
fo% hel+ ha! )o*e i# the #ihtUa#! b( l$)' @he ,as bo%# ,ith a oo! sha%e of itA he
$esse! *o%e o% less %iht& as (o$ ,ill see. Ha"i# *a!e $+ his *i#! he )%e+t alo#
as )le"e%l( as he )o$l!. Hobbits a%e )le"e% at .$iet#ess& es+e)iall( i# ,oo!s& as I ha"e
al%ea!( tol! (o$S also Bilbo ha! sli++e! o# his %i# befo%e he sta%te!. That is ,h( the
s+i!e%s #eithe% sa, #o% hea%! hi* )o*i#.
He ha! +i)'e! his ,a( stealthil( fo% so*e !ista#)e& ,he# he #oti)e! a +la)e of !e#se
bla)' sha!o, ahea! of hi*& bla)' e"e# fo% that fo%est& li'e a +at)h of *i!#iht that
ha! #e"e% bee# )lea%e! a,a(. As he !%e, #ea%e%& he sa, that it ,as *a!e b(
s+i!e%-,ebs o#e behi#! a#! o"e% a#! ta#le! ,ith a#othe%. /$!!e#l( he sa,& too&
that the%e ,e%e s+i!e%s h$e a#! ho%%ible sitti# i# the b%a#)hes abo"e hi*& a#!
%i# o% #o %i# he t%e*ble! ,ith fea% lest the( sho$l! !is)o"e% hi*. /ta#!i# behi#!
a t%ee he ,at)he! a %o$+ of the* fo% so*e ti*e& a#! the# i# the sile#)e a#!
still#ess of the ,oo! he %ealise! that these loathso*e )%eat$%es ,e%e s+ea'i# o#e
to a#othe%. Thei% "oi)es ,e%e a so%t of thi# )%ea'i# a#! hissi#& b$t he )o$l! *a'e
o$t *a#( of the ,o%!s that the( sai!. The( ,e%e tal'i# abo$t the !,a%"esW
BIt ,as a sha%+ st%$le& b$t ,o%th it&C sai! o#e. B4hat #ast( thi)' s'i#s the( ha"e to
be s$%e& b$t I3ll ,ae% the%e is oo! P$i)e i#si!e.C
BA(e& the(3ll *a'e fi#e eati#& ,he# the(3"e h$# a bit&C sai! a#othe%.
BDo#3t ha# 3e* too lo#&C sai! a thi%!. BThe(3%e #ot as fat as the( *iht be. Bee#
fee!i# #o#e too ,ell of late& I sho$l! $ess.C
BKill 3e*& I sa(&C hisse! a fo$%thS B'ill 3e* #o, a#! ha# 3e* !ea! fo% a ,hile.C
BThe(3%e !ea! #o,& I3ll ,a%%a#t&C sai! the fi%st. BThat the( a%e #ot. I sa, o#e a-
st%$li# P$st #o,. J$st )o*i# %o$#! aai#& I sho$l! sa(& afte% a bee-a$tif$l slee+.
I3ll sho, (o$.C
4ith that o#e of the fat s+i!e%s %a# alo# a %o+e till it )a*e to a !oHe# b$#!les
ha#i# i# a %o, f%o* a hih b%a#)h. Bilbo ,as ho%%ifie!& #o, that he #oti)e! the*
fo% the fi%st ti*e !a#li# i# the sha!o,s& to see a !,a%"ish foot sti)'i# o$t of the
botto*s of so*e of the b$#!les& o% he%e a#! the%e the ti+ of a #ose& o% a bit of bea%!
o% of a hoo!.
To the fattest of these b$#!les the s+i!e% ,e#tUBIt is +oo% ol! Bo*b$%& I3ll bet&C
tho$ht BilboUa#! #i++e! ha%! at the #ose that st$)' o$t. The%e ,as a *$ffle!
(el+ i#si!e& a#! a toe shot $+ a#! 'i)'e! the s+i!e% st%aiht a#! ha%!. The%e ,as life
i# Bo*b$% still. The%e ,as a #oise li'e the 'i)'i# of a flabb( football& a#! the
e#%ae! s+i!e% fell off the b%a#)h& o#l( )at)hi# itself ,ith its o,# th%ea! P$st i#
ti*e.
The othe%s la$he!. BYo$ ,e%e .$ite %iht&C the( sai!& Bthe *eat3s ali"e a#! 'i)'i#WC
BI3ll soo# +$t a# e#! to that&C hisse! the a#%( s+i!e% )li*bi# ba)' o#to the b%a#)h.
Bilbo sa, that the *o*e#t ha! )o*e ,he# he *$st !o so*ethi#. He )o$l! #ot et $+ at the
b%$tes a#! he ha! #othi# to shoot ,ithS b$t loo'i# abo$t he sa, that i# this +la)e the%e
,e%e *a#( sto#es l(i# i# ,hat a++ea%e! to be a #o, !%( little ,ate%)o$%se. Bilbo ,as a +%ett(
fai% shot ,ith a sto#e& a#! it !i! #ot ta'e hi* lo# to fi#! a #i)e s*ooth e-sha+e! o#e that
fitte! his ha#! )osil(. As a bo( he $se! to +%a)tise th%o,i# sto#es at thi#s& $#til %abbits a#!
s.$i%%els& a#! e"e# bi%!s& ot o$t of his ,a( as .$i)' as liht#i# if the( sa, hi* stoo+S a#!
e"e# %o,#$+ he ha! still s+e#t a !eal of his ti*e at .$oits& !a%t-th%o,i#& shooti# at the
,a#!& bo,ls& #i#e+i#s a#! othe% .$iet a*es of the ai*i# a#! th%o,i# so%tUi#!ee! he
)o$l! !o lots of thi#s& besi!es blo,i# s*o'e-%i#s& as'i# %i!!les a#! )oo'i#& that I ha"e#3t
ha! ti*e to tell (o$ abo$t. The%e is #o ti*e #o,. 4hile he ,as +i)'i# $+ sto#es& the s+i!e%
ha! %ea)he! Bo*b$%& a#! soo# he ,o$l! ha"e bee# !ea!. At that *o*e#t Bilbo th%e,. The
sto#e st%$)' the s+i!e% +l$#' o# the hea!& a#! it !%o++e! se#seless off the t%ee& flo+ to the
%o$#!& ,ith all its les )$%le! $+.
The #eFt sto#e ,e#t ,hiHHi# th%o$h a bi ,eb& s#a++i# its )o%!s& a#! ta'i# off
the s+i!e% sitti# i# the *i!!le of it& ,ha)'& !ea!. Afte% that the%e ,as a !eal of
)o**otio# i# the s+i!e%-)olo#(& a#! the( fo%ot the !,a%"es fo% a bit& I )a# tell (o$.
The( )o$l! #ot see Bilbo& b$t the( )o$l! *a'e a oo! $ess at the !i%e)tio# f%o*
,hi)h the sto#es ,e%e )o*i#. As .$i)' as liht#i# the( )a*e %$##i# a#!
s,i#i# to,a%!s the hobbit& fli#i# o$t thei% lo# th%ea!s i# all !i%e)tio#s& till the
ai% see*e! f$ll of ,a"i# s#a%es.
Bilbo& ho,e"e%& soo# sli++e! a,a( to a !iffe%e#t +la)e. The i!ea )a*e to hi* to lea!
the f$%io$s s+i!e%s f$%the% a#! f$%the% a,a( f%o* the !,a%"es& if he )o$l!S to *a'e
the* )$%io$s& eF)ite! a#! a#%( all at o#)e. 4he# abo$t fift( ha! o#e off to the
+la)e ,he%e he ha! stoo! befo%e& he th%e, so*e *o%e sto#es at these& a#! at
othe%s that ha! sto++e! behi#!S the# !a#)i# a*o# the t%ees he bea# to si# a
so# to i#f$%iate the* a#! b%i# the* all afte% hi*& a#! also to let the !,a%"es hea%
his "oi)e.
This is ,hat he sa#2
Ol! fat s+i!e% s+i##i# i# a t%eeW
Ol! fat s+i!e% )a#3t see *eW
Atte%)o+W Atte%)o+W
4o#3t (o$ sto+&
/to+ (o$% s+i##i# a#! loo' fo% *eV
Ol! To*#o!!(& all bi bo!(&
Ol! To*#o!!( )a#3t s+( *eW
Atte%)o+W Atte%)o+W
Do,# (o$ !%o+W
Yo$3ll #e"e% )at)h *e $+ (o$% t%eeW
Not "e%( oo! +e%ha+s& b$t the# (o$ *$st %e*e*be% that he ha! to *a'e it $+
hi*self& o# the s+$% of a "e%( a,',a%! *o*e#t. It !i! ,hat he ,a#te! a#( ,a(. As
he sa# he th%e, so*e *o%e sto#es a#! sta*+e!. 5%a)ti)all( all the s+i!e%s i# the
+la)e )a*e afte% hi*2 so*e !%o++e! to the %o$#!& othe%s %a)e! alo# the
b%a#)hes& s,$# f%o* t%ee to t%ee& o% )ast #e, %o+es a)%oss the !a%' s+a)es. The(
*a!e fo% his #oise fa% .$i)'e% tha# he ha! eF+e)te!. The( ,e%e f%ihtf$ll( a#%(.
:$ite a+a%t f%o* the sto#es #o s+i!e% has e"e% li'e! bei# )alle! Atte%)o+& a#!
To*#o!!( of )o$%se is i#s$lti# to a#(bo!(.
Off Bilbo s)$ttle! to a f%esh +la)e& b$t se"e%al of the s+i!e%s ha! %$# #o, to !iffe%e#t
+oi#ts i# the la!e ,he%e the( li"e!& a#! ,e%e b$s( s+i##i# ,ebs a)%oss all the
s+a)es bet,ee# the t%ee-ste*s. 7e%( soo# the hobbit ,o$l! be )a$ht i# a thi)'
fe#)e of the* all %o$#! hi*Uthat at least ,as the s+i!e%s3 i!ea. /ta#!i# #o, i# the
*i!!le of the h$#ti# a#! s+i##i# i#se)ts Bilbo +l$)'e! $+ his )o$%ae a#! bea# a
#e, so#2
LaH( Lob a#! )%aH( Cob
a%e ,ea"i# ,ebs to ,i#! *e.
I a* fa% *o%e s,eet tha# othe% *eat&
b$t still the( )a##ot fi#! *eW
He%e a* I& #a$ht( little fl(S
(o$ a%e fat a#! laH(.
Yo$ )a##ot t%a+ *e& tho$h (o$ t%(&
i# (o$% )ob,ebs )%aH(.
4ith that he t$%#e! a#! fo$#! that the last s+a)e bet,ee# t,o tall t%ees ha! bee#
)lose! ,ith a ,ebUb$t l$)'il( #ot a +%o+e% ,eb& o#l( %eat st%a#!s of !o$ble-thi)'
s+i!e%-%o+e %$# hastil( ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s f%o* t%$#' to t%$#'. O$t )a*e his
little s,o%!. He slashe! the th%ea!s to +ie)es a#! ,e#t off si#i#.
The s+i!e%s sa, the s,o%!& tho$h I !o#3t s$++ose the( '#e, ,hat it ,as& a#! at
o#)e the ,hole lot of the* )a*e h$%%(i# afte% the hobbit alo# the %o$#! a#! the
b%a#)hes& hai%( les ,a"i#& #i++e%s a#! s+i##e%s s#a++i#& e(es +o++i#& f$ll of
f%oth a#! %ae. The( follo,e! hi* i#to the fo%est $#til Bilbo ha! o#e as fa% as he
!a%e!. The# .$iete% tha# a *o$se he stole ba)'.
He ha! +%e)io$s little ti*e& he '#e,& befo%e the s+i!e%s ,e%e !is$ste! a#! )a*e
ba)' to thei% t%ees ,he%e the !,a%"es ,e%e h$#. I# the *ea#,hile he ha! to %es)$e
the*. The ,o%st +a%t of the Pob ,as etti# $+ o# to the lo# b%a#)h ,he%e the
b$#!les ,e%e !a#li#. I !o#3t s$++ose he ,o$l! ha"e *a#ae! it& if a s+i!e% ha!
#ot l$)'il( left a %o+e ha#i# !o,#S ,ith its hel+& tho$h it st$)' to his ha#! a#!
h$%t hi*& he s)%a*ble! $+Uo#l( to *eet a# ol! slo, ,i)'e! fat-bo!ie! s+i!e% ,ho
ha! %e*ai#e! behi#! to $a%! the +%iso#e%s& a#! ha! bee# b$s( +i#)hi# the* to
see ,hi)h ,as the P$i)iest to eat. It ha! tho$ht of sta%ti# the feast ,hile the
othe%s ,e%e a,a(& b$t 0%. Bai#s ,as i# a h$%%(& a#! befo%e the s+i!e% '#e, ,hat
,as ha++e#i# it felt his sti# a#! %olle! off the b%a#)h !ea!.
Bilbo3s #eFt Pob ,as to loose a !,a%f. 4hat ,as he to !oV If he )$t the st%i# ,hi)h
h$# hi* $+& the ,%et)he! !,a%f ,o$l! t$*ble th$*+ to the %o$#! a oo! ,a(
belo,. 4%ili# alo# the b%a#)h @,hi)h *a!e all the +oo% !,a%"es !a#)e a#!
!a#le li'e %i+e f%$itA he %ea)he! the fi%st b$#!le.
B1ili o% Kili&C he tho$ht b( the ti+ of a bl$e hoo! sti)'i# o$t at the to+. B0ost li'el(
1ili&C he tho$ht b( the ti+ of a lo# #ose +o'i# o$t of the ,i#!i# th%ea!s. He
*a#ae! b( lea#i# o"e% to )$t *ost of the st%o# sti)'( th%ea!s that bo$#! hi*
%o$#!& a#! the#& s$%e e#o$h& ,ith a 'i)' a#! a st%$le *ost of 1ili e*e%e!. I a*
af%ai! Bilbo a)t$all( la$he! at the siht of hi* Pe%'i# his stiff a%*s a#! les as he
!a#)e! o# the s+i!e%-st%i# $#!e% his a%*+its& P$st li'e o#e of those f$##( to(s
bobbi# o# a ,i%e.
/o*eho, o% othe% 1ili ,as ot o# to the b%a#)h& a#! the# he !i! his best to hel+ the
hobbit& altho$h he ,as feeli# "e%( si)' a#! ill f%o* s+i!e%-+oiso#& a#! f%o*
ha#i# *ost of the #iht a#! the #eFt !a( ,o$#! %o$#! a#! %o$#! ,ith o#l( his
#ose to b%eathe th%o$h. It too' hi* aes to et the beastl( st$ff o$t of his e(es a#!
e(eb%o,s& a#! as fo% his bea%!& he ha! to )$t *ost of it off. 4ell& bet,ee# the*
the( sta%te! to ha$l $+ fi%st o#e !,a%f a#! the# a#othe% a#! slash the* f%ee. No#e
of the* ,e%e bette% off tha# 1ili& a#! so*e of the* ,e%e ,o%se. /o*e ha! ha%!l(
bee# able to b%eathe at all @lo# #oses a%e so*eti*es $sef$l (o$ seeA a#! so*e ha!
bee# *o%e +oiso#e!.
I# this ,a( the( %es)$e! Kili& Bif$%& Bof$%& Do%i a#! No%i. 5oo% ol! Bo*b$% ,as so
eFha$ste!Uhe ,as the fattest a#! ha! bee# )o#sta#tl( +i#)he! a#! +o'e!Uthat
he P$st %olle! off the b%a#)h a#! fell +lo+ o# to the %o$#!& fo%t$#atel( o# to lea"es&
a#! la( the%e. B$t the%e ,e%e still fi"e !,a%"es ha#i# at the e#! of the b%a#)h
,he# the s+i!e%s bea# to )o*e ba)'& *o%e f$ll of %ae tha# e"e%.
Bilbo i**e!iatel( ,e#t to the e#! of the b%a#)h #ea%est the t%ee-t%$#' a#! 'e+t
ba)' those that )%a,le! $+. He ha! ta'e# off his %i# ,he# he %es)$e! 1ili a#!
fo%otte# to +$t it o# aai#& so #o, the( all bea# to s+l$tte% a#! hiss2
BNo, ,e see (o$& (o$ #ast( little )%eat$%eW 4e ,ill eat (o$ a#! lea"e (o$% bo#es
a#! s'i# ha#i# o# a t%ee. 8hW he3s ot a sti# has heV 4ell& ,e3ll et hi* all the
sa*e& a#! the# ,e3ll ha# hi* hea! !o,#,a%!s fo% a !a( o% t,o.C
4hile this ,as oi# o#& the othe% !,a%"es ,e%e ,o%'i# at the %est of the )a+ti"es&
a#! )$tti# at the th%ea!s ,ith thei% '#i"es. /oo# all ,o$l! be f%ee& tho$h it ,as
#ot )lea% ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# afte% that. The s+i!e%s ha! )a$ht the* +%ett( easil(
the #iht befo%e& b$t that ha! bee# $#a,a%es a#! i# the !a%'. This ti*e the%e loo'e!
li'e bei# a ho%%ible battle.
/$!!e#l( Bilbo #oti)e! that so*e of the s+i!e%s ha! athe%e! %o$#! ol! Bo*b$% o#
the floo%& a#! ha! tie! hi* $+ aai# a#! ,e%e !%ai# hi* a,a(. He a"e a sho$t
a#! slashe! at the s+i!e%s i# f%o#t of hi*. The( .$i)'l( a"e ,a(& a#! he s)%a*ble!
a#! fell !o,# the t%ee %iht i#to the *i!!le of those o# the %o$#!. His little s,o%!
,as so*ethi# #e, i# the ,a( of sti#s fo% the*. Ho, it !a%te! to a#! f%oW It sho#e
,ith !eliht as he stabbe! at the*. Half a !oHe# ,e%e 'ille! befo%e the %est !%e, off
a#! left Bo*b$% to Bilbo.
BCo*e !o,#W Co*e !o,#WC he sho$te! to the !,a%"es o# the b%a#)h. BDo#3t sta(
$+ the%e a#! be #ette!WC 1o% he sa, s+i!e%s s,a%*i# $+ all the #eihbo$%i# t%ees&
a#! )%a,li# alo# the bo$hs abo"e the hea!s of the !,a%"es.
Do,# the !,a%"es s)%a*ble! o% P$*+e! o% !%o++e!& ele"e# all i# a hea+& *ost of
the* "e%( sha'( a#! little $se o# thei% les. The%e the( ,e%e at last& t,el"e of the*
)o$#ti# +oo% ol! Bo*b$%& ,ho ,as bei# +%o++e! $+ o# eithe% si!e b( his )o$si#
Bif$%& a#! his b%othe% Bof$%S a#! Bilbo ,as !a#)i# abo$t a#! ,a"i# his /ti#S a#!
h$#!%e!s of a#%( s+i!e%s ,e%e oli# at the* all %o$#! a#! abo$t a#! abo"e. It
loo'e! +%ett( ho+eless.
The# the battle bea#. /o*e of the !,a%"es ha! '#i"es& a#! so*e ha! sti)'s& a#! all
of the* )o$l! et at sto#esS a#! Bilbo ha! his el"ish !ae%. Aai# a#! aai# the
s+i!e%s ,e%e beate# off& a#! *a#( of the* ,e%e 'ille!. B$t it )o$l! #ot o o# fo%
lo#. Bilbo ,as #ea%l( ti%e! o$tS o#l( fo$% of the !,a%"es ,e%e able to sta#! fi%*l(&
a#! soo# the( ,o$l! all be o"e%+o,e%e! li'e ,ea%( flies. Al%ea!( the s+i!e%s ,e%e
bei##i# to ,ea"e thei% ,ebs all %o$#! the* aai# f%o* t%ee to t%ee.
I# the e#! Bilbo )o$l! thi#' of #o +la# eF)e+t to let the !,a%"es i#to the se)%et of his
%i#. He ,as %athe% so%%( abo$t it& b$t it )o$l! #ot be hel+e!.
BI a* oi# to !isa++ea%&C he sai!. BI shall !%a, the s+i!e%s off& if I )a#S a#! (o$ *$st
'ee+ toethe% a#! *a'e i# the o++osite !i%e)tio#. To the left the%e& that is *o%e o%
less the ,a( to,a%!s the +la)e ,he%e ,e last sa, the elf-fi%es.C
It ,as !iffi)$lt to et the* to $#!e%sta#!& ,hat ,ith thei% !iHH( hea!s& a#! the
sho$ts& a#! the ,ha)'i# of sti)'s a#! the th%o,i# of sto#esS b$t at last Bilbo felt
he )o$l! !ela( #o lo#e%Uthe s+i!e%s ,e%e !%a,i# thei% )i%)le e"e% )lose%. He
s$!!e#l( sli++e! o# his %i#& a#! to the %eat asto#ish*e#t of the !,a%"es he
"a#ishe!.
/oo# the%e )a*e the so$#! of BLaH( LobC a#! BAtte%)o+C f%o* a*o# the t%ees a,a(
o# the %iht. That $+set the s+i!e%s %eatl(. The( sto++e! a!"a#)i#& a#! so*e ,e#t
off i# the !i%e)tio# of the "oi)e. BAtte%)o+C *a!e the* so a#%( that the( lost thei%
,its. The# Bali#& ,ho ha! %as+e! Bilbo3s +la# bette% tha# the %est& le! a# atta)'.
The !,a%"es h$!!le! toethe% i# a '#ot& a#! se#!i# a sho,e% of sto#es the( !%o"e
at the s+i!e%s o# the left& a#! b$%st th%o$h the %i#. A,a( behi#! the* #o, the
sho$ti# a#! si#i# s$!!e#l( sto++e!.
Ho+i# !es+e%atel( that Bilbo ha! #ot bee# )a$ht the !,a%"es ,e#t o#. Not fast
e#o$h& tho$h. The( ,e%e si)' a#! ,ea%(& a#! the( )o$l! #ot o *$)h bette% tha#
a hobble a#! a ,obble& tho$h *a#( of the s+i!e%s ,e%e )lose behi#!. E"e%( #o,
a#! the# the( ha! to t$%# a#! fiht the )%eat$%es that ,e%e o"e%ta'i# the*S a#!
al%ea!( so*e s+i!e%s ,e%e i# the t%ees abo"e the* a#! th%o,i# !o,# thei% lo#
)li#i# th%ea!s.
Thi#s ,e%e loo'i# +%ett( ba! aai#& ,he# s$!!e#l( Bilbo %ea++ea%e!& a#! )ha%e!
i#to the asto#ishe! s+i!e%s $#eF+e)te!l( f%o* the si!e.
BGo o#W Go o#WC he sho$te!. BI ,ill !o the sti#i#WC
A#! he !i!. He !a%te! ba)',a%!s a#! fo%,a%!s& slashi# at s+i!e%-th%ea!s& ha)'i# at
thei% les& a#! stabbi# at thei% fat bo!ies if the( )a*e too #ea%. The s+i!e%s s,elle!
,ith %ae& a#! s+l$tte%e! a#! f%othe!& a#! hisse! o$t ho%%ible )$%sesS b$t the( ha!
be)o*e *o%tall( af%ai! of /ti#& a#! !a%e! #ot )o*e "e%( #ea%& #o, that it ha!
)o*e ba)'. /o )$%se as the( ,o$l!& thei% +%e( *o"e! slo,l( b$t stea!il( a,a(. It
,as a *ost te%%ible b$si#ess& a#! see*e! to ta'e ho$%s. B$t at last& P$st ,he# Bilbo
felt that he )o$l! #ot lift his ha#! fo% a si#le st%o'e *o%e& the s+i!e%s s$!!e#l( a"e
it $+& a#! follo,e! the* #o *o%e& b$t ,e#t ba)' !isa++oi#te! to thei% !a%' )olo#(.
The !,a%"es the# #oti)e! that the( ha! )o*e to the e!e of a %i# ,he%e elf-fi%es
ha! bee#. 4hethe% it ,as o#e of those the( ha! see# the #iht befo%e& the( )o$l!
#ot tell. B$t it see*e! that so*e oo! *ai) li#e%e! i# s$)h s+ots& ,hi)h the
s+i!e%s !i! #ot li'e. At a#( %ate he%e the liht ,as %ee#e%& a#! the bo$hs less thi)'
a#! th%eate#i#& a#! the( ha! a )ha#)e to %est a#! !%a, b%eath.
The%e the( la( fo% so*e ti*e& +$ffi# a#! +a#ti#. B$t "e%( soo# the( bea# to as'
.$estio#s. The( ha! to ha"e the ,hole "a#ishi# b$si#ess )a%ef$ll( eF+lai#e!& a#!
the fi#!i# of the %i# i#te%este! the* so *$)h that fo% a ,hile the( fo%ot thei% o,#
t%o$bles. Bali# i# +a%ti)$la% i#siste! o# ha"i# the Goll$* sto%(& %i!!les a#! all& tol!
all o"e% aai#& ,ith the %i# i# its +%o+e% +la)e. B$t afte% a ti*e the liht bea# to
fail& a#! the# othe% .$estio#s ,e%e as'e!. 4he%e ,e%e the(& a#! ,he%e ,as thei%
+ath& a#! ,he%e ,as the%e a#( foo!& a#! ,hat ,e%e the( oi# to !o #eFtV These
.$estio#s the( as'e! o"e% a#! o"e% aai#& a#! it ,as f%o* little Bilbo that the(
see*e! to eF+e)t to et the a#s,e%s. 1%o* ,hi)h (o$ )a# see that the( ha! )ha#e!
thei% o+i#io# of 0%. Bai#s "e%( *$)h& a#! ha! be$# to ha"e a %eat %es+e)t fo%
hi* @as Ga#!alf ha! sai! the( ,o$l!A. I#!ee! the( %eall( eF+e)te! hi* to thi#' of
so*e ,o#!e%f$l +la# fo% hel+i# the*& a#! ,e%e #ot *e%el( %$*bli#. The( '#e,
o#l( too ,ell that the( ,o$l! soo# all ha"e bee# !ea!& if it ha! #ot bee# fo% the
hobbitS a#! the( tha#'e! hi* *a#( ti*es. /o*e of the* e"e# ot $+ a#! bo,e!
%iht to the %o$#! befo%e hi*& tho$h the( fell o"e% ,ith the effo%t& a#! )o$l! #ot
et o# thei% les aai# fo% so*e ti*e. K#o,i# the t%$th abo$t the "a#ishi# !i! #ot
lesse# thei% o+i#io# of Bilbo at allS fo% the( sa, that he ha! so*e ,its& as ,ell as
l$)' a#! a *ai) %i#Ua#! all th%ee a%e "e%( $sef$l +ossessio#s. I# fa)t the( +%aise!
hi* so *$)h that Bilbo bea# to feel the%e %eall( ,as so*ethi# of a bol!
a!"e#t$%e% abo$t hi*self afte% all& tho$h he ,o$l! ha"e felt a lot bol!e% still& if
the%e ha! bee# a#(thi# to eat.
B$t the%e ,as #othi#& #othi# at allS a#! #o#e of the* ,e%e fit to o a#! loo' fo%
a#(thi#& o% to sea%)h fo% the lost +ath. The lost +athW No othe% i!ea ,o$l! )o*e
i#to Bilbo3s ti%e! hea!. He P$st sat sta%i# i# f%o#t of hi* at the e#!less t%eesS a#!
afte% a ,hile the( all fell sile#t aai#. All eF)e+t Bali#. Lo# afte% the othe%s ha!
sto++e! tal'i# a#! sh$t thei% e(es& he 'e+t o# *$tte%i# a#! )h$)'li# to hi*self.
BGoll$*W 4ell I3* blestW /o that3s ho, he s#ea'e! +ast *e& is itV No, I '#o,W J$st
)%e+t .$ietl( alo# !i! (o$& 0%. Bai#sV B$tto#s all o"e% the !oo%ste+W Goo! ol!
BilboUBilboUBilboUboUboUboUC A#! the# he fell aslee+& a#! the%e ,as
)o*+lete sile#)e fo% a lo# ,hile.
All of a s$!!e# D,ali# o+e#e! a# e(e& a#! loo'e! %o$#! at the*. B4he%e is Tho%i#VC
he as'e!.
It ,as a te%%ible sho)'. Of )o$%se the%e ,e%e o#l( thi%tee# of the*& t,el"e !,a%"es
a#! the hobbit. 4he%e i#!ee! ,as Tho%i#V The( ,o#!e%e! ,hat e"il fate ha!
befalle# hi*& *ai) o% !a%' *o#ste%sS a#! sh$!!e%e! as the( la( lost i# the fo%est.
The%e the( !%o++e! off o#e b( o#e i#to $#)o*fo%table slee+ f$ll of ho%%ible !%ea*s&
as e"e#i# ,o%e to bla)' #ihtS a#! the%e ,e *$st lea"e the* fo% the +%ese#t& too
si)' a#! ,ea%( to set $a%!s o% to ta'e t$%#s at ,at)hi#.
Tho%i# ha! bee# )a$ht *$)h faste% tha# the( ha!. Yo$ %e*e*be% Bilbo falli# li'e a
lo i#to slee+& as he ste++e! i#to a )i%)le of lihtV The #eFt ti*e it ha! bee# Tho%i#
,ho ste++e! fo%,a%!& a#! as the lihts ,e#t o$t he fell li'e a sto#e e#)ha#te!. All
the #oise of the !,a%"es lost i# the #iht& thei% )%ies as the s+i!e%s )a$ht the* a#!
bo$#! the*& a#! all the so$#!s of the battle #eFt !a(& ha! +asse! o"e% hi* $#hea%!.
The# the 4oo!-el"es ha! )o*e to hi*& a#! bo$#! hi*& a#! )a%%ie! hi* a,a(.
The feasti# +eo+le ,e%e 4oo!-el"es& of )o$%se. These a%e #ot ,i)'e! fol'. If the(
ha"e a fa$lt it is !ist%$st of st%a#e%s. Tho$h thei% *ai) ,as st%o#& e"e# i# those
!a(s the( ,e%e ,a%(. The( !iffe%e! f%o* the Hih El"es of the 4est& a#! ,e%e *o%e
!a#e%o$s a#! less ,ise. 1o% *ost of the* @toethe% ,ith thei% s)atte%e! %elatio#s i#
the hills a#! *o$#tai#sA ,e%e !es)e#!e! f%o* the a#)ie#t t%ibes that #e"e% ,e#t to
1ae%ie i# the 4est. The%e the Liht-el"es a#! the Dee+-el"es a#! the /ea-el"es ,e#t
a#! li"e! fo% aes& a#! %e, fai%e% a#! ,ise% a#! *o%e lea%#e!& a#! i#"e#te! thei%
*ai) a#! thei% )$##i# )%aft i# the *a'i# of bea$tif$l a#! *a%"ello$s thi#s&
befo%e so*e )a*e ba)' i#to the 4i!e 4o%l!. I# the 4i!e 4o%l! the 4oo!-el"es
li#e%e! i# the t,iliht of o$% /$# a#! 0oo#& b$t lo"e! best the sta%sS a#! the(
,a#!e%e! i# the %eat fo%ests that %e, tall i# la#!s that a%e #o, lost. The( !,elt
*ost ofte# b( the e!es of the ,oo!s& f%o* ,hi)h the( )o$l! es)a+e at ti*es to
h$#t& o% to %i!e a#! %$# o"e% the o+e# la#!s b( *oo#liht o% sta%lihtS a#! afte% the
)o*i# of 0e# the( too' e"e% *o%e a#! *o%e to the loa*i# a#! the !$s'. /till
el"es the( ,e%e a#! %e*ai#& a#! that is Goo! 5eo+le.
I# a %eat )a"e so*e *iles ,ithi# the e!e of 0i%',oo! o# its easte%# si!e the%e
li"e! at this ti*e thei% %eatest 'i#. Befo%e his h$e !oo%s of sto#e a %i"e% %a# o$t of
the heihts of the fo%est a#! flo,e! o# a#! o$t i#to the *a%shes at the feet of the
hih ,oo!e! la#!s. This %eat )a"e& f%o* ,hi)h )o$#tless s*alle% o#es o+e#e! o$t
o# e"e%( si!e& ,o$#! fa% $#!e%%o$#! a#! ha! *a#( +assaes a#! ,i!e hallsS b$t it
,as lihte% a#! *o%e ,holeso*e tha# a#( obli#-!,elli#& a#! #eithe% so !ee+ #o%
so !a#e%o$s. I# fa)t the s$bPe)ts of the 'i# *ostl( li"e! a#! h$#te! i# the o+e#
,oo!s& a#! ha! ho$ses o% h$ts o# the %o$#! a#! i# the b%a#)hes. The bee)hes
,e%e thei% fa"o$%ite t%ees. The 'i#3s )a"e ,as his +ala)e& a#! the st%o# +la)e of his
t%eas$%e& a#! the fo%t%ess of his +eo+le aai#st thei% e#e*ies.
It ,as also the !$#eo# of his +%iso#e%s. /o to the )a"e the( !%ae! Tho%i#U#ot
too e#tl(& fo% the( !i! #ot lo"e !,a%"es& a#! tho$ht he ,as a# e#e*(. I# a#)ie#t
!a(s the( ha! ha! ,a%s ,ith so*e of the !,a%"es& ,ho* the( a))$se! of steali#
thei% t%eas$%e. It is o#l( fai% to sa( that the !,a%"es a"e a !iffe%e#t a))o$#t& a#!
sai! that the( o#l( too' ,hat ,as thei% !$e& fo% the elf-'i# ha! ba%ai#e! ,ith
the* to sha+e his %a, ol! a#! sil"e%& a#! ha! afte%,a%!s %ef$se! to i"e the* thei%
+a(. If the elf-'i# ha! a ,ea'#ess it ,as fo% t%eas$%e& es+e)iall( fo% sil"e% a#! ,hite
e*sS a#! tho$h his hoa%! ,as %i)h& he ,as e"e% eae% fo% *o%e& si#)e he ha! #ot
(et as %eat a t%eas$%e as othe% elf-lo%!s of ol!. His +eo+le #eithe% *i#e! #o%
,o%'e! *etals o% Pe,els& #o% !i! the( bothe% *$)h ,ith t%a!e o% ,ith tilli# the
ea%th. All this ,as ,ell '#o,# to e"e%( !,a%f& tho$h Tho%i#3s fa*il( ha! ha!
#othi# to !o ,ith the ol! .$a%%el I ha"e s+o'e# of. Co#se.$e#tl( Tho%i# ,as a#%(
at thei% t%eat*e#t of hi*& ,he# the( too' thei% s+ell off hi* a#! he )a*e to his
se#sesS a#! also he ,as !ete%*i#e! that #o ,o%! of ol! o% Pe,els sho$l! be
!%ae! o$t of hi*.
The 'i# loo'e! ste%#l( o# Tho%i#& ,he# he ,as b%o$ht befo%e hi*& a#! as'e! hi*
*a#( .$estio#s. B$t Tho%i# ,o$l! o#l( sa( that he ,as sta%"i#.
B4h( !i! (o$ a#! (o$% fol' th%ee ti*es t%( to atta)' *( +eo+le at thei%
*e%%(*a'i#VC as'e! the 'i#.
B4e !i! #ot atta)' the*&C a#s,e%e! Tho%i#S B,e )a*e to be& be)a$se ,e ,e%e
sta%"i#.C
B4he%e a%e (o$% f%ie#!s #o,& a#! ,hat a%e the( !oi#VC
BI !o#3t '#o,& b$t I eF+e)t sta%"i# i# the fo%est.C
B4hat ,e%e (o$ !oi# i# the fo%estVC
BLoo'i# fo% foo! a#! !%i#'& be)a$se ,e ,e%e sta%"i#.C
BB$t ,hat b%o$ht (o$ i#to the fo%est at allVC as'e! the 'i# a#%il(.
At that Tho%i# sh$t his *o$th a#! ,o$l! #ot sa( a#othe% ,o%!.
B7e%( ,ellWC sai! the 'i#. BTa'e hi* a,a( a#! 'ee+ hi* safe& $#til he feels i#)li#e!
to tell the t%$th& e"e# if he ,aits a h$#!%e! (ea%s.C
The# the el"es +$t tho#s o# hi*& a#! sh$t hi* i# o#e of the i#*ost )a"es ,ith
st%o# ,oo!e# !oo%s& a#! left hi*. The( a"e hi* foo! a#! !%i#'& +le#t( of both& if
#ot "e%( fi#eS fo% 4oo!-el"es ,e%e #ot obli#s& a#! ,e%e %easo#abl( ,ell-beha"e!
e"e# to thei% ,o%st e#e*ies& ,he# the( )a+t$%e! the*. The ia#t s+i!e%s ,e%e the
o#l( li"i# thi#s that the( ha! #o *e%)( $+o#.
The%e i# the 'i#3s !$#eo# +oo% Tho%i# la(S a#! afte% he ha! ot o"e% his
tha#'f$l#ess fo% b%ea! a#! *eat a#! ,ate%& he bea# to ,o#!e% ,hat ha! be)o*e
of his $#fo%t$#ate f%ie#!s. It ,as #ot "e%( lo# befo%e he !is)o"e%e!S b$t that
belo#s to the #eFt )ha+te% a#! the bei##i# of a#othe% a!"e#t$%e i# ,hi)h the
hobbit aai# sho,e! his $sef$l#ess.
Cha+te% I9
BARREL/ O8T O1 BOND
The !a( afte% the battle ,ith the s+i!e%s Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es *a!e o#e last !es+ai%i# effo%t
to fi#! a ,a( o$t befo%e the( !ie! of h$#e% a#! thi%st. The( ot $+ a#! stae%e! o# i# the
!i%e)tio# ,hi)h eiht o$t of the thi%tee# of the* $esse! to be the o#e i# ,hi)h the +ath la(S
b$t the( #e"e% fo$#! o$t if the( ,e%e %iht. /$)h !a( as the%e e"e% ,as i# the fo%est ,as fa!i#
o#)e *o%e i#to the bla)'#ess of #iht& ,he# s$!!e#l( o$t s+%a# the liht of *a#( to%)hes all
%o$#! the*& li'e h$#!%e!s of %e! sta%s. O$t lea+e! 4oo!-el"es ,ith thei% bo,s a#! s+ea%s a#!
)alle! the !,a%"es to halt.
The%e ,as #o tho$ht of a fiht. E"e# if the !,a%"es ha! #ot bee# i# s$)h a state
that the( ,e%e a)t$all( la! to be )a+t$%e!& thei% s*all '#i"es& the o#l( ,ea+o#s
the( ha!& ,o$l! ha"e bee# of #o $se aai#st the a%%o,s of the el"es that )o$l! hit a
bi%!3s e(e i# the !a%'. /o the( si*+l( sto++e! !ea! a#! sat !o,# a#! ,aite!Uall
eF)e+t Bilbo& ,ho +o++e! o# his %i# a#! sli++e! .$i)'l( to o#e si!e. That is ,h(&
,he# the el"es bo$#! the !,a%"es i# a lo# li#e& o#e behi#! the othe%& a#! )o$#te!
the*& the( #e"e% fo$#! o% )o$#te! the hobbit.
No% !i! the( hea% o% feel hi* t%otti# alo# ,ell behi#! thei% to%)h-liht as the( le!
off thei% +%iso#e%s i#to the fo%est. Ea)h !,a%f ,as bli#!fol!& b$t that !i! #ot *a'e
*$)h !iffe%e#)e& fo% e"e# Bilbo ,ith the $se of his e(es )o$l! #ot see ,he%e the(
,e%e oi#& a#! #eithe% he #o% the othe%s '#e, ,he%e the( ha! sta%te! f%o*
a#(,a(. Bilbo ha! all he )o$l! !o to 'ee+ $+ ,ith the to%)hes& fo% the el"es ,e%e
*a'i# the !,a%"es o as fast as e"e% the( )o$l!& si)' a#! ,ea%( as the( ,e%e. The
'i# ha! o%!e%e! the* to *a'e haste. /$!!e#l( the to%)hes sto++e!& a#! the
hobbit ha! P$st ti*e to )at)h the* $+ befo%e the( bea# to )%oss the b%i!e. This
,as the b%i!e that le! a)%oss the %i"e% to the 'i#3s !oo%s. The ,ate% flo,e! !a%'
a#! s,ift a#! st%o# be#eathS a#! at the fa% e#! ,e%e ates befo%e the *o$th of a
h$e )a"e that %a# i#to the si!e of a stee+ slo+e )o"e%e! ,ith t%ees. The%e the %eat
bee)hes )a*e %iht !o,# to the ba#'& till thei% feet ,e%e i# the st%ea*.
A)%oss the b%i!e the el"es th%$st thei% +%iso#e%s& b$t Bilbo hesitate! i# the %ea%. He
!i! #ot at all li'e the loo' of the )a"e%#-*o$th& a#! he o#l( *a!e $+ his *i#! #ot to
!ese%t his f%ie#!s P$st i# ti*e to s)$ttle o"e% at the heels of the last el"es& befo%e the
%eat ates of the 'i# )lose! behi#! the* ,ith a )la#.
I#si!e the +assaes ,e%e lit ,ith %e! to%)h-liht& a#! the elf-$a%!s sa# as the(
*a%)he! alo# the t,isti#& )%ossi#& a#! e)hoi# +aths. These ,e%e #ot li'e those
of the obli#-)itiesS the( ,e%e s*alle%& less !ee+ $#!e%%o$#!& a#! fille! ,ith a
)lea#e% ai%. I# a %eat hall ,ith +illa%s he,# o$t of the li"i# sto#e sat the El"e#'i#
o# a )hai% of )a%"e# ,oo!. O# his hea! ,as a )%o,# of be%%ies a#! %e! lea"es& fo%
the a$t$*# ,as )o*e aai#. I# the s+%i# he ,o%e a )%o,# of ,oo!la#! flo,e%s. I#
his ha#! he hel! a )a%"e# staff of oa'.
The El"e#'i#Os Gate.
The +%iso#e%s ,e%e b%o$ht befo%e hi*S a#! tho$h he loo'e! %i*l( at the*& he
tol! his *e# to $#bi#! the*& fo% the( ,e%e %ae! a#! ,ea%(. BBesi!es the( #ee!
#o %o+es i# he%e&C sai! he. BThe%e is #o es)a+e f%o* *( *ai) !oo%s fo% those ,ho
a%e o#)e b%o$ht i#si!e.C
Lo# a#! sea%)hi#l( he .$estio#e! the !,a%"es abo$t thei% !oi#s& a#! ,he%e the(
,e%e oi# to& a#! ,he%e the( ,e%e )o*i# f%o*S b$t he ot little *o%e #e,s o$t of
the* tha# o$t of Tho%i#. The( ,e%e s$%l( a#! a#%( a#! !i! #ot e"e# +%ete#! to be
+olite.
B4hat ha"e ,e !o#e& O 'i#VC sai! Bali#& ,ho ,as the el!est left. BIs it a )%i*e to be
lost i# the fo%est& to be h$#%( a#! thi%st(& to be t%a++e! b( s+i!e%sV A%e the s+i!e%s
(o$% ta*e beasts o% (o$% +ets& if 'illi# the* *a'es (o$ a#%(VC
/$)h a .$estio# of )o$%se *a!e the 'i# a#%ie% tha# e"e%& a#! he a#s,e%e!2 BIt is a
)%i*e to ,a#!e% i# *( %eal* ,itho$t lea"e. Do (o$ fo%et that (o$ ,e%e i# *(
'i#!o*& $si# the %oa! that *( +eo+le *a!eV Di! (o$ #ot th%ee ti*es +$%s$e a#!
t%o$ble *( +eo+le i# the fo%est a#! %o$se the s+i!e%s ,ith (o$% %iot a#! )la*o$%V
Afte% all the !ist$%ba#)e (o$ ha"e *a!e I ha"e a %iht to '#o, ,hat b%i#s (o$ he%e&
a#! if (o$ ,ill #ot tell *e #o,& I ,ill 'ee+ (o$ all i# +%iso# $#til (o$ ha"e lea%#e!
se#se a#! *a##e%sWC
The# he o%!e%e! the !,a%"es ea)h to be +$t i# a se+a%ate )ell a#! to be i"e# foo!
a#! !%i#'& b$t #ot to be allo,e! to +ass the !oo%s of thei% little +%iso#s& $#til o#e at
least of the* ,as ,illi# to tell hi* all he ,a#te! to '#o,. B$t he !i! #ot tell the*
that Tho%i# ,as also a +%iso#e% ,ith hi*. It ,as Bilbo ,ho fo$#! that o$t.
5oo% 0%. Bai#sUit ,as a ,ea%( lo# ti*e that he li"e! i# that +la)e all alo#e& a#! al,a(s i#
hi!i#& #e"e% !a%i# to ta'e off his %i#& ha%!l( !a%i# to slee+& e"e# t$)'e! a,a( i# the !a%'est
a#! %e*otest )o%#e%s he )o$l! fi#!. 1o% so*ethi# to !o he too' to ,a#!e%i# abo$t the
El"e#'i#3s +ala)e. 0ai) sh$t the ates& b$t he )o$l! so*eti*es et o$t& if he ,as .$i)'.
Co*+a#ies of the 4oo!-el"es& so*eti*es ,ith the 'i# at thei% hea!& ,o$l! f%o* ti*e to ti*e
%i!e o$t to h$#t& o% to othe% b$si#ess i# the ,oo!s a#! i# the la#!s to the East. The# if Bilbo
,as "e%( #i*ble& he )o$l! sli+ o$t P$st behi#! the*S tho$h it ,as a !a#e%o$s thi# to !o.
0o%e tha# o#)e he ,as #ea%l( )a$ht i# the !oo%s& as the( )lashe! toethe% ,he# the last elf
+asse!S (et he !i! #ot !a%e to *a%)h a*o# the* be)a$se of his sha!o, @altoethe% thi# a#!
,obbl( as it ,as i# to%)hlihtA& o% fo% fea% of bei# b$*+e! i#to a#! !is)o"e%e!. A#! ,he# he
!i! o o$t& ,hi)h ,as #ot "e%( ofte#& he !i! #o oo!. He !i! #ot ,ish to !ese%t the !,a%"es&
a#! i#!ee! he !i! #ot '#o, ,he%e i# the ,o%l! to o ,itho$t the*. He )o$l! #ot 'ee+ $+ ,ith
the h$#ti# el"es all the ti*e the( ,e%e o$t& so he #e"e% !is)o"e%e! the ,a(s o$t of the ,oo!&
a#! ,as left to ,a#!e% *ise%abl( i# the fo%est& te%%ifie! of losi# hi*self& $#til a )ha#)e )a*e
of %et$%#i#. He ,as h$#%( too o$tsi!e& fo% he ,as #o h$#te%S b$t i#si!e the )a"es he )o$l!
+i)' $+ a li"i# of so*e so%t b( steali# foo! f%o* sto%e o% table ,he# #o o#e ,as at ha#!.
BI a* li'e a b$%la% that )a#3t et a,a(& b$t *$st o o# *ise%abl( b$%li# the sa*e
ho$se !a( afte% !a(&C he tho$ht. BThis is the !%ea%iest a#! !$llest +a%t of all this
,%et)he!& ti%eso*e& $#)o*fo%table a!"e#t$%eW I ,ish I ,as ba)' i# *( hobbit-hole
b( *( o,# ,a%* fi%esi!e ,ith the la*+ shi#i#WC He ofte# ,ishe!& too& that he
)o$l! et a *essae fo% hel+ se#t to the ,iHa%!& b$t that of )o$%se ,as .$ite
i*+ossibleS a#! he soo# %ealiHe! that if a#(thi# ,as to be !o#e& it ,o$l! ha"e to
be !o#e b( 0%. Bai#s& alo#e a#! $#ai!e!.
E"e#t$all(& afte% a ,ee' o% t,o of this s#ea'i# so%t of life& b( ,at)hi# a#!
follo,i# the $a%!s a#! ta'i# ,hat )ha#)es he )o$l!& he *a#ae! to fi#! o$t
,he%e ea)h !,a%f ,as 'e+t. He fo$#! all thei% t,el"e )ells i# !iffe%e#t +a%ts of the
+ala)e& a#! afte% a ti*e he ot to '#o, his ,a( abo$t "e%( ,ell. 4hat ,as his
s$%+%ise o#e !a( to o"e%hea% so*e of the $a%!s tal'i# a#! to lea%# that the%e ,as
a#othe% !,a%f i# +%iso# too& i# a s+e)iall( !ee+ !a%' +la)e. He $esse! at o#)e& of
)o$%se& that that ,as Tho%i#S a#! afte% a ,hile he fo$#! that his $ess ,as %iht. At
last afte% *a#( !iffi)$lties he *a#ae! to fi#! the +la)e ,he# #o o#e ,as abo$t&
a#! to ha"e a ,o%! ,ith the )hief of the !,a%"es.
Tho%i# ,as too ,%et)he! to be a#%( a#( lo#e% at his *isfo%t$#es& a#! ,as e"e#
bei##i# to thi#' of telli# the 'i# all abo$t his t%eas$%e a#! his .$est @,hi)h
sho,s ho, lo,-s+i%ite! he ha! be)o*eA& ,he# he hea%! Bilbo3s little "oi)e at his
'e(hole. He )o$l! ha%!l( belie"e his ea%s. /oo# ho,e"e% he *a!e $+ his *i#! that
he )o$l! #ot be *ista'e#& a#! he )a*e to the !oo% a#! ha! a lo# ,his+e%e! tal'
,ith the hobbit o# the othe% si!e.
/o it ,as that Bilbo ,as able to ta'e se)%etl( Tho%i#3s *essae to ea)h of the othe%
i*+%iso#e! !,a%"es& telli# the* that Tho%i# thei% )hief ,as also i# +%iso# )lose at
ha#!& a#! that #o o#e ,as to %e"eal thei% e%%a#! to the 'i#& #ot (et& #o% befo%e
Tho%i# a"e the ,o%!. 1o% Tho%i# ha! ta'e# hea%t aai# hea%i# ho, the hobbit ha!
%es)$e! his )o*+a#io#s f%o* the s+i!e%s& a#! ,as !ete%*i#e! o#)e *o%e #ot to
%a#so* hi*self ,ith +%o*ises to the 'i# of a sha%e i# the t%eas$%e& $#til all ho+e of
es)a+i# i# a#( othe% ,a( ha! !isa++ea%e!S $#til i# fa)t the %e*a%'able 0%. I#"isible
Bai#s @of ,ho* he bea# to ha"e a "e%( hih o+i#io# i#!ee!A ha! altoethe%
faile! to thi#' of so*ethi# )le"e%.
The othe% !,a%"es .$ite a%ee! ,he# the( ot the *essae. The( all tho$ht thei%
o,# sha%es i# the t%eas$%e @,hi)h the( .$ite %ea%!e! as thei%s& i# s+ite of thei%
+liht a#! the still $#)o#.$e%e! !%ao#A ,o$l! s$ffe% se%io$sl( if the 4oo!-el"es
)lai*e! +a%t of it& a#! the( all t%$ste! Bilbo. J$st ,hat Ga#!alf ha! sai! ,o$l!
ha++e#& (o$ see. 5e%ha+s that ,as +a%t of his %easo# fo% oi# off a#! lea"i# the*.
Bilbo& ho,e"e%& !i! #ot feel #ea%l( so ho+ef$l as the( !i!. He !i! #ot li'e bei#
!e+e#!e! o# b( e"e%(o#e& a#! he ,ishe! he ha! the ,iHa%! at ha#!. B$t that ,as
#o $se2 +%obabl( all the !a%' !ista#)e of 0i%',oo! la( bet,ee# the*. He sat a#!
tho$ht a#! tho$ht& $#til his hea! #ea%l( b$%st& b$t #o b%iht i!ea ,o$l! )o*e.
O#e i#"isible %i# ,as a "e%( fi#e thi#& b$t it ,as #ot *$)h oo! a*o# fo$%tee#.
B$t of )o$%se& as (o$ ha"e $esse!& he !i! %es)$e his f%ie#!s i# the e#!& a#! this is
ho, it ha++e#e!.
O#e !a(& #osi# a#! ,a#!e%i# abo$t& Bilbo !is)o"e%e! a "e%( i#te%esti# thi#2 the
%eat ates ,e%e #ot the o#l( e#t%a#)e to the )a"es. A st%ea* flo,e! $#!e% +a%t of
the lo,est %eio#s of the +ala)e& a#! Poi#e! the 1o%est Ri"e% so*e ,a( f$%the% to
the east& be(o#! the stee+ slo+e o$t of ,hi)h the *ai# *o$th o+e#e!. 4he%e this
$#!e%%o$#! ,ate%)o$%se )a*e fo%th f%o* the hillsi!e the%e ,as a ,ate%-ate.
The%e the %o)'( %oof )a*e !o,# )lose to the s$%fa)e of the st%ea*& a#! f%o* it a
+o%t)$llis )o$l! be !%o++e! %iht to the be! of the %i"e% to +%e"e#t a#(o#e )o*i# i#
o% o$t that ,a(. B$t the +o%t)$llis ,as ofte# o+e#& fo% a oo! !eal of t%affi) ,e#t
o$t a#! i# b( the ,ate%-ate. If a#(o#e ha! )o*e i# that ,a(& he ,o$l! ha"e fo$#!
hi*self i# a !a%' %o$h t$##el lea!i# !ee+ i#to the hea%t of the hillS b$t at o#e +oi#t
,he%e it +asse! $#!e% the )a"es the %oof ha! bee# )$t a,a( a#! )o"e%e! ,ith %eat
oa'e# t%a+!oo%s. These o+e#e! $+,a%!s i#to the 'i#3s )ella%s. The%e stoo! ba%%els&
a#! ba%%els& a#! ba%%elsS fo% the 4oo!-el"es& a#! es+e)iall( thei% 'i#& ,e%e "e%(
fo#! of ,i#e& tho$h #o "i#es %e, i# those +a%ts. The ,i#e& a#! othe% oo!s& ,e%e
b%o$ht f%o* fa% a,a(& f%o* thei% 'i#sfol' i# the /o$th& o% f%o* the "i#e(a%!s of
0e# i# !ista#t la#!s.
Hi!i# behi#! o#e of the la%est ba%%els Bilbo !is)o"e%e! the t%a+!oo%s a#! thei%
$se& a#! l$%'i# the%e& liste#i# to the tal' of the 'i#3s se%"a#ts& he lea%#e! ho, the
,i#e a#! othe% oo!s )a*e $+ the %i"e%s& o% o"e% la#!& to the Lo# La'e. It see*e! a
to,# of 0e# still th%o"e the%e& b$ilt o$t o# b%i!es fa% i#to the ,ate% as a +%ote)tio#
aai#st e#e*ies of all so%ts& a#! es+e)iall( aai#st the !%ao# of the 0o$#tai#.
1%o* La'e-to,# the ba%%els ,e%e b%o$ht $+ the 1o%est Ri"e%. Ofte# the( ,e%e P$st
tie! toethe% li'e bi %afts a#! +ole! o% %o,e! $+ the st%ea*S so*eti*es the( ,e%e
loa!e! o# to flat boats.
4he# the ba%%els ,e%e e*+t( the el"es )ast the* th%o$h the t%a+!oo%s& o+e#e!
the ,ate%-ate& a#! o$t the ba%%els floate! o# the st%ea*& bobbi# alo#& $#til the(
,e%e )a%%ie! b( the )$%%e#t to a +la)e fa% !o,# the %i"e% ,he%e the ba#' P$tte! o$t&
#ea% to the "e%( easte%# e!e of 0i%',oo!. The%e the( ,e%e )olle)te! a#! tie!
toethe% a#! floate! ba)' to La'e-to,#& ,hi)h stoo! )lose to the +oi#t ,he%e the
1o%est Ri"e% flo,e! i#to the Lo# La'e.
1o% so*e ti*e Bilbo sat a#! tho$ht abo$t this ,ate%-ate& a#! ,o#!e%e! if it )o$l! be $se!
fo% the es)a+e of his f%ie#!s& a#! at last he ha! the !es+e%ate bei##i#s of a +la#.
The e"e#i# *eal ha! bee# ta'e# to the +%iso#e%s. The $a%!s ,e%e t%a*+i# a,a(
!o,# the +assaes ta'i# the to%)hliht ,ith the* a#! lea"i# e"e%(thi# i#
!a%'#ess. The# Bilbo hea%! the 'i#3s b$tle% bi!!i# the )hief of the $a%!s oo!-
#iht.
BNo, )o*e ,ith *e&C he sai!& Ba#! taste the #e, ,i#e that has P$st )o*e i#. I shall
be ha%! at ,o%' to#iht )lea%i# the )ella%s of the e*+t( ,oo!& so let $s ha"e a
!%i#' fi%st to hel+ the labo$%.C
B7e%( oo!&C la$he! the )hief of the $a%!s. BI3ll taste ,ith (o$& a#! see if it is fit fo%
the 'i#3s table. The%e is a feast to#iht a#! it ,o$l! #ot !o to se#! $+ +oo% st$ffWC
4he# he hea%! this Bilbo ,as all i# a fl$tte%& fo% he sa, that l$)' ,as ,ith hi* a#! he ha! a
)ha#)e at o#)e to t%( his !es+e%ate +la#. He follo,e! the t,o el"es& $#til the( e#te%e! a s*all
)ella% a#! sat !o,# at a table o# ,hi)h t,o la%e flao#s ,e%e set. /oo# the( bea# to !%i#'
a#! la$h *e%%il(. L$)' of a# $#$s$al 'i#! ,as ,ith Bilbo the#. It *$st be +ote#t ,i#e to *a'e
a ,oo!-elf !%o,s(S b$t this ,i#e& it ,o$l! see*& ,as the hea!( "i#tae of the %eat a%!e#s of
Do%,i#io#& #ot *ea#t fo% his sol!ie%s o% his se%"a#ts& b$t fo% the 'i#3s feasts o#l(& a#! fo%
s*alle% bo,ls #ot fo% the b$tle%3s %eat flao#s.
7e%( soo# the )hief $a%! #o!!e! his hea!& the# he lai! it o# the table a#! fell fast
aslee+. The b$tle% ,e#t o# tal'i# a#! la$hi# to hi*self fo% a ,hile ,itho$t
see*i# to #oti)e& b$t soo# his hea! too #o!!e! to the table& a#! he fell aslee+ a#!
s#o%e! besi!e his f%ie#!. The# i# )%e+t the hobbit. 7e%( soo# the )hief $a%! ha! #o
'e(s& b$t Bilbo ,as t%otti# as fast as he )o$l! alo# the +assaes to,a%!s the )ells.
The %eat b$#)h see*e! "e%( hea"( to his a%*s& a#! his hea%t ,as ofte# i# his
*o$th& i# s+ite of his %i#& fo% he )o$l! #ot +%e"e#t the 'e(s f%o* *a'i# e"e%( #o,
a#! the# a lo$! )li#' a#! )la#'& ,hi)h +$t hi* all i# a t%e*ble.
1i%st he $#lo)'e! Bali#3s !oo%& a#! lo)'e! it aai# )a%ef$ll( as soo# as the !,a%f ,as
o$tsi!e. Bali# ,as *ost s$%+%ise!& as (o$ )a# i*ai#eS b$t la! as he ,as to et o$t
of his ,ea%iso*e little sto#e %oo*& he ,a#te! to sto+ a#! as' .$estio#s& a#! '#o,
,hat Bilbo ,as oi# to !o& a#! all abo$t it.
BNo ti*e #o,WC sai! the hobbit. BYo$ P$st follo, *eW 4e *$st all 'ee+ toethe% a#!
#ot %is' etti# se+a%ate!. All of $s *$st es)a+e o% #o#e& a#! this is o$% last )ha#)e.
If this is fo$#! o$t& oo!#ess '#o,s ,he%e the 'i# ,ill +$t (o$ #eFt& ,ith )hai#s o#
(o$% ha#!s a#! feet too& I eF+e)t. Do#3t a%$e& the%e3s a oo! fello,WC
The# off he ,e#t f%o* !oo% to !oo%& $#til his follo,i# ha! %o,# to t,el"eU#o#e
of the* a#( too #i*ble& ,hat ,ith the !a%'& a#! ,hat ,ith thei% lo# i*+%iso#*e#t.
Bilbo3s hea%t th$*+e! e"e%( ti*e o#e of the* b$*+e! i#to a#othe%& o% %$#te! o%
,his+e%e! i# the !a%'. BD%at this !,a%"ish %a)'etWC he sai! to hi*self. B$t all ,e#t
,ell& a#! the( *et #o $a%!s. As a *atte% of fa)t the%e ,as a %eat a$t$*# feast i#
the ,oo!s that #iht& a#! i# the halls abo"e. Nea%l( all the 'i#3s fol' ,e%e
*e%%(*a'i#.
At last afte% *$)h bl$#!e%i# the( )a*e to Tho%i#3s !$#eo#& fa% !o,# i# a !ee+
+la)e a#! fo%t$#atel( #ot fa% f%o* the )ella%s.
B8+o# *( ,o%!WC sai! Tho%i#& ,he# Bilbo ,his+e%e! to hi* to )o*e o$t a#! Poi# his
f%ie#!s& BGa#!alf s+o'e t%$e& as $s$alW A +%ett( fi#e b$%la% (o$ *a'e& it see*s&
,he# the ti*e )o*es. I a* s$%e ,e a%e all fo% e"e% at (o$% se%"i)e& ,hate"e%
ha++e#s afte% this. B$t ,hat )o*es #eFtVC
Bilbo sa, that the ti*e ha! )o*e to eF+lai# his i!ea& as fa% as he )o$l!S b$t he !i!
#ot feel at all s$%e ho, the !,a%"es ,o$l! ta'e it. His fea%s ,e%e .$ite P$stifie!& fo%
the( !i! #ot li'e it a bit& a#! sta%te! %$*bli# lo$!l( i# s+ite of thei% !a#e%.
B4e shall be b%$ise! a#! batte%e! to +ie)es& a#! !%o,#e! too& fo% )e%tai#WC the(
*$tte%e!. B4e tho$ht (o$ ha! ot so*e se#sible #otio#& ,he# (o$ *a#ae! to
et hol! of the 'e(s. This is a *a! i!eaWC
B7e%( ,ellWC sai! Bilbo "e%( !o,#)ast& a#! also %athe% a##o(e!. BCo*e alo# ba)' to
(o$% #i)e )ells& a#! I ,ill lo)' (o$ all i# aai#& a#! (o$ )a# sit the%e )o*fo%tabl( a#!
thi#' of a bette% +la#Ub$t I !o#3t s$++ose I shall e"e% et hol! of the 'e(s aai#&
e"e# if I feel i#)li#e! to t%(.C
That ,as too *$)h fo% the*& a#! the( )al*e! !o,#. I# the e#!& of )o$%se& the( ha!
to !o P$st ,hat Bilbo s$este!& be)a$se it ,as ob"io$sl( i*+ossible fo% the* to t%(
a#! fi#! thei% ,a( i#to the $++e% halls& o% to fiht thei% ,a( o$t of ates that )lose!
b( *ai)S a#! it ,as #o oo! %$*bli# i# the +assaes $#til the( ,e%e )a$ht aai#.
/o follo,i# the hobbit& !o,# i#to the lo,est )ella%s the( )%e+t. The( +asse! a !oo%
th%o$h ,hi)h the )hief $a%! a#! the b$tle% )o$l! be see# still ha++il( s#o%i# ,ith
s*iles $+o# thei% fa)es. The ,i#e of Do%,i#io# b%i#s !ee+ a#! +leasa#t !%ea*s.
The%e ,o$l! be a !iffe%e#t eF+%essio# o# the fa)e of the )hief $a%! #eFt !a(& e"e#
tho$h Bilbo& befo%e the( ,e#t o#& stole i# a#! 'i#!-hea%te!l( +$t the 'e(s ba)' o#
his belt.
BThat ,ill sa"e hi* so*e of the t%o$ble he is i# fo%&C sai! 0%. Bai#s to hi*self. BHe
,as#3t a ba! fello,& a#! .$ite !e)e#t to the +%iso#e%s. It ,ill +$HHle the* all too.
The( ,ill thi#' ,e ha! a "e%( st%o# *ai) to +ass th%o$h all those lo)'e! !oo%s
a#! !isa++ea%. Disa++ea%W 4e ha"e ot to et b$s( "e%( .$i)'& if that is to ha++e#WC
Bali# ,as tol! off to ,at)h the $a%! a#! the b$tle% a#! i"e ,a%#i# if the( sti%%e!. The %est
,e#t i#to the a!Poi#i# )ella% ,ith the t%a+!oo%s. The%e ,as little ti*e to lose. Befo%e lo#& as
Bilbo '#e,& so*e el"es ,e%e $#!e% o%!e%s to )o*e !o,# a#! hel+ the b$tle% et the e*+t(
ba%%els th%o$h the !oo%s i#to the st%ea*. These ,e%e i# fa)t al%ea!( sta#!i# i# %o,s i# the
*i!!le of the floo% ,aiti# to be +$she! off. /o*e of the* ,e%e ,i#e-ba%%els& a#! these ,e%e
#ot *$)h $se& as the( )o$l! #ot easil( be o+e#e! at the e#! ,itho$t a !eal of #oise& #o% )o$l!
the( easil( be se)$%e! aai#. B$t a*o# the* ,e%e se"e%al othe%s& ,hi)h ha! bee# $se! fo%
b%i#i# othe% st$ffs& b$tte%& a++les& a#! all so%ts of thi#s& to the 'i#3s +ala)e.
The( soo# fo$#! thi%tee# ,ith %oo* e#o$h fo% a !,a%f i# ea)h. I# fa)t so*e ,e%e
too %oo*(& a#! as the( )li*be! i# the !,a%"es tho$ht a#Fio$sl( of the sha'i# a#!
the b$*+i# the( ,o$l! et i#si!e& tho$h Bilbo !i! his best to fi#! st%a, a#! othe%
st$ff to +a)' the* i# as )osil( as )o$l! be *a#ae! i# a sho%t ti*e. At last t,el"e
!,a%"es ,e%e sto,e!. Tho%i# ha! i"e# a lot of t%o$ble& a#! t$%#e! a#! t,iste! i#
his t$b a#! %$*ble! li'e a la%e !o i# a s*all 'e##elS ,hile Bali#& ,ho )a*e last&
*a!e a %eat f$ss abo$t his ai%-holes a#! sai! he ,as stifli#& e"e# befo%e his li! ,as
o#. Bilbo ha! !o#e ,hat he )o$l! to )lose holes i# the si!es of the ba%%els& a#! to fiF
o# all the li!s as safel( as )o$l! be *a#ae!& a#! #o, he ,as left alo#e aai#&
%$##i# %o$#! +$tti# the fi#ishi# to$)hes to the +a)'i#& a#! ho+i# aai#st ho+e
that his +la# ,o$l! )o*e off.
It ha! #ot bee# !o#e a bit too soo#. O#l( a *i#$te o% t,o afte% Bali#3s li! ha! bee#
fitte! o# the%e )a*e the so$#! of "oi)es a#! the fli)'e% of lihts. A #$*be% of el"es
)a*e la$hi# a#! tal'i# i#to the )ella%s a#! si#i# s#at)hes of so#. The( ha!
left a *e%%( feast i# o#e of the halls a#! ,e%e be#t o# %et$%#i# as soo# as the(
)o$l!.
B4he%e3s ol! Galio#& the b$tle%VC sai! o#e. BI ha"e#3t see# hi* at the tables to#iht.
He o$ht to be he%e #o, to sho, $s ,hat is to be !o#e.C
BI shall be a#%( if the ol! slo,)oa)h is late&C sai! a#othe%. BI ha"e #o ,ish to ,aste
ti*e !o,# he%e ,hile the so# is $+WC
BHa& haWC )a*e a )%(. BHe%e3s the ol! "illai# ,ith his hea! o# a P$W He3s bee# ha"i#
a little feast all to hi*self a#! his f%ie#! the )a+tai#.C
B/ha'e hi*W 4a'e hi*WC sho$te! the othe%s i*+atie#tl(.
Galio# ,as #ot at all +lease! at bei# sha'e# o% ,a'e#e!& a#! still less at bei#
la$he! at. BYo$3%e all late&C he %$*ble!. BHe%e a* I ,aiti# a#! ,aiti# !o,#
he%e& ,hile (o$ fello,s !%i#' a#! *a'e *e%%( a#! fo%et (o$% tas's. /*all ,o#!e% if
I fall aslee+ f%o* ,ea%i#essWC
B/*all ,o#!e%&C sai! the(& B,he# the eF+la#atio# sta#!s )lose at ha#! i# a P$W
Co*e i"e $s a taste of (o$% slee+i#-!%a$ht befo%e ,e fall toW No #ee! to ,a'e
the t$%#'e( (o#!e%. He has ha! his sha%e b( the loo's of it.C
The# the( !%a#' o#)e %o$#! a#! be)a*e *iht( *e%%( all of a s$!!e#. B$t the( !i!
#ot .$ite lose thei% ,its. B/a"e $s& Galio#WC )%ie! so*e& B(o$ bea# (o$% feasti#
ea%l( a#! *$!!le! (o$% ,itsW Yo$ ha"e sta)'e! so*e f$ll )as's he%e i#stea! of the
e*+t( o#es& if the%e is a#(thi# i# ,eiht.C
BGet o# ,ith the ,o%'WC %o,le! the b$tle%. BThe%e is #othi# i# the feeli# of
,eiht i# a# i!le toss-+ot3s a%*s. These a%e the o#es to o a#! #o othe%s. Do as I
sa(WC
B7e%( ,ell& "e%( ,ell&C the( a#s,e%e! %olli# the ba%%els to the o+e#i#. BO# (o$%
hea! be it& if the 'i#3s f$ll b$tte%t$bs a#! his best ,i#e is +$she! i#to the %i"e% fo%
the La'e-*e# to feast o# fo% #othi#WC
RollU%ollU%ollU%oll&
%oll-%oll-%olli# !o,# the holeW
Hea"e hoW /+lash +l$*+W
Do,# the( o& !o,# the( b$*+W
/o the( sa# as fi%st o#e ba%%el a#! the# a#othe% %$*ble! to the !a%' o+e#i# a#!
,as +$she! o"e% i#to the )ol! ,ate% so*e feet belo,. /o*e ,e%e ba%%els %eall(
e*+t(& so*e ,e%e t$bs #eatl( +a)'e! ,ith a !,a%f ea)hS b$t !o,# the( all ,e#t&
o#e afte% a#othe%& ,ith *a#( a )lash a#! a b$*+& th$!!i# o# to+ of o#es belo,&
s*a)'i# i#to the ,ate%& Postli# aai#st the ,alls of the t$##el& '#o)'i# i#to o#e
a#othe%& a#! bobbi# a,a( !o,# the )$%%e#t.
It ,as P$st at this *o*e#t that Bilbo s$!!e#l( !is)o"e%e! the ,ea' +oi#t i# his +la#.
0ost li'el( (o$ sa, it so*e ti*e ao a#! ha"e bee# la$hi# at hi*S b$t I !o#3t
s$++ose (o$ ,o$l! ha"e !o#e half as ,ell (o$%sel"es i# his +la)e. Of )o$%se he ,as
#ot i# a ba%%el hi*self& #o% ,as the%e a#(o#e to +a)' hi* i#& e"e# if the%e ha! bee# a
)ha#)eW It loo'e! as if he ,o$l! )e%tai#l( lose his f%ie#!s this ti*e @#ea%l( all of the*
ha! al%ea!( !isa++ea%e! th%o$h the !a%' t%a+-!oo%A& a#! et $tte%l( left behi#!
a#! ha"e to sta( l$%'i# as a +e%*a#e#t b$%la% i# the elf-)a"es fo% e"e%. 1o% e"e# if
he )o$l! ha"e es)a+e! th%o$h the $++e% ates at o#)e& he ha! +%e)io$s s*all
)ha#)e of e"e% fi#!i# the !,a%"es aai#. He !i! #ot '#o, the ,a( b( la#! to the
+la)e ,he%e the ba%%els ,e%e )olle)te!. He ,o#!e%e! ,hat o# ea%th ,o$l! ha++e#
to the* ,itho$t hi*S fo% he ha! #ot ha! ti*e to tell the !,a%"es all that he ha!
lea%#e!& o% ,hat he ha! *ea#t to !o& o#)e the( ,e%e o$t of the ,oo!.
4hile all these tho$hts ,e%e +assi# th%o$h his *i#!& the el"es bei# "e%( *e%%(
bea# to si# a so# %o$#! the %i"e%-!oo%. /o*e ha! al%ea!( o#e to ha$l o# the
%o+es ,hi)h +$lle! $+ the +o%t)$llis at the ,ate%-ate so as to let o$t the ba%%els as
soo# as the( ,e%e all afloat belo,.
Do,# the s,ift !a%' st%ea* (o$ o
Ba)' to la#!s (o$ o#)e !i! '#o,W
Lea"e the halls a#! )a"e%#s !ee+&
Lea"e the #o%the%# *o$#tai#s stee+&
4he%e the fo%est ,i!e a#! !i*
/too+s i# sha!o, %e( a#! %i*W
1loat be(o#! the ,o%l! of t%ees
O$t i#to the ,his+e%i# b%eeHe&
5ast the %$shes& +ast the %ee!s&
5ast the *a%sh3s ,a"i# ,ee!s&
Th%o$h the *ist that %iseth ,hite
8+ f%o* *e%e a#! +ool at #ihtW
1ollo,& follo, sta%s that lea+
8+ the hea"e#s )ol! a#! stee+S
T$%# ,he# !a,# )o*es o"e% la#!&
O"e% %a+i!& o"e% sa#!&
/o$th a,a(W a#! /o$th a,a(W
/ee' the s$#liht a#! the !a(&
Ba)' to +ast$%e& ba)' to *ea!&
4he%e the 'i#e a#! oFe# fee!W
Ba)' to a%!e#s o# the hills
4he%e the be%%( s,ells a#! fills
8#!e% s$#liht& $#!e% !a(W
/o$th a,a(W a#! /o$th a,a(W
Do,# the s,ift !a%' st%ea* (o$ o
Ba)' to la#!s (o$ o#)e !i! '#o,W
No, the "e%( last ba%%el ,as bei# %olle! to the !oo%sW I# !es+ai% a#! #ot '#o,i#
,hat else to !o& +oo% little Bilbo )a$ht hol! of it a#! ,as +$she! o"e% the e!e
,ith it. Do,# i#to the ,ate% he fell& s+lashW i#to the )ol! !a%' ,ate% ,ith the ba%%el
o# to+ of hi*.
He )a*e $+ aai# s+l$tte%i# a#! )li#i# to the ,oo! li'e a %at& b$t fo% all his effo%ts
he )o$l! #ot s)%a*ble o# to+. E"e%( ti*e he t%ie!& the ba%%el %olle! %o$#! a#!
!$)'e! hi* $#!e% aai#. It ,as %eall( e*+t(& a#! floate! liht as a )o%'. Tho$h his
ea%s ,e%e f$ll of ,ate%& he )o$l! hea% the el"es still si#i# i# the )ella% abo"e. The#
s$!!e#l( the t%a+-!oo%s fell to ,ith a boo* a#! thei% "oi)es fa!e! a,a(. He ,as i#
the !a%' t$##el floati# i# i)( ,ate%& all alo#eUfo% (o$ )a##ot )o$#t f%ie#!s that a%e
all +a)'e! $+ i# ba%%els.
7e%( soo# a %e( +at)h )a*e i# the !a%'#ess ahea!. He hea%! the )%ea' of the ,ate%-
ate bei# ha$le! $+& a#! he fo$#! that he ,as i# the *i!st of a bobbi# a#!
b$*+i# *ass of )as's a#! t$bs all +%essi# toethe% to +ass $#!e% the a%)h a#! et
o$t i#to the o+e# st%ea*. He ha! as *$)h as he )o$l! !o to +%e"e#t hi*self f%o*
bei# h$stle! a#! batte%e! to bitsS b$t at last the Postli# )%o,! bea# to b%ea' $+
a#! s,i# off& o#e b( o#e& $#!e% the sto#( a%)h a#! a,a(. The# he sa, that it ,o$l!
ha"e bee# #o oo! e"e# if he ha! *a#ae! to et ast%i!e his ba%%el& fo% the%e ,as
#o %oo* to s+a%e& #ot e"e# fo% a hobbit& bet,ee# its to+ a#! the s$!!e#l( stoo+i#
%oof ,he%e the ate ,as.
O$t the( ,e#t $#!e% the o"e%ha#i# b%a#)hes of the t%ees o# eithe% ba#'. Bilbo ,o#!e%e!
,hat the !,a%"es ,e%e feeli# a#! ,hethe% a lot of ,ate% ,as etti# i#to thei% t$bs. /o*e of
those that bobbe! alo# b( hi* i# the loo* see*e! +%ett( lo, i# the ,ate%& a#! he $esse!
that these ha! !,a%"es i#si!e.
BI !o ho+e I +$t the li!s o# tiht e#o$hWC he tho$ht& b$t befo%e lo# he ,as
,o%%(i# too *$)h abo$t hi*self to %e*e*be% the !,a%"es. He *a#ae! to 'ee+
his hea! abo"e the ,ate%& b$t he ,as shi"e%i# ,ith the )ol!& a#! he ,o#!e%e! if he
,o$l! !ie of it befo%e the l$)' t$%#e!& a#! ho, *$)h lo#e% he ,o$l! be able to
ha# o#& a#! ,hethe% he sho$l! %is' the )ha#)e of letti# o a#! t%(i# to s,i* to
the ba#'.
The l$)' t$%#e! all %iht befo%e lo#2 the e!!(i# )$%%e#t )a%%ie! se"e%al ba%%els )lose
asho%e at o#e +oi#t a#! the%e fo% a ,hile the( st$)' aai#st so*e hi!!e# %oot. The#
Bilbo too' the o++o%t$#it( of s)%a*bli# $+ the si!e of his ba%%el ,hile it ,as hel!
stea!( aai#st a#othe%. 8+ he )%a,le! li'e a !%o,#e! %at& a#! la( o# the to+ s+%ea!
o$t to 'ee+ the bala#)e as best he )o$l!. The b%eeHe ,as )ol! b$t bette% tha# the
,ate%& a#! he ho+e! he ,o$l! #ot s$!!e#l( %oll off aai# ,he# the( sta%te! off
o#)e *o%e.
Befo%e lo# the ba%%els b%o'e f%ee aai# a#! t$%#e! a#! t,iste! off !o,# the
st%ea*& a#! o$t i#to the *ai# )$%%e#t. The# he fo$#! it .$ite as !iffi)$lt to sti)' o#
as he ha! fea%e!S b$t he *a#ae! it so*eho,& tho$h it ,as *ise%abl(
$#)o*fo%table. L$)'il( he ,as "e%( liht& a#! the ba%%el ,as a oo! bi o#e a#!
bei# %athe% lea'( ha! #o, shi++e! a s*all a*o$#t of ,ate%. All the sa*e it ,as li'e
t%(i# to %i!e& ,itho$t b%i!le o% sti%%$+s& a %o$#!-bellie! +o#( that ,as al,a(s
thi#'i# of %olli# o# the %ass.
I# this ,a( at last 0%. Bai#s )a*e to a +la)e ,he%e the t%ees o# eithe% ha#! %e,
thi##e%. He )o$l! see the +ale% s'( bet,ee# the*. The !a%' %i"e% o+e#e! s$!!e#l(
,i!e& a#! the%e it ,as Poi#e! to the *ai# ,ate% of the 1o%est Ri"e% flo,i# !o,# i#
haste f%o* the 'i#3s %eat !oo%s. The%e ,as a !i* sheet of ,ate% #o lo#e%
o"e%sha!o,e!& a#! o# its sli!i# s$%fa)e the%e ,e%e !a#)i# a#! b%o'e# %efle)tio#s
of )lo$!s a#! of sta%s. The# the h$%%(i# ,ate% of the 1o%est Ri"e% s,e+t all the
)o*+a#( of )as's a#! t$bs a,a( to the #o%th ba#'& i# ,hi)h it ha! eate# o$t a ,i!e
ba(. This ha! a shi#l( sho%e $#!e% ha#i# ba#'s a#! ,as ,alle! at the easte%#
e#! b( a little P$tti# )a+e of ha%! %o)'. O# the shallo, sho%e *ost of the ba%%els %a#
a%o$#!& tho$h a fe, ,e#t o# to b$*+ aai#st the sto#( +ie%.
The%e ,e%e +eo+le o# the loo'-o$t o# the ba#'s. The( .$i)'l( +ole! a#! +$she! all
the ba%%els toethe% i#to the shallo,s& a#! ,he# the( ha! )o$#te! the* the( %o+e!
the* toethe% a#! left the* till the *o%#i#. 5oo% !,a%"esW Bilbo ,as #ot ba!l( off
#o,. He sli++e! f%o* his ba%%el a#! ,a!e! asho%e& a#! the# s#ea'e! alo# to so*e
h$ts that he )o$l! see #ea% the ,ate%3s e!e. He #o lo#e% tho$ht t,i)e abo$t
+i)'i# $+ a s$++e% $#i#"ite! if he ot the )ha#)e& he ha! bee# oblie! to !o it fo%
so lo#& a#! he '#e, #o, o#l( too ,ell ,hat it ,as to be %eall( h$#%(& #ot *e%el(
+olitel( i#te%este! i# the !ai#ties of a ,ell-fille! la%!e%. Also he ha! )a$ht a li*+se
of a fi%e th%o$h the t%ees& a#! that a++eale! to hi* ,ith his !%i++i# a#! %ae!
)lothes )li#i# to hi* )ol! a#! )la**(.
The%e is #o #ee! to tell (o$ *$)h of his a!"e#t$%es that #iht& fo% #o, ,e a%e !%a,i# #ea% the
e#! of the east,a%! Po$%#e( a#! )o*i# to the last a#! %eatest a!"e#t$%e& so ,e *$st h$%%(
o#. Of )o$%se hel+e! b( his *ai) %i# he ot o# "e%( ,ell at fi%st& b$t he ,as i"e# a,a( i# the
e#! b( his ,et footste+s a#! the t%ail of !%i++i#s that he left ,he%e"e% he ,e#t o% satS a#!
also he bea# to s#i"el& a#! ,he%e"e% he t%ie! to hi!e he ,as fo$#! o$t b( the te%%ifi)
eF+losio#s of his s$++%esse! s#eeHes. 7e%( soo# the%e ,as a fi#e )o**otio# i# the "illae b(
the %i"e%si!eS b$t Bilbo es)a+e! i#to the ,oo!s )a%%(i# a loaf a#! a leathe% bottle of ,i#e a#!
a +ie that !i! #ot belo# to hi*. The %est of the #iht he ha! to +ass ,et as he ,as a#! fa%
f%o* a fi%e& b$t the bottle hel+e! hi* to !o that& a#! he a)t$all( !oHe! a little o# so*e !%(
lea"es& e"e# tho$h the (ea% ,as etti# late a#! the ai% ,as )hill(.
He ,o'e aai# ,ith a s+e)iall( lo$! s#eeHe. It ,as al%ea!( %e( *o%#i#& a#! the%e
,as a *e%%( %a)'et !o,# b( the %i"e%. The( ,e%e *a'i# $+ a %aft of ba%%els& a#! the
%aft-el"es ,o$l! soo# be stee%i# it off !o,# the st%ea* to La'e-to,#. Bilbo s#eeHe!
aai#. He ,as #o lo#e% !%i++i# b$t he felt )ol! all o"e%. He s)%a*ble! !o,# as fast
as his stiff les ,o$l! ta'e hi* a#! *a#ae! P$st i# ti*e to et o# to the *ass of
)as's ,itho$t bei# #oti)e! i# the e#e%al b$stle. L$)'il( the%e ,as #o s$# at the
ti*e to )ast a# a,',a%! sha!o,& a#! fo% a *e%)( he !i! #ot s#eeHe aai# fo% a
oo! ,hile.
The%e ,as a *iht( +$shi# of +oles. The el"es that ,e%e sta#!i# i# the shallo,
,ate% hea"e! a#! sho"e!. The ba%%els #o, all lashe! toethe% )%ea'e! a#! f%ette!.
BThis is a hea"( loa!WC so*e %$*ble!. BThe( float too !ee+Uso*e of these a%e
#e"e% e*+t(. If the( ha! )o*e asho%e i# the !a(liht& ,e *iht ha"e ha! a loo'
i#si!e&C the( sai!.
BNo ti*e #o,WC )%ie! the %aft*a#. B/ho"e offWC A#! off the( ,e#t at last& slo,l( at
fi%st& $#til the( ha! +asse! the +oi#t of %o)' ,he%e othe% el"es stoo! to fe#! the*
off ,ith +oles& a#! the# .$i)'e% a#! .$i)'e% as the( )a$ht the *ai# st%ea* a#!
,e#t saili# a,a( !o,#& !o,# to,a%!s the La'e.
The( ha! es)a+e! the !$#eo#s of the 'i# a#! ,e%e th%o$h the ,oo!& b$t
,hethe% ali"e o% !ea! still %e*ai#s to be see#.
Cha+te% 9
A 4AR0 4ELCO0E
The !a( %e, lihte% a#! ,a%*e% as the( floate! alo#. Afte% a ,hile the %i"e% %o$#!e! a stee+
sho$l!e% of la#! that )a*e !o,# $+o# thei% left. 8#!e% its %o)'( feet li'e a# i#la#! )liff the
!ee+est st%ea* ha! flo,e! la++i# a#! b$bbli#. /$!!e#l( the )liff fell a,a(. The sho%es sa#'.
The t%ees e#!e!. The# Bilbo sa, a siht2
The la#!s o+e#e! ,i!e abo$t hi*& fille! ,ith the ,ate%s of the %i"e% ,hi)h b%o'e $+
a#! ,a#!e%e! i# a h$#!%e! ,i#!i# )o$%ses& o% halte! i# *a%shes a#! +ools !otte!
,ith isles o# e"e%( si!eS b$t still a st%o# ,ate% flo,e! o# stea!il( th%o$h the *i!st.
A#! fa% a,a(& its !a%' hea! i# a to%# )lo$!& the%e loo*e! the 0o$#tai#W Its #ea%est
#eihbo$%s to the No%th-East a#! the t$*ble! la#! that Poi#e! it to the* )o$l! #ot
be see#. All alo#e it %ose a#! loo'e! a)%oss the *a%shes to the fo%est. The Lo#el(
0o$#tai#W Bilbo ha! )o*e fa% a#! th%o$h *a#( a!"e#t$%es to see it& a#! #o, he
!i! #ot li'e the loo' of it i# the least.
As he liste#e! to the tal' of the %aft*e# a#! +ie)e! toethe% the s)%a+s of
i#fo%*atio# the( let fall& he soo# %ealiHe! that he ,as "e%( fo%t$#ate e"e% to ha"e
see# it at all& e"e# f%o* this !ista#)e. D%ea%( as ha! bee# his i*+%iso#*e#t a#!
$#+leasa#t as ,as his +ositio# @to sa( #othi# of the +oo% !,a%"es $#!e%#eath hi*A
still& he ha! bee# *o%e l$)'( tha# he ha! $esse!. The tal' ,as all of the t%a!e that
)a*e a#! ,e#t o# the ,ate%,a(s a#! the %o,th of the t%affi) o# the %i"e%& as the
%oa!s o$t of the East to,a%!s 0i%',oo! "a#ishe! o% fell i#to !is$seS a#! of the
bi)'e%i#s of the La'e-*e# a#! the 4oo!-el"es abo$t the $+'ee+ of the 1o%est Ri"e%
a#! the )a%e of the ba#'s. Those la#!s ha! )ha#e! *$)h si#)e the !a(s ,he#
!,a%"es !,elt i# the 0o$#tai#& !a(s ,hi)h *ost +eo+le #o, %e*e*be%e! o#l( as a
"e%( sha!o,( t%a!itio#. The( ha! )ha#e! e"e# i# %e)e#t (ea%s& a#! si#)e the last
#e,s that Ga#!alf ha! ha! of the*. G%eat floo!s a#! %ai#s ha! s,olle# the ,ate%s
that flo,e! eastS a#! the%e ha! bee# a# ea%th.$a'e o% t,o @,hi)h so*e ,e%e
i#)li#e! to att%ib$te to the !%ao#Uall$!i# to hi* )hiefl( ,ith a )$%se a#! a#
o*i#o$s #o! i# the !i%e)tio# of the 0o$#tai#A. The *a%shes a#! bos ha! s+%ea!
,i!e% a#! ,i!e% o# eithe% si!e. 5aths ha! "a#ishe!& a#! *a#( a %i!e% a#! ,a#!e%e%
too& if the( ha! t%ie! to fi#! the lost ,a(s a)%oss. The elf-%oa! th%o$h the ,oo!
,hi)h the !,a%"es ha! follo,e! o# the a!"i)e of Beo%# #o, )a*e to a !o$btf$l a#!
little $se! e#! at the easte%# e!e of the fo%estS o#l( the %i"e% offe%e! a#( lo#e% a
safe ,a( f%o* the s'i%ts of 0i%',oo! i# the No%th to the *o$#tai#-sha!o,e! +lai#s
be(o#!& a#! the %i"e% ,as $a%!e! b( the 4oo!-el"es3 'i#.
/o (o$ see Bilbo ha! )o*e i# the e#! b( the o#l( %oa! that ,as a#( oo!. It *iht
ha"e bee# so*e )o*fo%t to 0%. Bai#s shi"e%i# o# the ba%%els& if he ha! '#o,#
that #e,s of this ha! %ea)he! Ga#!alf fa% a,a( a#! i"e# hi* %eat a#Fiet(& a#! that
he ,as i# fa)t fi#ishi# his othe% b$si#ess @,hi)h !oes #ot )o*e i#to this taleA a#!
etti# %ea!( to )o*e i# sea%)h of Tho%i#3s )o*+a#(. B$t Bilbo !i! #ot '#o, it.
All he '#e, ,as that the %i"e% see*e! to o o# a#! o# a#! o# fo% e"e%& a#! he ,as
h$#%(& a#! ha! a #ast( )ol! i# the #ose& a#! !i! #ot li'e the ,a( the 0o$#tai#
see*e! to f%o,# at hi* a#! th%eate# hi* as it !%e, e"e% #ea%e%. Afte% a ,hile&
ho,e"e%& the %i"e% too' a *o%e so$the%l( )o$%se a#! the 0o$#tai# %e)e!e! aai#&
a#! at last& late i# the !a( the sho%es %e, %o)'(& the %i"e% athe%e! all its ,a#!e%i#
,ate%s toethe% i#to a !ee+ a#! %a+i! floo!& a#! the( s,e+t alo# at %eat s+ee!.
The s$# ha! set ,he# t$%#i# ,ith a#othe% s,ee+ to,a%!s the East the fo%est-%i"e%
%$she! i#to the Lo# La'e. The%e it ha! a ,i!e *o$th ,ith sto#( )liffli'e ates at
eithe% si!e ,hose feet ,e%e +ile! ,ith shi#les. The Lo# La'eW Bilbo ha! #e"e%
i*ai#e! that a#( ,ate% that ,as #ot the sea )o$l! loo' so bi. It ,as so ,i!e that
the o++osite sho%es loo'e! s*all a#! fa%& b$t it ,as so lo# that its #o%the%l( e#!&
,hi)h +oi#te! to,a%!s the 0o$#tai#& )o$l! #ot be see# at all. O#l( f%o* the *a+
!i! Bilbo '#o, that a,a( $+ the%e& ,he%e the sta%s of the 4ai# ,e%e al%ea!(
t,i#'li#& the R$##i# Ri"e% )a*e !o,# i#to the la'e f%o* Dale a#! ,ith the 1o%est
Ri"e% fille! ,ith !ee+ ,ate%s ,hat *$st o#)e ha"e bee# a %eat !ee+ %o)'( "alle(. At
the so$the%# e#! the !o$ble! ,ate%s +o$%e! o$t aai# o"e% hih ,ate%falls a#! %a#
a,a( h$%%ie!l( to $#'#o,# la#!s. I# the still e"e#i# ai% the #oise of the falls )o$l!
be hea%! li'e a !ista#t %oa%.
Not fa% f%o* the *o$th of the 1o%est Ri"e% ,as the st%a#e to,# he hea%! the el"es
s+ea' of i# the 'i#3s )ella%s. It ,as #ot b$ilt o# the sho%e& tho$h the%e ,e%e a fe,
h$ts a#! b$il!i#s the%e& b$t %iht o$t o# the s$%fa)e of the la'e& +%ote)te! f%o* the
s,i%l of the e#te%i# %i"e% b( a +%o*o#to%( of %o)' ,hi)h fo%*e! a )al* ba(. A %eat
b%i!e *a!e of ,oo! %a# o$t to ,he%e o# h$e +iles *a!e of fo%est t%ees ,as b$ilt
a b$s( ,oo!e# to,#& #ot a to,# of el"es b$t of 0e#& ,ho still !a%e! to !,ell he%e
$#!e% the sha!o, of the !ista#t !%ao#-*o$#tai#. The( still th%o"e o# the t%a!e that
)a*e $+ the %eat %i"e% f%o* the /o$th a#! ,as )a%te! +ast the falls to thei% to,#S
b$t i# the %eat !a(s of ol!& ,he# Dale i# the No%th ,as %i)h a#! +%os+e%o$s& the(
ha! bee# ,ealth( a#! +o,e%f$l& a#! the%e ha! bee# fleets of boats o# the ,ate%s&
a#! so*e ,e%e fille! ,ith ol! a#! so*e ,ith ,a%%io%s i# a%*o$%& a#! the%e ha!
bee# ,a%s a#! !ee!s ,hi)h ,e%e #o, o#l( a lee#!. The %otti# +iles of a %eate%
to,# )o$l! still be see# alo# the sho%es ,he# the ,ate%s sa#' i# a !%o$ht.
B$t *e# %e*e*be%e! little of all that& tho$h so*e still sa# ol! so#s of the !,a%f-
'i#s of the 0o$#tai#& Th%o% a#! Th%ai# of the %a)e of D$%i#& a#! of the )o*i# of
the D%ao#& a#! the fall of the lo%!s of Dale. /o*e sa# too that Th%o% a#! Th%ai#
,o$l! )o*e ba)' o#e !a( a#! ol! ,o$l! flo, i# %i"e%s& th%o$h the *o$#tai#-
ates& a#! all that la#! ,o$l! be fille! ,ith #e, so# a#! #e, la$hte%. B$t this
+leasa#t lee#! !i! #ot *$)h affe)t thei% !ail( b$si#ess.
As soo# as the %aft of ba%%els )a*e i# siht boats %o,e! o$t f%o* the +iles of the to,#& a#!
"oi)es haile! the %aft-stee%e%s. The# %o+es ,e%e )ast a#! oa%s ,e%e +$lle!& a#! soo# the %aft
,as !%a,# o$t of the )$%%e#t of the 1o%est Ri"e% a#! to,e! a,a( %o$#! the hih sho$l!e% of
%o)' i#to the little ba( of La'e-to,#. The%e it ,as *oo%e! #ot fa% f%o* the sho%e,a%! hea! of
the %eat b%i!e. /oo# *e# ,o$l! )o*e $+ f%o* the /o$th a#! ta'e so*e of the )as's a,a(&
a#! othe%s the( ,o$l! fill ,ith oo!s the( ha! b%o$ht to be ta'e# ba)' $+ the st%ea* to the
4oo!-el"es3 ho*e. I# the *ea#,hile the ba%%els ,e%e left afloat ,hile the el"es of the %aft a#!
the boat*e# ,e#t to feast i# La'e-to,#.
The( ,o$l! ha"e bee# s$%+%ise!& if the( )o$l! ha"e see# ,hat ha++e#e! !o,# b(
the sho%e& afte% the( ha! o#e a#! the sha!es of #iht ha! falle#. 1i%st of all a ba%%el
,as )$t loose b( Bilbo a#! +$she! to the sho%e a#! o+e#e!. G%oa#s )a*e f%o*
i#si!e& a#! o$t )%e+t a *ost $#ha++( !,a%f. 4et st%a, ,as i# his !%ale! bea%!S
he ,as so so%e a#! stiff& so b%$ise! a#! b$ffete! he )o$l! ha%!l( sta#! o% st$*ble
th%o$h the shallo, ,ate% to lie %oa#i# o# the sho%e. He ha! a fa*ishe! a#! a
sa"ae loo' li'e a !o that has bee# )hai#e! a#! fo%otte# i# a 'e##el fo% a ,ee'. It
,as Tho%i#& b$t (o$ )o$l! o#l( ha"e tol! it b( his ol!e# )hai#& a#! b( the )olo$% of
his #o, !i%t( a#! tatte%e! s'(-bl$e hoo! ,ith its ta%#ishe! sil"e% tassel. It ,as so*e
ti*e befo%e he ,o$l! be e"e# +olite to the hobbit.
B4ell& a%e (o$ ali"e o% a%e (o$ !ea!VC as'e! Bilbo .$ite )%ossl(. 5e%ha+s he ha!
fo%otte# that he ha! ha! at least o#e oo! *eal *o%e tha# the !,a%"es& a#! also
the $se of his a%*s a#! les& #ot to s+ea' of a %eate% allo,a#)e of ai%. BA%e (o$ still
i# +%iso#& o% a%e (o$ f%eeV If (o$ ,a#t foo!& a#! if (o$ ,a#t to o o# ,ith this sill(
a!"e#t$%eUit3s (o$%s afte% all a#! #ot *i#eU(o$ ha! bette% sla+ (o$% a%*s a#! %$b
(o$% les a#! t%( a#! hel+ *e et the othe%s o$t ,hile the%e is a )ha#)eWC
Tho%i# of )o$%se sa, the se#se of this& so afte% a fe, *o%e %oa#s he ot $+ a#!
hel+e! the hobbit as ,ell as he )o$l!. I# the !a%'#ess flo$#!e%i# i# the )ol! ,ate%
the( ha! a !iffi)$lt a#! "e%( #ast( Pob fi#!i# ,hi)h ,e%e the %iht ba%%els. K#o)'i#
o$tsi!e a#! )alli# o#l( !is)o"e%e! abo$t siF !,a%"es that )o$l! a#s,e%. These ,e%e
$#+a)'e! a#! hel+e! asho%e ,he%e the( sat o% la( *$tte%i# a#! *oa#i#S the(
,e%e so soa'e! a#! b%$ise! a#! )%a*+e! that the( )o$l! ha%!l( (et %ealiHe thei%
%elease o% be +%o+e%l( tha#'f$l fo% it.
D,ali# a#! Bali# ,e%e t,o of the *ost $#ha++(& a#! it ,as #o oo! as'i# the* to
hel+. Bif$% a#! Bof$% ,e%e less '#o)'e! abo$t a#! !%ie%& b$t the( la( !o,# a#!
,o$l! !o #othi#. 1ili a#! Kili& ho,e"e%& ,ho ,e%e (o$# @fo% !,a%"esA a#! ha! also
bee# +a)'e! *o%e #eatl( ,ith +le#t( of st%a, i#to s*alle% )as's& )a*e o$t *o%e o%
less s*ili#& ,ith o#l( a b%$ise o% t,o a#! a stiff#ess that soo# ,o%e off.
BI ho+e I #e"e% s*ell the s*ell of a++les aai#WC sai! 1ili. B0( t$b ,as f$ll of it. To
s*ell a++les e"e%lasti#l( ,he# (o$ )a# s)a%)el( *o"e a#! a%e )ol! a#! si)' ,ith
h$#e% is *a!!e#i#. I )o$l! eat a#(thi# i# the ,i!e ,o%l! #o,& fo% ho$%s o#
e#!Ub$t #ot a# a++leWC
4ith the ,illi# hel+ of 1ili a#! Kili& Tho%i# a#! Bilbo at last !is)o"e%e! the %e*ai#!e%
of the )o*+a#( a#! ot the* o$t. 5oo% fat Bo*b$% ,as aslee+ o% se#selessS Do%i&
No%i& O%i& Oi# a#! Gloi# ,e%e ,ate%loe! a#! see*e! o#l( half ali"eS the( all ha!
to be )a%%ie! o#e b( o#e a#! lai! hel+less o# the sho%e.
B4ellW He%e ,e a%eWC sai! Tho%i#. BA#! I s$++ose ,e o$ht to tha#' o$% sta%s a#!
0%. Bai#s. I a* s$%e he has a %iht to eF+e)t it& tho$h I ,ish he )o$l! ha"e
a%%a#e! a *o%e )o*fo%table Po$%#e(. /tillUall "e%( *$)h at (o$% se%"i)e o#)e
*o%e& 0%. Bai#s. No !o$bt ,e shall feel +%o+e%l( %atef$l& ,he# ,e a%e fe! a#!
%e)o"e%e!. I# the *ea#,hile ,hat #eFtVC
BI s$est La'e-to,#&C sai! Bilbo. B4hat else is the%eVC
Nothi# else )o$l!& of )o$%se& be s$este!S so lea"i# the othe%s Tho%i# a#! 1ili a#!
Kili a#! the hobbit ,e#t alo# the sho%e to the %eat b%i!e. The%e ,e%e $a%!s at
the hea! of it& b$t the( ,e%e #ot 'ee+i# "e%( )a%ef$l ,at)h& fo% it ,as so lo# si#)e
the%e ha! bee# a#( %eal #ee!. EF)e+t fo% o))asio#al s.$abbles abo$t %i"e%-tolls the(
,e%e f%ie#!s ,ith the 4oo!-el"es. Othe% fol' ,e%e fa% a,a(S a#! so*e of the
(o$#e% +eo+le i# the to,# o+e#l( !o$bte! the eFiste#)e of a#( !%ao# i# the
*o$#tai#& a#! la$he! at the %e(bea%!s a#! a**e%s ,ho sai! that the( ha! see#
hi* fl(i# i# the s'( i# thei% (o$# !a(s. That bei# so it is #ot s$%+%isi# that the
$a%!s ,e%e !%i#'i# a#! la$hi# b( a fi%e i# thei% h$t& a#! !i! #ot hea% the #oise of
the $#+a)'i# of the !,a%"es o% the footste+s of the fo$% s)o$ts. Thei%
asto#ish*e#t ,as e#o%*o$s ,he# Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! ste++e! i# th%o$h the !oo%.
B4ho a%e (o$ a#! ,hat !o (o$ ,a#tVC the( sho$te! lea+i# to thei% feet a#!
%o+i# fo% ,ea+o#s.
BTho%i# so# of Th%ai# so# of Th%o% Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#WC sai! the !,a%f i# a
lo$! "oi)e& a#! he loo'e! it& i# s+ite of his to%# )lothes a#! !%ale! hoo!. The ol!
lea*e! o# his #e)' a#! ,aistS his e(es ,e%e !a%' a#! !ee+. BI ha"e )o*e ba)'. I
,ish to see the 0aste% of (o$% to,#WC
The# the%e ,as t%e*e#!o$s eF)ite*e#t. /o*e of the *o%e foolish %a# o$t of the h$t
as if the( eF+e)te! the 0o$#tai# to o ol!e# i# the #iht a#! all the ,ate%s of the
la'e t$%# (ello, %iht a,a(. The )a+tai# of the $a%! )a*e fo%,a%!.
BA#! ,ho a%e theseVC he as'e!& +oi#ti# to 1ili a#! Kili a#! Bilbo.
BThe so#s of *( fathe%3s !a$hte%&C a#s,e%e! Tho%i#& B1ili a#! Kili of the %a)e of
D$%i#& a#! 0%. Bai#s ,ho has t%a"elle! ,ith $s o$t of the 4est.C
BIf (o$ )o*e i# +ea)e la( !o,# (o$% a%*sWC sai! the )a+tai#.
B4e ha"e #o#e&C sai! Tho%i#& a#! it ,as t%$e e#o$h2 thei% '#i"es ha! bee# ta'e#
f%o* the* b( the ,oo!-el"es& a#! the %eat s,o%! O%)%ist too. Bilbo ha! his sho%t
s,o%!& hi!!e# as $s$al& b$t he sai! #othi# abo$t that. B4e ha"e #o #ee! of
,ea+o#s& ,ho %et$%# at last to o$% o,# as s+o'e# of ol!. No% )o$l! ,e fiht aai#st
so *a#(. Ta'e $s to (o$% *aste%WC
BHe is at feast&C sai! the )a+tai#.
BThe# all the *o%e %easo# fo% ta'i# $s to hi*&C b$%st i# 1ili& ,ho ,as etti#
i*+atie#t at these sole*#ities. B4e a%e ,o%# a#! fa*ishe! afte% o$% lo# %oa! a#!
,e ha"e si)' )o*%a!es. No, *a'e haste a#! let $s ha"e #o *o%e ,o%!s& o% (o$%
*aste% *a( ha"e so*ethi# to sa( to (o$.C
B1ollo, *e the#&C sai! the )a+tai#& a#! ,ith siF *e# abo$t the* he le! the* o"e%
the b%i!e th%o$h the ates a#! i#to the *a%'et-+la)e of the to,#. This ,as a ,i!e
)i%)le of .$iet ,ate% s$%%o$#!e! b( the tall +iles o# ,hi)h ,e%e b$ilt the %eate%
ho$ses& a#! b( lo# ,oo!e# .$a(s ,ith *a#( ste+s a#! la!!e%s oi# !o,# to the
s$%fa)e of the la'e. 1%o* o#e %eat hall sho#e *a#( lihts a#! the%e )a*e the
so$#! of *a#( "oi)es. The( +asse! its !oo%s a#! stoo! bli#'i# i# the liht loo'i# at
lo# tables fille! ,ith fol'.
BI a* Tho%i# so# of Th%ai# so# of Th%o% Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#W I %et$%#WC )%ie!
Tho%i# i# a lo$! "oi)e f%o* the !oo%& befo%e the )a+tai# )o$l! sa( a#(thi#.
All lea+e! to thei% feet. The 0aste% of the to,# s+%a# f%o* his %eat )hai%. B$t #o#e
%ose i# %eate% s$%+%ise tha# the %aft-*e# of the el"es ,ho ,e%e sitti# at the lo,e%
e#! of the hall. 5%essi# fo%,a%! befo%e the 0aste%3s table the( )%ie!2
BThese a%e +%iso#e%s of o$% 'i# that ha"e es)a+e!& ,a#!e%i# "aabo#! !,a%"es
that )o$l! #ot i"e a#( oo! a))o$#t of the*sel"es& s#ea'i# th%o$h the ,oo!s
a#! *olesti# o$% +eo+leWC
BIs this t%$eVC as'e! the 0aste%. As a *atte% of fa)t he tho$ht it fa% *o%e li'el( tha#
the %et$%# of the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& if a#( s$)h +e%so# ha! e"e% eFiste!.
BIt is t%$e that ,e ,e%e ,%o#f$ll( ,a(lai! b( the El"e#'i# a#! i*+%iso#e! ,itho$t
)a$se as ,e Po$%#e(e! ba)' to o$% o,# la#!&C a#s,e%e! Tho%i#. BB$t lo)' #o% ba%
*a( hi#!e% the ho*e)o*i# s+o'e# of ol!. No% is this to,# i# the 4oo!-el"es3
%eal*. I s+ea' to the 0aste% of the to,# of the 0e# of the La'e& #ot to the %aft-*e#
of the 'i#.C
The# the 0aste% hesitate! a#! loo'e! f%o* o#e to the othe%. The El"e#'i# ,as "e%(
+o,e%f$l i# those +a%ts a#! the 0aste% ,ishe! fo% #o e#*it( ,ith hi*& #o% !i! he
thi#' *$)h of ol! so#s& i"i# his *i#! to t%a!e a#! tolls& to )a%oes a#! ol!& to
,hi)h habit he o,e! his +ositio#. Othe%s ,e%e of !iffe%e#t *i#!& ho,e"e%& a#!
.$i)'l( the *atte% ,as settle! ,itho$t hi*. The #e,s ha! s+%ea! f%o* the !oo%s of
the hall li'e fi%e th%o$h all the to,#. 5eo+le ,e%e sho$ti# i#si!e the hall a#!
o$tsi!e it. The .$a(s ,e%e th%o#e! ,ith h$%%(i# feet. /o*e bea# to si#
s#at)hes of ol! so#s )o#)e%#i# the %et$%# of the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#S that it
,as Th%o%3s %a#!so# #ot Th%o% hi*self that ha! )o*e ba)' !i! #ot bothe% the* at
all. Othe%s too' $+ the so# a#! it %olle! lo$! a#! hih o"e% the la'e.
The Ki# be#eath the *o$#tai#s&
The Ki# of )a%"e# sto#e&
The lo%! of sil"e% fo$#tai#s
/hall )o*e i#to his o,#W
His )%o,# shall be $+hol!e#&
His ha%+ shall be %est%$#&
His halls shall e)ho ol!e#
To so#s of (o%e %e-s$#.
The ,oo!s shall ,a"e o# *o$#tai#s
A#! %ass be#eath the s$#S
His ,ealth shall flo, i# fo$#tai#s
A#! the %i"e%s ol!e# %$#.
The st%ea*s shall %$# i# la!#ess&
The la'es shall shi#e a#! b$%#&
All so%%o, fail a#! sa!#ess
At the 0o$#tai#-'i#3s %et$%#W
/o the( sa#& o% "e%( li'e that& o#l( the%e ,as a %eat !eal *o%e of it& a#! the%e ,as
*$)h sho$ti# as ,ell as the *$si) of ha%+s a#! of fi!!les *iFe! $+ ,ith it. I#!ee!
s$)h eF)ite*e#t ha! #ot bee# '#o,# i# the to,# i# the *e*o%( of the ol!est
%a#!fathe%. The 4oo!-el"es the*sel"es bea# to ,o#!e% %eatl( a#! e"e# to be
af%ai!. The( !i! #ot '#o, of )o$%se ho, Tho%i# ha! es)a+e!& a#! the( bea# to
thi#' thei% 'i# *iht ha"e *a!e a se%io$s *ista'e. As fo% the 0aste% he sa, the%e
,as #othi# else fo% it b$t to obe( the e#e%al )la*o$%& fo% the *o*e#t at a#( %ate&
a#! to +%ete#! to belie"e that Tho%i# ,as ,hat he sai!. /o he a"e $+ to hi* his
o,# %eat )hai% a#! set 1ili a#! Kili besi!e hi* i# +la)es of ho#o$%. E"e# Bilbo ,as
i"e# a seat at the hih table& a#! #o eF+la#atio# of ,he%e he )a*e i#U#o so#s
ha! all$!e! to hi* e"e# i# the obs)$%est ,a(U,as as'e! fo% i# the e#e%al b$stle.
/oo# afte%,a%!s the othe% !,a%"es ,e%e b%o$ht i#to the to,# a*i! s)e#es of
asto#ishi# e#th$sias*. The( ,e%e all !o)to%e! a#! fe! a#! ho$se! a#! +a*+e%e!
i# the *ost !elihtf$l a#! satisfa)to%( fashio#. A la%e ho$se ,as i"e# $+ to Tho%i#
a#! his )o*+a#(S boats a#! %o,e%s ,e%e +$t at thei% se%"i)eS a#! )%o,!s sat
o$tsi!e a#! sa# so#s all !a(& o% )hee%e! if a#( !,a%f sho,e! so *$)h as his #ose.
/o*e of the so#s ,e%e ol! o#esS b$t so*e of the* ,e%e .$ite #e, a#! s+o'e
)o#fi!e#tl( of the s$!!e# !eath of the !%ao# a#! of )a%oes of %i)h +%ese#ts
)o*i# !o,# the %i"e% to La'e-to,#. These ,e%e i#s+i%e! la%el( b( the 0aste% a#!
the( !i! #ot +a%ti)$la%l( +lease the !,a%"es& b$t i# the *ea#ti*e the( ,e%e ,ell
)o#te#te! a#! the( .$i)'l( %e, fat a#! st%o# aai#. I#!ee! ,ithi# a ,ee' the(
,e%e .$ite %e)o"e%e!& fitte! o$t i# fi#e )loth of thei% +%o+e% )olo$%s& ,ith bea%!s
)o*be! a#! t%i**e!& a#! +%o$! ste+s. Tho%i# loo'e! a#! ,al'e! as if his 'i#!o*
,as al%ea!( %eai#e! a#! /*a$ )ho++e! $+ i#to little +ie)es.
The#& as he ha! sai!& the !,a%"es3 oo! feeli# to,a%!s the little hobbit %e,
st%o#e% e"e%( !a(. The%e ,e%e #o *o%e %oa#s o% %$*bles. The( !%a#' his health&
a#! the( +atte! hi* o# the ba)'& a#! the( *a!e a %eat f$ss of hi*S ,hi)h ,as P$st
as ,ell& fo% he ,as #ot feeli# +a%ti)$la%l( )hee%f$l. He ha! #ot fo%otte# the loo' of
the 0o$#tai#& #o% the tho$ht of the !%ao#& a#! he ha! besi!es a sho)'i# )ol!.
1o% th%ee !a(s he s#eeHe! a#! )o$he!& a#! he )o$l! #ot o o$t& a#! e"e# afte%
that his s+ee)hes at ba#.$ets ,e%e li*ite! to BTha (o$ "e%( b$)h.C
I# the *ea#,hile the 4oo!-el"es ha! o#e ba)' $+ the 1o%est Ri"e% ,ith thei% )a%oes& a#!
the%e ,as %eat eF)ite*e#t i# the 'i#3s +ala)e. I ha"e #e"e% hea%! ,hat ha++e#e! to the )hief
of the $a%!s a#! the b$tle%. Nothi# of )o$%se ,as e"e% sai! abo$t 'e(s o% ba%%els ,hile the
!,a%"es sta(e! i# La'e-to,#& a#! Bilbo ,as )a%ef$l #e"e% to be)o*e i#"isible. /till& I !a%esa(&
*o%e ,as $esse! tha# ,as '#o,#& tho$h !o$btless 0%. Bai#s %e*ai#e! a bit of a *(ste%(.
I# a#( )ase the 'i# '#e, #o, the !,a%"es3 e%%a#!& o% tho$ht he !i!& a#! he sai! to hi*self2
B7e%( ,ellW 4e3ll seeW No t%eas$%e ,ill )o*e ba)' th%o$h 0i%',oo! ,itho$t *(
ha"i# so*ethi# to sa( i# the *atte%. B$t I eF+e)t the( ,ill all )o*e to a ba! e#!&
a#! se%"e the* %ihtWC He at a#( %ate !i! #ot belie"e i# !,a%"es fihti# a#! 'illi#
!%ao#s li'e /*a$& a#! he st%o#l( s$s+e)te! atte*+te! b$%la%( o% so*ethi# li'e
itU,hi)h sho,s he ,as a ,ise elf a#! ,ise% tha# the *e# of the to,#& tho$h #ot
.$ite %iht& as ,e shall see i# the e#!. He se#t o$t his s+ies abo$t the sho%es of the
la'e a#! as fa% #o%th,a%! to,a%!s the 0o$#tai# as the( ,o$l! o& a#! ,aite!.
At the e#! of a fo%t#iht Tho%i# bea# to thi#' of !e+a%t$%e. 4hile the e#th$sias*
still laste! i# the to,# ,as the ti*e to et hel+. It ,o$l! #ot !o to let e"e%(thi#
)ool !o,# ,ith !ela(. /o he s+o'e to the 0aste% a#! his )o$#)illo%s a#! sai! that
soo# he a#! his )o*+a#( *$st o o# to,a%!s the 0o$#tai#.
The# fo% the fi%st ti*e the 0aste% ,as s$%+%ise! a#! a little f%ihte#e!S a#! he
,o#!e%e! if Tho%i# ,as afte% all %eall( a !es)e#!a#t of the ol! 'i#s. He ha! #e"e%
tho$ht that the !,a%"es ,o$l! a)t$all( !a%e to a++%oa)h /*a$& b$t belie"e! the(
,e%e f%a$!s ,ho ,o$l! soo#e% o% late% be !is)o"e%e! a#! be t$%#e! o$t. He ,as
,%o#. Tho%i#& of )o$%se& ,as %eall( the %a#!so# of the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#&
a#! the%e is #o '#o,i# ,hat a !,a%f ,ill #ot !a%e a#! !o fo% %e"e#e o% the
%e)o"e%( of his o,#.
B$t the 0aste% ,as #ot so%%( at all to let the* o. The( ,e%e eF+e#si"e to 'ee+& a#!
thei% a%%i"al ha! t$%#e! thi#s i#to a lo# holi!a( i# ,hi)h b$si#ess ,as at a
sta#!still. BLet the* o a#! bothe% /*a$& a#! see ho, he ,el)o*es the*WC he
tho$ht. BCe%tai#l(& O Tho%i# Th%ai#3s so# Th%o%3s so#WC ,as ,hat he sai!. BYo$ *$st
)lai* (o$% o,#. The ho$% is at ha#!& s+o'e# of ol!. 4hat hel+ ,e )a# offe% shall be
(o$%s& a#! ,e t%$st to (o$% %atit$!e ,he# (o$% 'i#!o* is %eai#e!.C
/o o#e !a(& altho$h a$t$*# ,as #o, etti# fa% o#& a#! ,i#!s ,e%e )ol!& a#!
lea"es ,e%e falli# fast& th%ee la%e boats left La'e-to,#& la!e# ,ith %o,e%s&
!,a%"es& 0%. Bai#s& a#! *a#( +%o"isio#s. Ho%ses a#! +o#ies ha! bee# se#t %o$#!
b( )i%)$ito$s +aths to *eet the* at thei% a++oi#te! la#!i#-+la)e. The 0aste% a#!
his )o$#)illo%s ba!e the* fa%e,ell f%o* the %eat ste+s of the to,#-hall that ,e#t
!o,# to the la'e. 5eo+le sa# o# the .$a(s a#! o$t of ,i#!o,s. The ,hite oa%s
!i++e! a#! s+lashe!& a#! off the( ,e#t #o%th $+ the la'e o# the last stae of thei%
lo# Po$%#e(. The o#l( +e%so# tho%o$hl( $#ha++( ,as Bilbo.
Cha+te% 9I
ON THE DOOR/TE5
I# t,o !a(s oi# the( %o,e! %iht $+ the Lo# La'e a#! +asse! o$t i#to the Ri"e% R$##i#& a#!
#o, the( )o$l! all see the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# to,e%i# %i* a#! tall befo%e the*. The st%ea*
,as st%o# a#! thei% oi# slo,. At the e#! of the thi%! !a(& so*e *iles $+ the %i"e%& the(
!%e, i# to the left o% ,este%# ba#' a#! !ise*ba%'e!. He%e the( ,e%e Poi#e! b( the ho%ses ,ith
othe% +%o"isio#s a#! #e)essa%ies a#! the +o#ies fo% thei% o,# $se that ha! bee# se#t to *eet
the*. The( +a)'e! ,hat the( )o$l! o# the +o#ies a#! the %est ,as *a!e i#to a sto%e $#!e% a
te#t& b$t #o#e of the *e# of the to,# ,o$l! sta( ,ith the* e"e# fo% the #iht so #ea% the
sha!o, of the 0o$#tai#.
BNot at a#( %ate $#til the so#s ha"e )o*e t%$eWC sai! the(. It ,as easie% to belie"e
i# the D%ao# a#! less eas( to belie"e i# Tho%i# i# these ,il! +a%ts. I#!ee! thei%
sto%es ha! #o #ee! of a#( $a%!& fo% all the la#! ,as !esolate a#! e*+t(. /o thei%
es)o%t left the*& *a'i# off s,iftl( !o,# the %i"e% a#! the sho%e,a%! +aths&
altho$h the #iht ,as al%ea!( !%a,i# o#.
The( s+e#t a )ol! a#! lo#el( #iht a#! thei% s+i%its fell. The #eFt !a( the( set o$t
aai#. Bali# a#! Bilbo %o!e behi#!& ea)h lea!i# a#othe% +o#( hea"il( la!e# besi!e
hi*S the othe%s ,e%e so*e ,a( ahea! +i)'i# o$t a slo, %oa!& fo% the%e ,e%e #o
+aths. The( *a!e #o%th-,est& sla#ti# a,a( f%o* the Ri"e% R$##i#& a#! !%a,i#
e"e% #ea%e% a#! #ea%e% to a %eat s+$% of the 0o$#tai# that ,as fl$# o$t
so$th,a%!s to,a%!s the*.
It ,as a ,ea%( Po$%#e(& a#! a .$iet a#! stealth( o#e. The%e ,as #o la$hte% o% so#
o% so$#! of ha%+s& a#! the +%i!e a#! ho+es ,hi)h ha! sti%%e! i# thei% hea%ts at the
si#i# of ol! so#s b( the la'e !ie! a,a( to a +lo!!i# loo*. The( '#e, that the(
,e%e !%a,i# #ea% to the e#! of thei% Po$%#e(& a#! that it *iht be a "e%( ho%%ible
e#!. The la#! abo$t the* %e, blea' a#! ba%%e#& tho$h o#)e& as Tho%i# tol! the*&
it ha! bee# %ee# a#! fai%. The%e ,as little %ass& a#! befo%e lo# the%e ,as #eithe%
b$sh #o% t%ee& a#! o#l( b%o'e# a#! bla)'e#e! st$*+s to s+ea' of o#es lo#
"a#ishe!. The( ,e%e )o*e to the Desolatio# of the D%ao#& a#! the( ,e%e )o*e at
the ,a#i# of the (ea%.
The( %ea)he! the s'i%ts of the 0o$#tai# all the sa*e ,itho$t *eeti# a#( !a#e% o% a#( si# of
the D%ao# othe% tha# the ,il!e%#ess he ha! *a!e abo$t his lai%. The 0o$#tai# la( !a%' a#!
sile#t befo%e the* a#! e"e% hihe% abo"e the*. The( *a!e thei% fi%st )a*+ o# the ,este%#
si!e of the %eat so$the%# s+$%& ,hi)h e#!e! i# a heiht )alle! Ra"e#hill. O# this the%e ha!
bee# a# ol! ,at)h-+ostS b$t the( !a%e! #ot )li*b it (et& it ,as too eF+ose!.
Befo%e setti# o$t to sea%)h the ,este%# s+$%s of the 0o$#tai# fo% the hi!!e# !oo%&
o# ,hi)h all thei% ho+es %este!& Tho%i# se#t o$t a s)o$ti# eF+e!itio# to s+( o$t the
la#! to the /o$th ,he%e the 1%o#t
Gate stoo!. 1o% this +$%+ose he )hose Bali# a#! 1ili a#! Kili& a#! ,ith the* ,e#t
Bilbo. The( *a%)he! $#!e% the %e( a#! sile#t )liffs to the feet of Ra"e#hill. The%e
the %i"e%& afte% ,i#!i# a ,i!e loo+ o"e% the "alle( of Dale& t$%#e! f%o* the
0o$#tai# o# its %oa! to the La'e& flo,i# s,ift a#! #oisil(. Its ba#' ,as ba%e a#!
%o)'(& tall a#! stee+ abo"e the st%ea*S a#! aHi# o$t f%o* it o"e% the #a%%o,
,ate%& foa*i# a#! s+lashi# a*o# *a#( bo$l!e%s& the( )o$l! see i# the ,i!e
"alle( sha!o,e! b( the 0o$#tai#3s a%*s the %e( %$i#s of a#)ie#t ho$ses& to,e%s&
a#! ,alls.
BThe%e lies all that is left of Dale&C sai! Bali#. BThe *o$#tai#3s si!es ,e%e %ee# ,ith
,oo!s a#! all the shelte%e! "alle( %i)h a#! +leasa#t i# the !a(s ,he# the bells %a#
i# that to,#.C He loo'e! both sa! a#! %i* as he sai! this2 he ha! bee# o#e of
Tho%i#3s )o*+a#io#s o# the !a( the D%ao# )a*e.
The( !i! #ot !a%e to follo, the %i"e% *$)h f$%the% to,a%!s the GateS b$t the( ,e#t
o# be(o#! the e#! of the so$the%# s+$%& $#til l(i# hi!!e# behi#! a %o)' the( )o$l!
loo' o$t a#! see the !a%' )a"e%#o$s o+e#i# i# a %eat )liff-,all bet,ee# the a%*s
of the 0o$#tai#. O$t of it the ,ate%s of the R$##i# Ri"e% s+%a#S a#! o$t of it too
the%e )a*e a stea* a#! a !a%' s*o'e. Nothi# *o"e! i# the ,aste& sa"e the "a+o$%
a#! the ,ate%& a#! e"e%( #o, a#! aai# a bla)' a#! o*i#o$s )%o,. The o#l( so$#!
,as the so$#! of the sto#( ,ate%& a#! e"e%( #o, a#! aai# the ha%sh )%oa' of a bi%!.
Bali# sh$!!e%e!.
BLet $s %et$%#WC he sai!. B4e )a# !o #o oo! he%eW A#! I !o#3t li'e these !a%' bi%!s&
the( loo' li'e s+ies of e"il.C
The 1%o#t Gate.
BThe !%ao# is still ali"e a#! i# the halls $#!e% the 0o$#tai# the#Uo% I i*ai#e so
f%o* the s*o'e&C sai! the hobbit.
BThat !oes #ot +%o"e it&C sai! Bali#& Btho$h I !o#3t !o$bt (o$ a%e %iht. B$t he *iht
be o#e a,a( so*e ti*e& o% he *iht be l(i# o$t o# the *o$#tai#-si!e 'ee+i#
,at)h& a#! still I eF+e)t s*o'es a#! stea*s ,o$l! )o*e o$t of the ates2 all the
halls ,ithi# *$st be fille! ,ith his fo$l %ee'.C
4ith s$)h loo*( tho$hts& follo,e! e"e% b( )%oa'i# )%o,s abo"e the*& the( *a!e thei%
,ea%( ,a( ba)' to the )a*+. O#l( i# J$#e the( ha! bee# $ests i# the fai% ho$se of El%o#!& a#!
tho$h a$t$*# ,as #o, )%a,li# to,a%!s ,i#te% that +leasa#t ti*e #o, see*e! (ea%s ao.
The( ,e%e alo#e i# the +e%ilo$s ,aste ,itho$t ho+e of f$%the% hel+. The( ,e%e at the e#! of
thei% Po$%#e(& b$t as fa% as e"e%& it see*e!& f%o* the e#! of thei% .$est. No#e of the* ha!
*$)h s+i%it left.
No, st%a#e to sa( 0%. Bai#s ha! *o%e tha# the othe%s. He ,o$l! ofte# bo%%o,
Tho%i#3s *a+ a#! aHe at it& +o#!e%i# o"e% the %$#es a#! the *essae of the *oo#-
lette%s El%o#! ha! %ea!. It ,as he that *a!e the !,a%"es bei# the !a#e%o$s sea%)h
o# the ,este%# slo+es fo% the se)%et !oo%. The( *o"e! thei% )a*+ the# to a lo#
"alle(& #a%%o,e% tha# the %eat !ale i# the /o$th ,he%e the Gates of the %i"e% stoo!&
a#! ,alle! ,ith lo,e% s+$%s of the 0o$#tai#. T,o of these he%e th%$st fo%,a%! ,est
f%o* the *ai# *ass i# lo# stee+-si!e! %i!es that fell e"e% !o,#,a%!s to,a%!s the
+lai#. O# this ,este%# si!e the%e ,e%e fe,e% si#s of the !%ao#3s *a%a$!i# feet&
a#! the%e ,as so*e %ass fo% thei% +o#ies. 1%o* this ,este%# )a*+& sha!o,e! all
!a( b( )liff a#! ,all $#til the s$# bea# to si#' to,a%!s the fo%est& !a( b( !a( the(
toile! i# +a%ties sea%)hi# fo% +aths $+ the *o$#tai#-si!e. If the *a+ ,as t%$e&
so*e,he%e hih abo"e the )liff at the "alle(3s hea! *$st sta#! the se)%et !oo%. Da(
b( !a( the( )a*e ba)' to thei% )a*+ ,itho$t s$))ess.
B$t at last $#eF+e)te!l( the( fo$#! ,hat the( ,e%e see'i#. 1ili a#! Kili a#! the
hobbit ,e#t ba)' o#e !a( !o,# the "alle( a#! s)%a*ble! a*o# the t$*ble! %o)'s
at its so$the%# )o%#e%. Abo$t *i!!a(& )%ee+i# behi#! a %eat sto#e that stoo! alo#e
li'e a +illa%& Bilbo )a*e o# ,hat loo'e! li'e %o$h ste+s oi# $+,a%!s. 1ollo,i#
these eF)ite!l( he a#! the !,a%"es fo$#! t%a)es of a #a%%o, t%a)'& ofte# lost& ofte#
%e!is)o"e%e!& that ,a#!e%e! o# to the to+ of the so$the%# %i!e a#! b%o$ht the*
at last to a still #a%%o,e% le!e& ,hi)h t$%#e! #o%th a)%oss the fa)e of the 0o$#tai#.
Loo'i# !o,# the( sa, that the( ,e%e at the to+ of the )liff at the "alle(3s hea! a#!
,e%e aHi# !o,# o# to thei% o,# )a*+ belo,. /ile#tl(& )li#i# to the %o)'( ,all o#
thei% %iht& the( ,e#t i# si#le file alo# the le!e& till the ,all o+e#e! a#! the(
t$%#e! i#to a little stee+-,alle! ba(& %ass(-floo%e!& still a#! .$iet. Its e#t%a#)e
,hi)h the( ha! fo$#! )o$l! #ot be see# f%o* belo, be)a$se of the o"e%ha# of the
)liff& #o% f%o* f$%the% off be)a$se it ,as so s*all that it loo'e! li'e a !a%' )%a)' a#!
#o *o%e. It ,as #ot a )a"e a#! ,as o+e# to the s'( abo"eS b$t at its i##e% e#! a flat
,all %ose $+ that i# the lo,e% +a%t& )lose to the %o$#!& ,as as s*ooth a#! $+%iht
as *aso#s3 ,o%'& b$t ,itho$t a Poi#t o% )%e"i)e to be see#. No si# ,as the%e of +ost
o% li#tel o% th%eshol!& #o% a#( si# of ba% o% bolt o% 'e(-holeS (et the( !i! #ot !o$bt
that the( ha! fo$#! the !oo% at last.
The( beat o# it& the( th%$st a#! +$she! at it& the( i*+lo%e! it to *o"e& the( s+o'e
f%a*e#ts of b%o'e# s+ells of o+e#i#& a#! #othi# sti%%e!. At last ti%e! o$t the(
%este! o# the %ass at its feet& a#! the# at e"e#i# bea# thei% lo# )li*b !o,#.
The%e ,as eF)ite*e#t i# the )a*+ that #iht. I# the *o%#i# the( +%e+a%e! to *o"e o#)e
*o%e. O#l( Bof$% a#! Bo*b$% ,e%e left behi#! to $a%! the +o#ies a#! s$)h sto%es as the(
ha! b%o$ht ,ith the* f%o* the %i"e%. The othe%s ,e#t !o,# the "alle( a#! $+ the #e,l(
fo$#! +ath& a#! so to the #a%%o, le!e. Alo# this the( )o$l! )a%%( #o b$#!les o% +a)'s& so
#a%%o, a#! b%eathless ,as it& ,ith a fall of a h$#!%e! a#! fift( feet besi!e the* o# to sha%+
%o)'s belo,S b$t ea)h of the* too' a oo! )oil of %o+e ,o$#! tiht abo$t his ,aist& a#! so at
last ,itho$t *isha+ the( %ea)he! the little %ass( ba(.
The%e the( *a!e thei% thi%! )a*+& ha$li# $+ ,hat the( #ee!e! f%o* belo, ,ith
thei% %o+es. Do,# the sa*e ,a( the( ,e%e able o))asio#all( to lo,e% o#e of the
*o%e a)ti"e !,a%"es& s$)h as Kili& to eF)ha#e s$)h #e,s as the%e ,as& o% to ta'e a
sha%e i# the $a%! belo,& ,hile Bof$% ,as ha$le! $+ to the hihe% )a*+. Bo*b$%
,o$l! #ot )o*e $+ eithe% the %o+e o% the +ath.
BI a* too fat fo% s$)h fl(-,al's&C he sai!. BI sho$l! t$%# !iHH( a#! t%ea! o# *( bea%!&
a#! the# (o$ ,o$l! be thi%tee# aai#. A#! the '#otte! %o+es a%e too sle#!e% fo% *(
,eiht.C L$)'il( fo% hi* that ,as #ot t%$e& as (o$ ,ill see.
I# the *ea#,hile so*e of the* eF+lo%e! the le!e be(o#! the o+e#i# a#! fo$#! a +ath that
le! hihe% a#! hihe% o# to the *o$#tai#S b$t the( !i! #ot !a%e to "e#t$%e "e%( fa% that ,a(&
#o% ,as the%e *$)h $se i# it. O$t $+ the%e a sile#)e %ei#e!& b%o'e# b( #o bi%! o% so$#!
eF)e+t that of the ,i#! i# the )%a##ies of sto#e. The( s+o'e lo, a#! #e"e% )alle! o% sa#& fo%
!a#e% b%oo!e! i# e"e%( %o)'. The othe%s ,ho ,e%e b$s( ,ith the se)%et of the !oo% ha! #o
*o%e s$))ess. The( ,e%e too eae% to t%o$ble abo$t the %$#es o% the *oo#-lette%s& b$t t%ie!
,itho$t %esti# to !is)o"e% ,he%e eFa)tl( i# the s*ooth fa)e of the %o)' the !oo% ,as hi!!e#.
The( ha! b%o$ht +i)'s a#! tools of *a#( so%ts f%o* La'e-to,#& a#! at fi%st the( t%ie! to $se
these. B$t ,he# the( st%$)' the sto#e the ha#!les s+li#te%e! a#! Pa%%e! thei% a%*s )%$ell(& a#!
the steel hea!s b%o'e o% be#t li'e lea!. 0i#i# ,o%'& the( sa, )lea%l(& ,as #o oo! aai#st the
*ai) that ha! sh$t this !oo%S a#! the( %e, te%%ifie!& too& of the e)hoi# #oise.
Bilbo fo$#! sitti# o# the !oo%ste+ lo#eso*e a#! ,ea%iso*eUthe%e ,as #ot a
!oo%ste+& of )o$%se& %eall(& b$t the( $se! to )all the little %ass( s+a)e bet,ee# the
,all a#! the o+e#i# the B!oo%ste+C i# f$#& %e*e*be%i# Bilbo3s ,o%!s lo# ao at
the $#eF+e)te! +a%t( i# his hobbit-hole& ,he# he sai! the( )o$l! sit o# the !oo%ste+
till the( tho$ht of so*ethi#. A#! sit a#! thi#' the( !i!& o% ,a#!e%e! ai*lessl(
abo$t& a#! l$**e% a#! l$**e% the( be)a*e.
Thei% s+i%its ha! %ise# a little at the !is)o"e%( of the +ath& b$t #o, the( sa#' i#to
thei% bootsS a#! (et the( ,o$l! #ot i"e it $+ a#! o a,a(. The hobbit ,as #o
lo#e% *$)h b%ihte% tha# the !,a%"es. He ,o$l! !o #othi# b$t sit ,ith his ba)' to
the %o)'-fa)e a#! sta%e a,a( ,est th%o$h the o+e#i#& o"e% the )liff& o"e% the ,i!e
la#!s to the bla)' ,all of 0i%',oo!& a#! to the !ista#)es be(o#!& i# ,hi)h he
so*eti*es tho$ht he )o$l! )at)h li*+ses of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s s*all a#! fa%. If
the !,a%"es as'e! hi* ,hat he ,as !oi# he a#s,e%e!2
BYo$ sai! sitti# o# the !oo%ste+ a#! thi#'i# ,o$l! be *( Pob& #ot to *e#tio#
etti# i#si!e& so I a* sitti# a#! thi#'i#.C B$t I a* af%ai! he ,as #ot thi#'i#
*$)h of the Pob& b$t of ,hat la( be(o#! the bl$e !ista#)e& the .$iet 4este%# La#!
a#! the Hill a#! his hobbit-hole $#!e% it.
A la%e %e( sto#e la( i# the )e#t%e of the %ass a#! he sta%e! *oo!il( at it o%
,at)he! the %eat s#ails. The( see*e! to lo"e the little sh$t-i# ba( ,ith its ,alls of
)ool %o)'& a#! the%e ,e%e *a#( of the* of h$e siHe )%a,li# slo,l( a#! sti)'il(
alo# its si!es.
BTo*o%%o, bei#s the last ,ee' of a$t$*#&C sai! Tho%i# o#e !a(.
BA#! ,i#te% )o*es afte% a$t$*#&C sai! Bif$%. BA#! #eFt (ea% afte% that&C sai! D,ali#&
Ba#! o$% bea%!s ,ill %o, till the( ha# !o,# the )liff to the "alle( befo%e a#(thi#
ha++e#s he%e. 4hat is o$% b$%la% !oi# fo% $sV /i#)e he has ot a# i#"isible %i#&
a#! o$ht to be a s+e)iall( eF)elle#t +e%fo%*e% #o,& I a* bei##i# to thi#' he
*iht o th%o$h the 1%o#t Gate a#! s+( thi#s o$t a bitWC
Bilbo hea%! thisUthe !,a%"es ,e%e o# the %o)'s P$st abo"e the e#)los$%e ,he%e he
,as sitti#Ua#! BGoo! G%a)io$sWC he tho$ht& Bso that is ,hat the( a%e bei##i#
to thi#'& is itV It is al,a(s +oo% *e that has to et the* o$t of thei% !iffi)$lties& at
least si#)e the ,iHa%! left. 4hate"e% a* I oi# to !oV I *iht ha"e '#o,# that
so*ethi# !%ea!f$l ,o$l! ha++e# to *e i# the e#!. I !o#3t thi#' I )o$l! bea% to see
the $#ha++( "alle( of Dale aai#& a#! as fo% that stea*i# ateW W WC
That #iht he ,as "e%( *ise%able a#! ha%!l( sle+t. NeFt !a( the !,a%"es all ,e#t
,a#!e%i# off i# "a%io$s !i%e)tio#sS so*e ,e%e eFe%)isi# the +o#ies !o,# belo,&
so*e ,e%e %o"i# abo$t the *o$#tai#-si!e. All !a( Bilbo sat loo*il( i# the %ass(
ba( aHi# at the sto#e& o% o$t ,est th%o$h the #a%%o, o+e#i#. He ha! a .$ee%
feeli# that he ,as ,aiti# fo% so*ethi#. B5e%ha+s the ,iHa%! ,ill s$!!e#l( )o*e
ba)' to!a(&C he tho$ht.
If he lifte! his hea! he )o$l! see a li*+se of the !ista#t fo%est. As the s$# t$%#e!
,est the%e ,as a lea* of (ello, $+o# its fa% %oof& as if the liht )a$ht the last +ale
lea"es. /oo# he sa, the o%a#e ball of the s$# si#'i# to,a%!s the le"el of his e(es.
He ,e#t to the o+e#i# a#! the%e +ale a#! fai#t ,as a thi# #e, *oo# abo"e the %i*
of Ea%th.
At that "e%( *o*e#t he hea%! a sha%+ )%a)' behi#! hi*. The%e o# the %e( sto#e i#
the %ass ,as a# e#o%*o$s th%$sh& #ea%l( )oal bla)'& its +ale (ello, b%east f%e)'le!
,ith !a%' s+ots. C%a)'W It ha! )a$ht a s#ail a#! ,as '#o)'i# it o# the sto#e. C%a)'W
C%a)'W
/$!!e#l( Bilbo $#!e%stoo!. 1o%etti# all !a#e% he stoo! o# the le!e a#! haile!
the !,a%"es& sho$ti# a#! ,a"i#. Those that ,e%e #ea%est )a*e t$*bli# o"e% the
%o)'s a#! as fast as the( )o$l! alo# the le!e to hi*& ,o#!e%i# ,hat o# ea%th ,as
the *atte%S the othe%s sho$te! to be ha$le! $+ the %o+es @eF)e+t Bo*b$%& of
)o$%se2 he ,as aslee+A.
:$i)'l( Bilbo eF+lai#e!. The( all fell sile#t2 the hobbit sta#!i# b( the %e( sto#e&
a#! the !,a%"es ,ith ,ai# bea%!s ,at)hi# i*+atie#tl(. The s$# sa#' lo,e% a#!
lo,e%& a#! thei% ho+es fell. It sa#' i#to a belt of %e!!e#e! )lo$! a#! !isa++ea%e!.
The !,a%"es %oa#e!& b$t still Bilbo stoo! al*ost ,itho$t *o"i#. The little *oo#
,as !i++i# to the ho%iHo#. E"e#i# ,as )o*i# o#. The# s$!!e#l( ,he# thei% ho+e
,as lo,est a %e! %a( of the s$# es)a+e! li'e a fi#e% th%o$h a %e#t i# the )lo$!. A
lea* of liht )a*e st%aiht th%o$h the o+e#i# i#to the ba( a#! fell o# the s*ooth
%o)'-fa)e. The ol! th%$sh& ,ho ha! bee# ,at)hi# f%o* a hih +e%)h ,ith bea!(
e(es a#! hea! )o)'e! o# o#e si!e& a"e a s$!!e# t%ill. The%e ,as a lo$! )%a)'. A
fla'e of %o)' s+lit f%o* the ,all a#! fell. A hole a++ea%e! s$!!e#l( abo$t th%ee feet
f%o* the %o$#!.
:$i)'l(& t%e*bli# lest the )ha#)e sho$l! fa!e& the !,a%"es %$she! to the %o)' a#!
+$she!Ui# "ai#.
BThe 'e(W The 'e(WC )%ie! Bilbo. B4he%e is Tho%i#VC
Tho%i# h$%%ie! $+.
BThe 'e(WC sho$te! Bilbo. BThe 'e( that ,e#t ,ith the *a+W T%( it #o, ,hile the%e is
still ti*eWC
The# Tho%i# ste++e! $+ a#! !%e, the 'e( o# its )hai# f%o* %o$#! his #e)'. He +$t it
to the hole. It fitte! a#! it t$%#e!W /#a+W The lea* ,e#t o$t& the s$# sa#'& the
*oo# ,as o#e& a#! e"e#i# s+%a# i#to the s'(.
No, the( all +$she! toethe%& a#! slo,l( a +a%t of the %o)'-,all a"e ,a(. Lo#
st%aiht )%a)'s a++ea%e! a#! ,i!e#e!. A !oo% fi"e feet hih a#! th%ee b%oa! ,as
o$tli#e!& a#! slo,l( ,itho$t a so$#! s,$# i#,a%!s. It see*e! as if !a%'#ess flo,e!
o$t li'e a "a+o$% f%o* the hole i# the *o$#tai#-si!e& a#! !ee+ !a%'#ess i# ,hi)h
#othi# )o$l! be see# la( befo%e thei% e(es& a (a,#i# *o$th lea!i# i# a#! !o,#.
Cha+te% 9II
IN/IDE IN1OR0ATION
1o% a lo# ti*e the !,a%"es stoo! i# the !a%' befo%e the !oo% a#! !ebate!& $#til at last Tho%i#
s+o'e2
BNo, is the ti*e fo% o$% estee*e! 0%. Bai#s& ,ho has +%o"e! hi*self a oo!
)o*+a#io# o# o$% lo# %oa!& a#! a hobbit f$ll of )o$%ae a#! %eso$%)e fa%
eF)ee!i# his siHe& a#! if I *a( sa( so +ossesse! of oo! l$)' fa% eF)ee!i# the $s$al
allo,a#)eU#o, is the ti*e fo% hi* to +e%fo%* the se%"i)e fo% ,hi)h he ,as
i#)l$!e! i# o$% Co*+a#(S #o, is the ti*e fo% hi* to ea%# his Re,a%!.C
Yo$ a%e fa*ilia% ,ith Tho%i#3s st(le o# i*+o%ta#t o))asio#s& so I ,ill #ot i"e (o$ a#(
*o%e of it& tho$h he ,e#t o# a oo! !eal lo#e% tha# this. It )e%tai#l( ,as a#
i*+o%ta#t o))asio#& b$t Bilbo felt i*+atie#t. B( #o, he ,as .$ite fa*ilia% ,ith
Tho%i# too& a#! he '#e, ,hat he ,as !%i"i# at.
BIf (o$ *ea# (o$ thi#' it is *( Pob to o i#to the se)%et +assae fi%st& O Tho%i#
Th%ai#3s so# Oa'e#shiel!& *a( (o$% bea%! %o, e"e% lo#e%&C he sai! )%ossl(& Bsa( so
at o#)e a#! ha"e !o#eW I *iht %ef$se. I ha"e ot (o$ o$t of t,o *esses al%ea!(&
,hi)h ,e%e ha%!l( i# the o%ii#al ba%ai#& so that I a*& I thi#'& al%ea!( o,e! so*e
%e,a%!. B$t 6thi%! ti*e +a(s fo% all3 as *( fathe% $se! to sa(& a#! so*eho, I !o#3t
thi#' I shall %ef$se. 5e%ha+s I ha"e be$# to t%$st *( l$)' *o%e tha# I $se! to i# the
ol! !a(sCUhe *ea#t last s+%i# befo%e he left his o,# ho$se& b$t it see*e!
)e#t$%ies aoUBb$t a#(,a( I thi#' I ,ill o a#! ha"e a +ee+ at o#)e a#! et it o"e%.
No, ,ho is )o*i# ,ith *eVC
He !i! #ot eF+e)t a )ho%$s of "ol$#tee%s& so he ,as #ot !isa++oi#te!. 1ili a#! Kili
loo'e! $#)o*fo%table a#! stoo! o# o#e le& b$t the othe%s *a!e #o +%ete#)e of
offe%i#UeF)e+t ol! Bali#& the loo'o$t *a#& ,ho ,as %athe% fo#! of the hobbit. He
sai! he ,o$l! )o*e i#si!e at least a#! +e%ha+s a bit of the ,a( too& %ea!( to )all fo%
hel+ if #e)essa%(.
The *ost that )a# be sai! fo% the !,a%"es is this2 the( i#te#!e! to +a( Bilbo %eall(
ha#!so*el( fo% his se%"i)esS the( ha! b%o$ht hi* to !o a #ast( Pob fo% the*& a#!
the( !i! #ot *i#! the +oo% little fello, !oi# it if he ,o$l!S b$t the( ,o$l! all ha"e
!o#e thei% best to et hi* o$t of t%o$ble& if he ot i#to it& as the( !i! i# the )ase of
the t%olls at the bei##i# of thei% a!"e#t$%es befo%e the( ha! a#( +a%ti)$la%
%easo#s fo% bei# %atef$l to hi*. The%e it is2 !,a%"es a%e #ot he%oes& b$t )al)$lati#
fol' ,ith a %eat i!ea of the "al$e of *o#e(S so*e a%e t%i)'( a#! t%ea)he%o$s a#!
+%ett( ba! lotsS so*e a%e #ot& b$t a%e !e)e#t e#o$h +eo+le li'e Tho%i# a#!
Co*+a#(& if (o$ !o#3t eF+e)t too *$)h.
The sta%s ,e%e )o*i# o$t behi#! hi* i# a +ale s'( ba%%e! ,ith bla)' ,he# the hobbit )%e+t
th%o$h the e#)ha#te! !oo% a#! stole i#to the 0o$#tai#. It ,as fa% easie% oi# tha# he
eF+e)te!. This ,as #o obli# e#t%a#)e& o% %o$h ,oo!-el"es3 )a"e. It ,as a +assae *a!e b(
!,a%"es& at the heiht of thei% ,ealth a#! s'ill2 st%aiht as a %$le%& s*ooth-floo%e! a#! s*ooth-
si!e!& oi# ,ith a e#tle #e"e%-"a%(i# slo+e !i%e)tUto so*e !ista#t e#! i# the bla)'#ess
belo,.
Afte% a ,hile Bali# ba!e Bilbo BGoo! l$)'WC a#! sto++e! ,he%e he )o$l! still see the
fai#t o$tli#e of the !oo%& a#! b( a t%i)' of the e)hoes of the t$##el hea% the %$stle of
the ,his+e%i# "oi)es of the othe%s P$st o$tsi!e. The# the hobbit sli++e! o# his %i#&
a#! ,a%#e! b( the e)hoes to ta'e *o%e tha# hobbit3s )a%e to *a'e #o so$#!& he
)%e+t #oiselessl( !o,#& !o,#& !o,# i#to the !a%'. He ,as t%e*bli# ,ith fea%& b$t
his little fa)e ,as set a#! %i*. Al%ea!( he ,as a "e%( !iffe%e#t hobbit f%o* the o#e
that ha! %$# o$t ,itho$t a +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hief f%o* Ba-E#! lo# ao. He ha! #ot
ha! a +o)'et-ha#!'e%)hief fo% aes. He loose#e! his !ae% i# its sheath& tihte#e!
his belt& a#! ,e#t o#.
BNo, (o$ a%e i# fo% it at last& Bilbo Bai#s&C he sai! to hi*self. BYo$ ,e#t a#! +$t (o$% foot
%iht i# it that #iht of the +a%t(& a#! #o, (o$ ha"e ot to +$ll it o$t a#! +a( fo% itW Dea% *e&
,hat a fool I ,as a#! a*WC sai! the least Too'ish +a%t of hi*. BI ha"e absol$tel( #o $se fo%
!%ao#-$a%!e! t%eas$%es& a#! the ,hole lot )o$l! sta( he%e fo% e"e%& if o#l( I )o$l! ,a'e $+
a#! fi#! this beastl( t$##el ,as *( o,# f%o#t-hall at ho*eWC
He !i! #ot ,a'e $+ of )o$%se& b$t ,e#t still o# a#! o#& till all si# of the !oo% behi#!
ha! fa!e! a,a(. He ,as altoethe% alo#e. /oo# he tho$ht it ,as bei##i# to feel
,a%*. BIs that a 'i#! of a lo, I see* to see )o*i# %iht ahea! !o,# the%eVC he
tho$ht.
It ,as. As he ,e#t fo%,a%! it %e, a#! %e,& till the%e ,as #o !o$bt abo$t it. It ,as a
%e! liht stea!il( etti# %e!!e% a#! %e!!e%. Also it ,as #o, $#!o$bte!l( hot i# the
t$##el. 4is+s of "a+o$% floate! $+ a#! +ast hi* a#! he bea# to s,eat. A so$#!&
too& bea# to th%ob i# his ea%s& a so%t of b$bbli# li'e the #oise of a la%e +ot
allo+i# o# the fi%e& *iFe! ,ith a %$*ble as of a ia#ti) to*-)at +$%%i#. This %e,
to the $#*ista'able $%li# #oise of so*e "ast a#i*al s#o%i# i# its slee+ !o,#
the%e i# the %e! lo, i# f%o#t of hi*.
It ,as at this +oi#t that Bilbo sto++e!. Goi# o# f%o* the%e ,as the b%a"est thi# he
e"e% !i!. The t%e*e#!o$s thi#s that ha++e#e! afte%,a%!s ,e%e as #othi#
)o*+a%e! to it. He fo$ht the %eal battle i# the t$##el alo#e& befo%e he e"e% sa, the
"ast !a#e% that la( i# ,ait. At a#( %ate afte% a sho%t halt o o# he !i!S a#! (o$ )a#
+i)t$%e hi* )o*i# to the e#! of the t$##el& a# o+e#i# of *$)h the sa*e siHe a#!
sha+e as the !oo% abo"e. Th%o$h it +ee+s the hobbit3s little hea!. Befo%e hi* lies
the %eat botto*-*ost )ella% o% !$#eo#-hall of the a#)ie#t !,a%"es %iht at the
0o$#tai#3s %oot. It is al*ost !a%' so that its "ast#ess )a# o#l( be !i*l( $esse!& b$t
%isi# f%o* the #ea% si!e of the %o)'( floo% the%e is a %eat lo,. The lo, of /*a$W
The%e he la(& a "ast %e!-ol!e# !%ao#& fast aslee+S a th%$**i# )a*e f%o* his Pa,s a#!
#ost%ils& a#! ,is+s of s*o'e& b$t his fi%es ,e%e lo, i# sl$*be%. Be#eath hi*& $#!e% all his li*bs
a#! his h$e )oile! tail& a#! abo$t hi* o# all si!es st%et)hi# a,a( a)%oss the $#see# floo%s&
la( )o$#tless +iles of +%e)io$s thi#s& ol! ,%o$ht a#! $#,%o$ht& e*s a#! Pe,els& a#! sil"e%
%e!-stai#e! i# the %$!!( liht.
/*a$ la(& ,ith ,i#s fol!e! li'e a# i**eas$%able bat& t$%#e! +a%tl( o# o#e si!e& so
that the hobbit )o$l! see his $#!e%+a%ts a#! his lo# +ale bell( )%$ste! ,ith e*s
a#! f%a*e#ts of ol! f%o* his lo# l(i# o# his )ostl( be!. Behi#! hi* ,he%e the
,alls ,e%e #ea%est )o$l! !i*l( be see# )oats of *ail& hel*s a#! aFes& s,o%!s a#!
s+ea%s ha#i#S a#! the%e i# %o,s stoo! %eat Pa%s a#! "essels fille! ,ith a ,ealth
that )o$l! #ot be $esse!.
To sa( that Bilbo3s b%eath ,as ta'e# a,a( is #o !es)%i+tio# at all. The%e a%e #o ,o%!s
left to eF+%ess his stae%*e#t& si#)e 0e# )ha#e! the la#$ae that the( lea%#e!
of el"es i# the !a(s ,he# all the ,o%l! ,as ,o#!e%f$l. Bilbo ha! hea%! tell a#! si#
of !%ao#-hoa%!s befo%e& b$t the s+le#!o$%& the l$st& the lo%( of s$)h t%eas$%e ha!
#e"e% (et )o*e ho*e to hi*. His hea%t ,as fille! a#! +ie%)e! ,ith e#)ha#t*e#t
a#! ,ith the !esi%e of !,a%"esS a#! he aHe! *otio#less& al*ost fo%etti# the
f%ihtf$l $a%!ia#& at the ol! be(o#! +%i)e a#! )o$#t.
He aHe! fo% ,hat see*e! a# ae& befo%e !%a,# al*ost aai#st his ,ill& he stole f%o* the
sha!o, of the !oo%,a(& a)%oss the floo% to the #ea%est e!e of the *o$#!s of t%eas$%e. Abo"e
hi* the slee+i# !%ao# la(& a !i%e *e#a)e e"e# i# his slee+. He %as+e! a %eat t,o-ha#!le!
)$+& as hea"( as he )o$l! )a%%(& a#! )ast o#e fea%f$l e(e $+,a%!s. /*a$ sti%%e! a ,i#&
o+e#e! a )la,& the %$*ble of his s#o%i# )ha#e! its #ote.
The# Bilbo fle!. B$t the !%ao# !i! #ot ,a'eU#ot (etUb$t shifte! i#to othe%
!%ea*s of %ee! a#! "iole#)e& l(i# the%e i# his stole# hall ,hile the little hobbit
toile! ba)' $+ the lo# t$##el. His hea%t ,as beati# a#! a *o%e fe"e%e! sha'i#
,as i# his les tha# ,he# he ,as oi# !o,#& b$t still he )l$t)he! the )$+& a#! his
)hief tho$ht ,as2 BI3"e !o#e itW This ,ill sho, the*. 60o%e li'e a %o)e% tha# a
b$%la%3 i#!ee!W 4ell& ,e3ll hea% #o *o%e of that.C
No% !i! he. Bali# ,as o"e%Po(e! to see the hobbit aai#& a#! as !elihte! as he ,as
s$%+%ise!. He +i)'e! Bilbo $+ a#! )a%%ie! hi* o$t i#to the o+e# ai%. It ,as *i!#iht
a#! )lo$!s ha! )o"e%e! the sta%s& b$t Bilbo la( ,ith his e(es sh$t& as+i# a#!
ta'i# +leas$%e i# the feel of the f%esh ai% aai#& a#! ha%!l( #oti)i# the eF)ite*e#t
of the !,a%"es& o% ho, the( +%aise! hi* a#! +atte! hi* o# the ba)' a#! +$t
the*sel"es a#! all thei% fa*ilies fo% e#e%atio#s to )o*e at his se%"i)e.
The !,a%"es ,e%e still +assi# the )$+ f%o* ha#! to ha#! a#! tal'i# !elihte!l( of the
%e)o"e%( of thei% t%eas$%e& ,he# s$!!e#l( a "ast %$*bli# ,o'e i# the *o$#tai# $#!e%#eath
as if it ,as a# ol! "ol)a#o that ha! *a!e $+ its *i#! to sta%t e%$+tio#s o#)e aai#. The !oo%
behi#! the* ,as +$lle! #ea%l( to& a#! blo)'e! f%o* )losi# ,ith a sto#e& b$t $+ the lo#
t$##el )a*e the !%ea!f$l e)hoes& f%o* fa% !o,# i# the !e+ths& of a bello,i# a#! a t%a*+li#
that *a!e the %o$#! be#eath the* t%e*ble.
The# the !,a%"es fo%ot thei% Po( a#! thei% )o#fi!e#t boasts of a *o*e#t befo%e
a#! )o,e%e! !o,# i# f%iht. /*a$ ,as still to be %e)'o#e! ,ith. It !oes #ot !o to
lea"e a li"e !%ao# o$t of (o$% )al)$latio#s& if (o$ li"e #ea% hi*. D%ao#s *a( #ot
ha"e *$)h %eal $se fo% all thei% ,ealth& b$t the( '#o, it to a# o$#)e as a %$le&
es+e)iall( afte% lo# +ossessio#S a#! /*a$ ,as #o eF)e+tio#. He ha! +asse! f%o*
a# $#eas( !%ea* @i# ,hi)h a ,a%%io%& altoethe% i#si#ifi)a#t i# siHe b$t +%o"i!e!
,ith a bitte% s,o%! a#! %eat )o$%ae& fi$%e! *ost $#+leasa#tl(A to a !oHe& a#!
f%o* a !oHe to ,i!e ,a'i#. The%e ,as a b%eath of st%a#e ai% i# his )a"e. Co$l!
the%e be a !%a$ht f%o* that little holeV He ha! #e"e% felt .$ite ha++( abo$t it&
tho$h it ,as so s*all& a#! #o, he la%e! at it i# s$s+i)io# a#! ,o#!e%e! ,h( he
ha! #e"e% blo)'e! it $+. Of late he ha! half fa#)ie! he ha! )a$ht the !i* e)hoes of
a '#o)'i# so$#! f%o* fa% abo"e that )a*e !o,# th%o$h it to his lai%. He sti%%e!
a#! st%et)he! fo%th his #e)' to s#iff. The# he *isse! the )$+W
Thie"esW 1i%eW 0$%!e%W /$)h a thi# ha! #ot ha++e#e! si#)e fi%st he )a*e to the
0o$#tai#W His %ae +asses !es)%i+tio#Uthe so%t of %ae that is o#l( see# ,he# %i)h
fol' that ha"e *o%e tha# the( )a# e#Po( s$!!e#l( lose so*ethi# that the( ha"e lo#
ha! b$t ha"e #e"e% befo%e $se! o% ,a#te!. His fi%e bel)he! fo%th& the hall s*o'e!&
he shoo' the *o$#tai#-%oots. He th%$st his hea! i# "ai# at the little hole& a#! the#
)oili# his le#th toethe%& %oa%i# li'e th$#!e% $#!e%%o$#!& he s+e! f%o* his !ee+
lai% th%o$h its %eat !oo%& o$t i#to the h$e +assaes of the *o$#tai#-+ala)e a#! $+
to,a%!s the 1%o#t Gate.
To h$#t the ,hole *o$#tai# till he ha! )a$ht the thief a#! ha! to%# a#! t%a*+le!
hi* ,as his o#e tho$ht. He iss$e! f%o* the Gate& the ,ate%s %ose i# fie%)e
,histli# stea*& a#! $+ he soa%e! blaHi# i#to the ai% a#! settle! o# the *o$#tai#-
to+ i# a s+o$t of %ee# a#! s)a%let fla*e. The !,a%"es hea%! the a,f$l %$*o$% of
his fliht& a#! the( )%o$)he! aai#st the ,alls of the %ass( te%%a)e )%i#i# $#!e%
bo$l!e%s& ho+i# so*eho, to es)a+e the f%ihtf$l e(es of the h$#ti# !%ao#.
The%e the( ,o$l! ha"e all bee# 'ille!& if it ha! #ot bee# fo% Bilbo o#)e aai#. B:$i)'W
:$i)'WC he as+e!. BThe !oo%W The t$##elW It3s #o oo! he%e.C
Ro$se! b( these ,o%!s the( ,e%e P$st abo$t to )%ee+ i#si!e the t$##el ,he# Bif$%
a"e a )%(2 B0( )o$si#sW Bo*b$% a#! Bof$%U,e ha"e fo%otte# the*& the( a%e
!o,# i# the "alle(WC
BThe( ,ill be slai#& a#! all o$% +o#ies too& a#! all o$% sto%es lost&C *oa#e! the
othe%s. B4e )a# !o #othi#.C
BNo#se#seWC sai! Tho%i#& %e)o"e%i# his !i#it(. B4e )a##ot lea"e the*. Get i#si!e
0%. Bai#s a#! Bali#& a#! (o$ t,o 1ili a#! KiliUthe !%ao# sha#3t ha"e all of $s.
No, (o$ othe%s& ,he%e a%e the %o+esV Be .$i)'WC
Those ,e%e +e%ha+s the ,o%st *o*e#ts the( ha! bee# th%o$h (et. The ho%%ible
so$#!s of /*a$3s a#e% ,e%e e)hoi# i# the sto#( hollo,s fa% abo"eS at a#(
*o*e#t he *iht )o*e blaHi# !o,# o% fl( ,hi%li# %o$#! a#! fi#! the* the%e& #ea%
the +e%ilo$s )liff3s e!e ha$li# *a!l( o# the %o+es. 8+ )a*e Bof$%& a#! still all ,as
safe. 8+ )a*e Bo*b$%& +$ffi# a#! blo,i# ,hile the %o+es )%ea'e!& a#! still all ,as
safe. 8+ )a*e so*e tools a#! b$#!les of sto%es& a#! the# !a#e% ,as $+o# the*.
A ,hi%%i# #oise ,as hea%!. A %e! liht to$)he! the +oi#ts of sta#!i# %o)'s. The
!%ao# )a*e.
The( ha! ba%el( ti*e to fl( ba)' to the t$##el& +$lli# a#! !%ai# i# thei% b$#!les&
,he# /*a$ )a*e h$%tli# f%o* the No%th& li)'i# the *o$#tai#-si!es ,ith fla*e&
beati# his %eat ,i#s ,ith a #oise li'e a %oa%i# ,i#!. His hot b%eath sh%i"elle! the
%ass befo%e the !oo%& a#! !%o"e i# th%o$h the )%a)' the( ha! left a#! s)o%)he!
the* as the( la( hi!. 1li)'e%i# fi%es lea+e! $+ a#! bla)' %o)'-sha!o,s !a#)e!.
The# !a%'#ess fell as he +asse! aai#. The +o#ies s)%ea*e! ,ith te%%o%& b$%st thei%
%o+es a#! allo+e! ,il!l( off. The !%ao# s,oo+e! a#! t$%#e! to +$%s$e the*& a#!
,as o#e.
BThat3ll be the e#! of o$% +oo% beastsWC sai! Tho%i#. BNothi# )a# es)a+e /*a$
o#)e he sees it. He%e ,e a%e a#! he%e ,e shall ha"e to sta(& $#less a#( o#e fa#)ies
t%a*+i# the lo# o+e# *iles ba)' to the %i"e% ,ith /*a$ o# the ,at)hWC
It ,as #ot a +leasa#t tho$htW The( )%e+t f$%the% !o,# the t$##el& a#! the%e the(
la( a#! shi"e%e! tho$h it ,as ,a%* a#! st$ff(& $#til !a,# )a*e +ale th%o$h the
)%a)' of the !oo%. E"e%( #o, a#! aai# th%o$h the #iht the( )o$l! hea% the %oa% of
the fl(i# !%ao# %o, a#! the# +ass a#! fa!e& as he h$#te! %o$#! a#! %o$#! the
*o$#tai#-si!es.
He $esse! f%o* the +o#ies& a#! f%o* the t%a)es of the )a*+s he ha! !is)o"e%e!&
that *e# ha! )o*e $+ f%o* the %i"e% a#! the la'e a#! ha! s)ale! the *o$#tai#-si!e
f%o* the "alle( ,he%e the +o#ies ha! bee# sta#!i#S b$t the !oo% ,ithstoo! his
sea%)hi# e(e& a#! the little hih-,alle! ba( ha! 'e+t o$t his fie%)est fla*es. Lo#
he ha! h$#te! i# "ai# till the !a,# )hille! his ,%ath a#! he ,e#t ba)' to his ol!e#
)o$)h to slee+Ua#! to athe% #e, st%e#th. He ,o$l! #ot fo%et o% fo%i"e the
theft& #ot if a tho$sa#! (ea%s t$%#e! hi* to s*o$l!e%i# sto#e& b$t he )o$l! affo%!
to ,ait. /lo, a#! sile#t he )%e+t ba)' to his lai% a#! half )lose! his e(es.
4he# *o%#i# )a*e the te%%o% of the !,a%"es %e, less. The( %ealiHe! that !a#e%s
of this 'i#! ,e%e i#e"itable i# !eali# ,ith s$)h a $a%!ia#& a#! that it ,as #o oo!
i"i# $+ thei% .$est (et. No% )o$l! the( et a,a( P$st #o,& as Tho%i# ha! +oi#te!
o$t. Thei% +o#ies ,e%e lost o% 'ille!& a#! the( ,o$l! ha"e to ,ait so*e ti*e befo%e
/*a$ %elaFe! his ,at)h s$ffi)ie#tl( fo% the* to !a%e the lo# ,a( o# foot. L$)'il(
the( ha! sa"e! e#o$h of thei% sto%es to last the* still fo% so*e ti*e.
The( !ebate! lo# o# ,hat ,as to be !o#e& b$t the( )o$l! thi#' of #o ,a( of etti#
%i! of /*a$U,hi)h ha! al,a(s bee# a ,ea' +oi#t i# thei% +la#s& as Bilbo felt
i#)li#e! to +oi#t o$t. The# as is the #at$%e of fol' that a%e tho%o$hl( +e%+leFe!&
the( bea# to %$*ble at the hobbit& bla*i# hi* fo% ,hat ha! at fi%st so +lease!
the*2 fo% b%i#i# a,a( a )$+ a#! sti%%i# $+ /*a$3s ,%ath so soo#.
B4hat else !o (o$ s$++ose a b$%la% is to !oVC as'e! Bilbo a#%il(. BI ,as #ot
e#ae! to 'ill !%ao#s& that is ,a%%io%3s ,o%'& b$t to steal t%eas$%e. I *a!e the best
bei##i# I )o$l!. Di! (o$ eF+e)t *e to t%ot ba)' ,ith the ,hole hoa%! of Th%o% o#
*( ba)'V If the%e is a#( %$*bli# to be !o#e& I thi#' I *iht ha"e a sa(. Yo$ o$ht
to ha"e b%o$ht fi"e h$#!%e! b$%la%s #ot o#e. I a* s$%e it %efle)ts %eat )%e!it o#
(o$% %a#!fathe%& b$t (o$ )a##ot +%ete#! that (o$ e"e% *a!e the "ast eFte#t of his
,ealth )lea% to *e. I sho$l! ,a#t h$#!%e!s of (ea%s to b%i# it all $+& if I ,as fift(
ti*es as bi& a#! /*a$ as ta*e as a %abbit.C
Afte% that of )o$%se the !,a%"es bee! his +a%!o#. B4hat the# !o (o$ +%o+ose ,e
sho$l! !o& 0%. Bai#sVC as'e! Tho%i# +olitel(.
BI ha"e #o i!ea at the *o*e#tUif (o$ *ea# abo$t %e*o"i# the t%eas$%e. That
ob"io$sl( !e+e#!s e#ti%el( o# so*e #e, t$%# of l$)' a#! the etti# %i! of /*a$.
Getti# %i! of !%ao#s is #ot at all i# *( li#e& b$t I ,ill !o *( best to thi#' abo$t it.
5e%so#all( I ha"e #o ho+es at all& a#! ,ish I ,as safe ba)' at ho*e.C
BNe"e% *i#! that fo% the *o*e#tW 4hat a%e ,e to !o #o,& to-!a(VC
B4ell& if (o$ %eall( ,a#t *( a!"i)e& I sho$l! sa( ,e )a# !o #othi# b$t sta( ,he%e
,e a%e. B( !a( ,e )a# #o !o$bt )%ee+ o$t safel( e#o$h to ta'e the ai%. 5e%ha+s
befo%e lo# o#e o% t,o )o$l! be )hose# to o ba)' to the sto%e b( the %i"e% a#!
%e+le#ish o$% s$++lies. B$t i# the *ea#,hile e"e%(o#e o$ht to be ,ell i#si!e the
t$##el b( #iht.
BNo, I ,ill *a'e (o$ a# offe%. I ha"e ot *( %i# a#! ,ill )%ee+ !o,# this "e%(
#oo#Uthe# if e"e% /*a$ o$ht to be #a++i#Ua#! see ,hat he is $+ to. 5e%ha+s
so*ethi# ,ill t$%# $+. 6E"e%( ,o%* has his ,ea' s+ot&3 as *( fathe% $se! to sa(&
tho$h I a* s$%e it ,as #ot f%o* +e%so#al eF+e%ie#)e.C
Nat$%all( the !,a%"es a))e+te! the offe% eae%l(. Al%ea!( the( ha! )o*e to %es+e)t
little Bilbo. No, he ha! be)o*e the %eal lea!e% i# thei% a!"e#t$%e. He ha! be$# to
ha"e i!eas a#! +la#s of his o,#. 4he# *i!!a( )a*e he ot %ea!( fo% a#othe%
Po$%#e( !o,# i#to the 0o$#tai#. He !i! #ot li'e it of )o$%se& b$t it ,as #ot so ba!
#o, he '#e,& *o%e o% less& ,hat ,as i# f%o#t of hi*. Ha! he '#o,# *o%e abo$t
!%ao#s a#! thei% ,il( ,a(s& he *iht ha"e bee# *o%e f%ihte#e! a#! less ho+ef$l of
)at)hi# this o#e #a++i#.
The s$# ,as shi#i# ,he# he sta%te!& b$t it ,as as !a%' as #iht i# the t$##el. The
liht f%o* the !oo%& al*ost )lose!& soo# fa!e! as he ,e#t !o,#. /o sile#t ,as his
oi# that s*o'e o# a e#tle ,i#! )o$l! ha%!l( ha"e s$%+asse! it& a#! he ,as
i#)li#e! to feel a bit +%o$! of hi*self as he !%e, #ea% the lo,e% !oo%. The%e ,as
o#l( the "e%( fai#test lo, to be see#.
BOl! /*a$ is ,ea%( a#! aslee+&C he tho$ht. BHe )a#3t see *e a#! he ,o#3t hea%
*e. Chee% $+ BilboWC He ha! fo%otte# o% ha! #e"e% hea%! abo$t !%ao#s3 se#se of
s*ell. It is also a# a,',a%! fa)t that the( )a# 'ee+ half a# e(e o+e# ,at)hi# ,hile
the( slee+& if the( a%e s$s+i)io$s.
/*a$ )e%tai#l( loo'e! fast aslee+& al*ost !ea! a#! !a%'& ,ith s)a%)el( a s#o%e
*o%e tha# a ,hiff of $#see# stea*& ,he# Bilbo +ee+e! o#)e *o%e f%o* the
e#t%a#)e. He ,as P$st abo$t to ste+ o$t o# to the floo% ,he# he )a$ht a s$!!e#
thi# a#! +ie%)i# %a( of %e! f%o* $#!e% the !%oo+i# li! of /*a$3s left e(e. He ,as
o#l( +%ete#!i# to slee+W He ,as ,at)hi# the t$##el e#t%a#)eW H$%%ie!l( Bilbo
ste++e! ba)' a#! blesse! the l$)' of his %i#. The# /*a$ s+o'e.
B4ell& thiefW I s*ell (o$ a#! I feel (o$% ai%. I hea% (o$% b%eath. Co*e alo#W Hel+ (o$%self aai#&
the%e is +le#t( a#! to s+a%eWC
B$t Bilbo ,as #ot .$ite so $#lea%#e! i# !%ao#-lo%e as all that& a#! if /*a$ ho+e!
to et hi* to )o*e #ea%e% so easil( he ,as !isa++oi#te!. BNo tha#' (o$& O /*a$
the T%e*e#!o$sWC he %e+lie!.
BI !i! #ot )o*e fo% +%ese#ts. I o#l( ,ishe! to ha"e a loo' at (o$ a#! see if (o$ ,e%e
t%$l( as %eat as tales sa(. I !i! #ot belie"e the*.C
BDo (o$ #o,VC sai! the !%ao# so*e,hat flatte%e!& e"e# tho$h he !i! #ot belie"e
a ,o%! of it.
BT%$l( so#s a#! tales fall $tte%l( sho%t of the %ealit(& O /*a$ the Chiefest a#!
G%eatest of Cala*ities&C %e+lie! Bilbo.
BYo$ ha"e #i)e *a##e%s fo% a thief a#! a lia%&C sai! the !%ao#. BYo$ see* fa*ilia%
,ith *( #a*e& b$t I !o#3t see* to %e*e*be% s*elli# (o$ befo%e. 4ho a%e (o$ a#!
,he%e !o (o$ )o*e f%o*& *a( I as'VC
BYo$ *a( i#!ee!W I )o*e f%o* $#!e% the hill& a#! $#!e% the hills a#! o"e% the hills
*( +aths le!. A#! th%o$h the ai%. I a* he that ,al's $#see#.C
B/o I )a# ,ell belie"e&C sai! /*a$& Bb$t that is ha%!l( (o$% $s$al #a*e.C
BI a* the )l$e-fi#!e%& the ,eb-)$tte%& the sti#i# fl(. I ,as )hose# fo% the l$)'(
#$*be%.C
BLo"el( titlesWC s#ee%e! the !%ao#. BB$t l$)'( #$*be%s !o#3t al,a(s )o*e off.C
BI a* he that b$%ies his f%ie#!s ali"e a#! !%o,#s the* a#! !%a,s the* ali"e aai#
f%o* the ,ate%. I )a*e f%o* the e#! of a ba& b$t #o ba ,e#t o"e% *e.C
BThese !o#3t so$#! so )%e!itable&C s)offe! /*a$. BI a* the f%ie#! of bea%s a#! the
$est of eales. I a* Ri#,i##e% a#! L$)',ea%e%S a#! I a* Ba%%el-%i!e%&C ,e#t o#
Bilbo bei##i# to be +lease! ,ith his %i!!li#.
BThat3s bette%WC sai! /*a$. BB$t !o#3t let (o$% i*ai#atio# %$# a,a( ,ith (o$WC
This of )o$%se is the ,a( to tal' to !%ao#s& if (o$ !o#3t ,a#t to %e"eal (o$% +%o+e% #a*e
@,hi)h is ,iseA& a#! !o#3t ,a#t to i#f$%iate the* b( a flat %ef$sal @,hi)h is also "e%( ,iseA. No
!%ao# )a# %esist the fas)i#atio# of %i!!li# tal' a#! of ,asti# ti*e t%(i# to $#!e%sta#! it.
The%e ,as a lot he%e ,hi)h /*a$ !i! #ot $#!e%sta#! at all @tho$h I eF+e)t (o$ !o& si#)e (o$
'#o, all abo$t Bilbo3s a!"e#t$%es to ,hi)h he ,as %efe%%i#A& b$t he tho$ht he $#!e%stoo!
e#o$h& a#! he )h$)'le! i# his ,i)'e! i#si!e.
BI tho$ht so last #iht&C he s*ile! to hi*self. BLa'e-*e#& so*e #ast( s)he*e of
those *ise%able t$b-t%a!i# La'e-*e#& o% I3* a liHa%!. I ha"e#3t bee# !o,# that ,a(
fo% a# ae a#! a# aeS b$t I ,ill soo# alte% thatWC
B7e%( ,ell& O Ba%%el-%i!e%WC he sai! alo$!. B0a(be Ba%%el ,as (o$% +o#(3s #a*eS a#!
*a(be #ot& tho$h it ,as fat e#o$h. Yo$ *a( ,al' $#see#& b$t (o$ !i! #ot ,al' all
the ,a(. Let *e tell (o$ I ate siF +o#ies last #iht a#! I shall )at)h a#! eat all the
othe%s befo%e lo#. I# %et$%# fo% the eF)elle#t *eal I ,ill i"e (o$ o#e +ie)e of a!"i)e
fo% (o$% oo!2 !o#3t ha"e *o%e to !o ,ith !,a%"es tha# (o$ )a# hel+WC
BD,a%"esWC sai! Bilbo i# +%ete#!e! s$%+%ise. BDo#3t tal' to *eWC sai! /*a$. BI '#o,
the s*ell @a#! tasteA of !,a%fU#o o#e bette%. Do#3t tell *e that I )a# eat a !,a%f-
%i!!e# +o#( a#! #ot '#o, itW Yo$3ll )o*e to a ba! e#!& if (o$ o ,ith s$)h f%ie#!s&
Thief Ba%%el-%i!e%. I !o#3t *i#! if (o$ o ba)' a#! tell the* so f%o* *e.C B$t he !i!
#ot tell Bilbo that the%e ,as o#e s*ell he )o$l! #ot *a'e o$t at all& hobbit-s*ellS it
,as .$ite o$tsi!e his eF+e%ie#)e a#! +$HHle! hi* *ihtil(.
BI s$++ose (o$ ot a fai% +%i)e fo% that )$+ last #ihtVC he ,e#t o#. BCo*e #o,& !i!
(o$V Nothi# at allW 4ell& that3s P$st li'e the*. A#! I s$++ose the( a%e s'$l'i#
o$tsi!e& a#! (o$% Pob is to !o all the !a#e%o$s ,o%' a#! et ,hat (o$ )a# ,he# I3*
#ot loo'i#Ufo% the*V A#! (o$ ,ill et a fai% sha%eV Do#3t (o$ belie"e itW If (o$ et
off ali"e& (o$ ,ill be l$)'(.C
Bilbo ,as #o, bei##i# to feel %eall( $#)o*fo%table. 4he#e"e% /*a$3s %o"i# e(e& see'i#
fo% hi* i# the sha!o,s& flashe! a)%oss hi*& he t%e*ble!& a#! a# $#a))o$#table !esi%e seiHe!
hol! of hi* to %$sh o$t a#! %e"eal hi*self a#! tell all the t%$th to /*a$. I# fa)t he ,as i#
%ie"o$s !a#e% of )o*i# $#!e% the !%ao#-s+ell. B$t +l$)'i# $+ )o$%ae he s+o'e aai#.
BYo$ !o#3t '#o, e"e%(thi#& O /*a$ the 0iht(&C sai! he. BNot ol! alo#e b%o$ht
$s hithe%.C
BHaW HaW Yo$ a!*it the 6$s3C la$he! /*a$. B4h( #ot sa( 6$s fo$%tee#3 a#! be !o#e
,ith it& 0%. L$)'( N$*be%V I a* +lease! to hea% that (o$ ha! othe% b$si#ess i#
these +a%ts besi!es *( ol!. I# that )ase (o$ *a(& +e%ha+s& #ot altoethe% ,aste
(o$% ti*e.
BI !o#3t '#o, if it has o))$%%e! to (o$ that& e"e# if (o$ )o$l! steal the ol! bit b(
bitUa *atte% of a h$#!%e! (ea%s o% soU(o$ )o$l! #ot et it "e%( fa%V Not *$)h $se
o# the *o$#tai#-si!eV Not *$)h $se i# the fo%estV Bless *eW Ha! (o$ #e"e% tho$ht
of the )at)hV A fo$%tee#th sha%e& I s$++ose& o% so*ethi# li'e it& those ,e%e the
te%*s& ehV B$t ,hat abo$t !eli"e%(V 4hat abo$t )a%taeV 4hat abo$t a%*e!
$a%!s a#! tollsVC A#! /*a$ la$he! alo$!. He ha! a ,i)'e! a#! a ,il( hea%t& a#!
he '#e, his $esses ,e%e #ot fa% o$t& tho$h he s$s+e)te! that the La'e-*e# ,e%e
at the ba)' of the +la#s& a#! that *ost of the +l$#!e% ,as *ea#t to sto+ the%e i# the
to,# b( the sho%e that i# his (o$# !a(s ha! bee# )alle! Esa%oth.
Yo$ ,ill ha%!l( belie"e it& b$t +oo% Bilbo ,as %eall( "e%( ta'e# aba)'. /o fa% all his
tho$hts a#! e#e%ies ha! bee# )o#)e#t%ate! o# etti# to the 0o$#tai# a#!
fi#!i# the e#t%a#)e. He ha! #e"e% bothe%e! to ,o#!e% ho, the t%eas$%e ,as to be
%e*o"e!& )e%tai#l( #e"e% ho, a#( +a%t of it that *iht fall to his sha%e ,as to be
b%o$ht ba)' all the ,a( to Ba-E#! 8#!e%-Hill.
No, a #ast( s$s+i)io# bea# to %o, i# his *i#!Uha! the !,a%"es fo%otte# this
i*+o%ta#t +oi#t too& o% ,e%e the( la$hi# i# thei% slee"es at hi* all the ti*eV That
is the effe)t that !%ao#-tal' has o# the i#eF+e%ie#)e!. Bilbo of )o$%se o$ht to
ha"e bee# o# his $a%!S b$t /*a$ ha! %athe% a# o"e%,hel*i# +e%so#alit(.
BI tell (o$&C he sai!& i# a# effo%t to %e*ai# lo(al to his f%ie#!s a#! to 'ee+ his e#! $+&
Bthat ol! ,as o#l( a# afte%tho$ht ,ith $s. 4e )a*e o"e% hill a#! $#!e% hill& b(
,a"e a#! ,i#!& fo% Re"e#e. /$%el(& O /*a$ the $#assessabl( ,ealth(& (o$ *$st
%ealiHe that (o$% s$))ess has *a!e (o$ so*e bitte% e#e*iesVC
The# /*a$ %eall( !i! la$hUa !e"astati# so$#! ,hi)h shoo' Bilbo to the floo%&
,hile fa% $+ i# the t$##el the !,a%"es h$!!le! toethe% a#! i*ai#e! that the
hobbit ha! )o*e to a s$!!e# a#! a #ast( e#!.
BRe"e#eWC he s#o%te!& a#! the liht of his e(es lit the hall f%o* floo% to )eili# li'e
s)a%let liht#i#. BRe"e#eW The Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# is !ea! a#! ,he%e a%e his
'i# that !a%e see' %e"e#eV Gi%io# Lo%! of Dale is !ea!& a#! I ha"e eate# his +eo+le
li'e a ,olf a*o# shee+& a#! ,he%e a%e his so#s3 so#s that !a%e a++%oa)h *eV I 'ill
,he%e I ,ish a#! #o#e !a%e %esist. I lai! lo, the ,a%%io%s of ol! a#! thei% li'e is #ot
i# the ,o%l! to!a(. The# I ,as b$t (o$# a#! te#!e%. No, I a* ol! a#! st%o#&
st%o#& st%o#& Thief i# the /ha!o,sWC he loate!. B0( a%*o$% is li'e te#fol! shiel!s&
*( teeth a%e s,o%!s& *( )la,s s+ea%s& the sho)' of *( tail a th$#!e%bolt& *( ,i#s
a h$%%i)a#e& a#! *( b%eath !eathWC
BI ha"e al,a(s $#!e%stoo!&C sai! Bilbo i# a f%ihte#e! s.$ea'& Bthat !%ao#s ,e%e
softe% $#!e%#eath& es+e)iall( i# the %eio# of theUe%U)hestS b$t !o$btless o#e so
fo%tifie! has tho$ht of that.C
The !%ao# sto++e! sho%t i# his boasti#. BYo$% i#fo%*atio# is a#ti.$ate!&C he
s#a++e!. BI a* a%*o$%e! abo"e a#! belo, ,ith i%o# s)ales a#! ha%! e*s. No
bla!e )a# +ie%)e *e.C
BI *iht ha"e $esse! it&C sai! Bilbo. BT%$l( the%e )a# #o,he%e be fo$#! the e.$al of
Lo%! /*a$ the I*+e#et%able. 4hat *a#ifi)e#)e to +ossess a ,aist)oat of fi#e
!ia*o#!sWC
BYes& it is %a%e a#! ,o#!e%f$l& i#!ee!&C sai! /*a$ abs$%!l( +lease!. He !i! #ot
'#o, that the hobbit ha! al%ea!( )a$ht a li*+se of his +e)$lia% $#!e%-)o"e%i# o#
his +%e"io$s "isit& a#! ,as it)hi# fo% a )lose% "ie, fo% %easo#s of his o,#. The
!%ao# %olle! o"e%. BLoo'WC he sai!. B4hat !o (o$ sa( to thatVC
BDaHHli#l( *a%"ello$sW 5e%fe)tW 1la,lessW /tae%i#WC eF)lai*e! Bilbo alo$!& b$t
,hat he tho$ht i#si!e ,as2 BOl! foolW 4h(& the%e is a la%e +at)h i# the hollo, of
his left b%east as ba%e as a s#ail o$t of its shellWC
Afte% he ha! see# that 0%. Bai#s3 o#e i!ea ,as to et a,a(. B4ell& I %eall( *$st
#ot !etai# Yo$% 0a#ifi)e#)e a#( lo#e%&C he sai!& Bo% 'ee+ (o$ f%o* *$)h #ee!e!
%est. 5o#ies ta'e so*e )at)hi#& I belie"e& afte% a lo# sta%t. A#! so !o b$%la%s&C he
a!!e! as a +a%ti# shot& as he !a%te! ba)' a#! fle! $+ the t$##el.
It ,as a# $#fo%t$#ate %e*a%'& fo% the !%ao# s+o$te! te%%ifi) fla*es afte% hi*& a#!
fast tho$h he s+e! $+ the slo+e& he ha! #ot o#e #ea%l( fa% e#o$h to be
)o*fo%table befo%e the hastl( hea! of /*a$ ,as th%$st aai#st the o+e#i#
behi#!. L$)'il( the ,hole hea! a#! Pa,s )o$l! #ot s.$eeHe i#& b$t the #ost%ils se#t
fo%th fi%e a#! "a+o$% to +$%s$e hi*& a#! he ,as #ea%l( o"e%)o*e& a#! st$*ble!
bli#!l( o# i# %eat +ai# a#! fea%. He ha! bee# feeli# %athe% +lease! ,ith the
)le"e%#ess of his )o#"e%satio# ,ith /*a$& b$t his *ista'e at the e#! shoo' hi*
i#to bette% se#se.
BNe"e% la$h at li"e !%ao#s& Bilbo (o$ foolWC he sai! to hi*self& a#! it be)a*e a
fa"o$%ite sa(i# of his late%& a#! +asse! i#to a +%o"e%b. BYo$ a%e#3t #ea%l( th%o$h
this a!"e#t$%e (et&C he a!!e!& a#! that ,as +%ett( t%$e as ,ell.
The afte%#oo# ,as t$%#i# i#to e"e#i# ,he# he )a*e o$t aai# a#! st$*ble! a#! fell i# a
fai#t o# the 6!oo%ste+3. The !,a%"es %e"i"e! hi*& a#! !o)to%e! his s)o%)hes as ,ell as the(
)o$l!S b$t it ,as a lo# ti*e befo%e the hai% o# the ba)' of his hea! a#! his heels %e, +%o+e%l(
aai#2 it ha! all bee# si#e! a#! f%iHHle! %iht !o,# to the s'i#. I# the *ea#,hile his f%ie#!s !i!
thei% best to )hee% hi* $+S a#! the( ,e%e eae% fo% his sto%(& es+e)iall( ,a#ti# to '#o, ,h(
the !%ao# ha! *a!e s$)h a# a,f$l #oise& a#! ho, Bilbo ha! es)a+e!.
B$t the hobbit ,as ,o%%ie! a#! $#)o*fo%table& a#! the( ha! !iffi)$lt( i# etti#
a#(thi# o$t of hi*. O# thi#'i# thi#s o"e% he ,as #o, %e%etti# so*e of the
thi#s he ha! sai! to the !%ao#& a#! ,as #ot eae% to %e+eat the*. The ol! th%$sh
,as sitti# o# a %o)' #ea% b( ,ith his hea! )o)'e! o# o#e si!e& liste#i# to all that
,as sai!. It sho,s ,hat a# ill te*+e% Bilbo ,as i#2 he +i)'e! $+ a sto#e a#! th%e, it
at the th%$sh& ,hi)h *e%el( fl$tte%e! asi!e a#! )a*e ba)'.
BD%at the bi%!WC sai! Bilbo )%ossl(. BI belie"e he is liste#i#& a#! I !o#3t li'e the loo'
of hi*.C
BLea"e hi* alo#eWC sai! Tho%i#. BThe th%$shes a%e oo! a#! f%ie#!l(Uthis is a "e%(
ol! bi%! i#!ee!& a#! is *a(be the last left of the a#)ie#t b%ee! that $se! to li"e
abo$t he%e& ta*e to the ha#!s of *( fathe% a#! %a#!fathe%. The( ,e%e a lo#-li"e!
a#! *ai)al %a)e& a#! this *iht e"e# be o#e of those that ,e%e ali"e the#& a )o$+le
of h$#!%e!s of (ea%s o% *o%e ao. The 0e# of Dale $se! to ha"e the t%i)' of
$#!e%sta#!i# thei% la#$ae& a#! $se! the* fo% *esse#e%s to fl( to the 0e# of
the La'e a#! else,he%e.C
B4ell& he3ll ha"e #e,s to ta'e to La'e-to,# all %iht& if that is ,hat he is afte%&C sai!
BilboS Btho$h I !o#3t s$++ose the%e a%e a#( +eo+le left the%e that t%o$ble ,ith
th%$sh-la#$ae.C
B4h( ,hat has ha++e#e!VC )%ie! the !,a%"es. BDo et o# ,ith (o$% taleWC
/o Bilbo tol! the* all he )o$l! %e*e*be%& a#! he )o#fesse! that he ha! a #ast(
feeli# that the !%ao# $esse! too *$)h f%o* his %i!!les a!!e! to the )a*+s a#!
the +o#ies. BI a* s$%e he '#o,s ,e )a*e f%o* La'e-to,# a#! ha! hel+ f%o* the%eS
a#! I ha"e a ho%%ible feeli# that his #eFt *o"e *a( be i# that !i%e)tio#. I ,ish to
oo!#ess I ha! #e"e% sai! that abo$t Ba%%el-%i!e%S it ,o$l! *a'e e"e# a bli#! %abbit
i# these +a%ts thi#' of the La'e-*e#.C
B4ell& ,ellW It )a##ot be hel+e!& a#! it is !iffi)$lt #ot to sli+ i# tal'i# to a !%ao#& o%
so I ha"e al,a(s hea%!&C sai! Bali# a#Fio$s to )o*fo%t hi*. BI thi#' (o$ !i! "e%( ,ell&
if (o$ as' *eU(o$ fo$#! o$t o#e "e%( $sef$l thi# at a#( %ate& a#! ot ho*e ali"e&
a#! that is *o%e tha# *ost )a# sa( ,ho ha"e ha! ,o%!s ,ith the li'es of /*a$. It
*a( be a *e%)( a#! a blessi# (et to '#o, of the ba%e +at)h i# the ol! 4o%*3s
!ia*o#! ,aist)oat.C
That t$%#e! the )o#"e%satio#& a#! the( all bea# !is)$ssi# !%ao#-sla(i#s
histo%i)al& !$bio$s& a#! *(thi)al& a#! the "a%io$s so%ts of stabs a#! Pabs a#!
$#!e%)$ts& a#! the !iffe%e#t a%ts !e"i)es a#! st%atae*s b( ,hi)h the( ha! bee#
a))o*+lishe!. The e#e%al o+i#io# ,as that )at)hi# a !%ao# #a++i# ,as #ot as
eas( as it so$#!e!& a#! the atte*+t to sti)' o#e o% +%o! o#e aslee+ ,as *o%e li'el(
to e#! i# !isaste% tha# a bol! f%o#tal atta)'. All the ,hile the( tal'e! the th%$sh
liste#e!& till at last ,he# the sta%s bea# to +ee+ fo%th& it sile#tl( s+%ea! its ,i#s
a#! fle, a,a(. A#! all the ,hile the( tal'e! a#! the sha!o,s le#the#e! Bilbo
be)a*e *o%e a#! *o%e $#ha++( a#! his fo%ebo!i# %e,.
At last he i#te%%$+te! the*. BI a* s$%e ,e a%e "e%( $#safe he%e&C he sai!& Ba#! I
!o#3t see the +oi#t of sitti# he%e. The !%ao# has ,ithe%e! all the +leasa#t %ee#&
a#! a#(,a( the #iht has )o*e a#! it is )ol!. B$t I feel it i# *( bo#es that this +la)e
,ill be atta)'e! aai#. /*a$ '#o,s #o, ho, I )a*e !o,# to his hall& a#! (o$ )a#
t%$st hi* to $ess ,he%e the othe% e#! of the t$##el is. He ,ill b%ea' all this si!e of
the 0o$#tai# to bits& if #e)essa%(& to sto+ $+ o$% e#t%a#)e& a#! if ,e a%e s*ashe!
,ith it the bette% he ,ill li'e it.C
BYo$ a%e "e%( loo*(& 0%. Bai#sWC sai! Tho%i#. B4h( has #ot /*a$ blo)'e! the
lo,e% e#!& the#& if he is so eae% to 'ee+ $s o$tV He has #ot& o% ,e sho$l! ha"e
hea%! hi*.C
BI !o#3t '#o,& I !o#3t '#o,Ube)a$se at fi%st he ,a#te! to t%( a#! l$%e *e i# aai#& I
s$++ose& a#! #o, +e%ha+s be)a$se he is ,aiti# till afte% to#iht3s h$#t& o% be)a$se
he !oes #ot ,a#t to !a*ae his be!%oo* if he )a# hel+ itUb$t I ,ish (o$ ,o$l! #ot
a%$e. /*a$ ,ill be )o*i# o$t at a#( *i#$te #o,& a#! o$% o#l( ho+e is to et ,ell
i# the t$##el a#! sh$t the !oo%.C
He see*e! so *$)h i# ea%#est that the !,a%"es at last !i! as he sai!& tho$h the(
!ela(e! sh$tti# the !oo%Uit see*e! a !es+e%ate +la#& fo% #o o#e '#e, ,hethe% o%
ho, the( )o$l! et it o+e# aai# f%o* the i#si!e& a#! the tho$ht of bei# sh$t i# a
+la)e f%o* ,hi)h the o#l( ,a( o$t le! th%o$h the !%ao#3s lai% ,as #ot o#e the(
li'e!. Also e"e%(thi# see*e! .$ite .$iet& both o$tsi!e a#! !o,# the t$##el. /o fo%
a lo#ish ,hile the( sat i#si!e #ot fa% !o,# f%o* the half-o+e# !oo% a#! ,e#t o#
tal'i#.
The tal' t$%#e! to the !%ao#3s ,i)'e! ,o%!s abo$t the !,a%"es. Bilbo ,ishe! he
ha! #e"e% hea%! the*& o% at least that he )o$l! feel .$ite )e%tai# that the !,a%"es
#o, ,e%e absol$tel( ho#est ,he# the( !e)la%e! that the( ha! #e"e% tho$ht at all
abo$t ,hat ,o$l! ha++e# afte% the t%eas$%e ha! bee# ,o#. B4e '#e, it ,o$l! be a
!es+e%ate "e#t$%e&C sai! Tho%i#& Ba#! ,e '#o, that stillS a#! I still thi#' that ,he#
,e ha"e ,o# it ,ill be ti*e e#o$h to thi#' ,hat to !o abo$t it. As fo% (o$% sha%e&
0%. Bai#s& I ass$%e (o$ ,e a%e *o%e tha# %atef$l a#! (o$ shall )hoose (o$% o,#
fo$%tee#th& as soo# as ,e ha"e a#(thi# to !i"i!e. I a* so%%( if (o$ a%e ,o%%ie!
abo$t t%a#s+o%t& a#! I a!*it the !iffi)$lties a%e %eatUthe la#!s ha"e #ot be)o*e
less ,il! ,ith the +assi# of ti*e& %athe% the %e"e%seUb$t ,e ,ill !o ,hate"e% ,e
)a# fo% (o$& a#! ta'e o$% sha%e of the )ost ,he# the ti*e )o*es. Belie"e *e o% #ot
as (o$ li'eWC
1%o* that the tal' t$%#e! to the %eat hoa%! itself a#! to the thi#s that Tho%i# a#!
Bali# %e*e*be%e!. The( ,o#!e%e! if the( ,e%e still l(i# the%e $#ha%*e! i# the hall
belo,2 the s+ea%s that ,e%e *a!e fo% the a%*ies of the %eat Ki# Bla!o%thi# @lo#
si#)e !ea!A& ea)h ha! a th%i)e-fo%e! hea! a#! thei% shafts ,e%e i#lai! ,ith )$##i#
ol!& b$t the( ,e%e #e"e% !eli"e%e! o% +ai! fo%S shiel!s *a!e fo% ,a%%io%s lo# !ea!S
the %eat ol!e# )$+ of Th%o%& t,o-ha#!e!& ha**e%e! a#! )a%"e# ,ith bi%!s a#!
flo,e%s ,hose e(es a#! +etals ,e%e of Pe,elsS )oats of *ail il!e! a#! sil"e%e! a#!
i*+e#et%ableS the #e)'la)e of Gi%io#& Lo%! of Dale& *a!e of fi"e h$#!%e! e*e%al!s
%ee# as %ass& ,hi)h he a"e fo% the a%*i# of his el!est so# i# a )oat of !,a%f-
li#'e! %i#s the li'e of ,hi)h ha! #e"e% bee# *a!e befo%e& fo% it ,as ,%o$ht of
+$%e sil"e% to the +o,e% a#! st%e#th of t%i+le steel. B$t fai%est of all ,as the %eat
,hite e*& ,hi)h the !,a%"es ha! fo$#! be#eath the %oots of the 0o$#tai#& the
Hea%t of the 0o$#tai#& the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#.
BThe A%'e#sto#eW The A%'e#sto#eWC *$%*$%e! Tho%i# i# the !a%'& half !%ea*i#
,ith his )hi# $+o# his '#ees. BIt ,as li'e a lobe ,ith a tho$sa#! fa)etsS it sho#e li'e
sil"e% i# the fi%eliht& li'e ,ate% i# the s$#& li'e s#o, $#!e% the sta%s& li'e %ai# $+o#
the 0oo#WC
B$t the e#)ha#te! !esi%e of the hoa%! ha! falle# f%o* Bilbo. All th%o$h thei% tal' he
,as o#l( half liste#i# to the*. He sat #ea%est to the !oo% ,ith o#e ea% )o)'e! fo%
a#( bei##i#s of a so$#! ,itho$t& his othe% ,as ale%t fo% e)hoes be(o#! the
*$%*$%s of the !,a%"es& fo% a#( ,his+e% of a *o"e*e#t f%o* fa% belo,.
Da%'#ess %e, !ee+e% a#! he %e, e"e% *o%e $#eas(. B/h$t the !oo%WC he bee!
the*& BI fea% that !%ao# i# *( *a%%o,. I li'e this sile#)e fa% less tha# the $+%oa% of
last #iht. /h$t the !oo% befo%e it is too lateWC
/o*ethi# i# his "oi)e a"e the !,a%"es a# $#)o*fo%table feeli#. /lo,l( Tho%i#
shoo' off his !%ea*s a#! etti# $+ he 'i)'e! a,a( the sto#e that ,e!e! the !oo%.
The# the( th%$st $+o# it& a#! it )lose! ,ith a s#a+ a#! a )la#. No t%a)e of a 'e(hole
,as the%e left o# the i#si!e. The( ,e%e sh$t i# the 0o$#tai#W
A#! #ot a *o*e#t too soo#. The( ha! ha%!l( o#e a#( !ista#)e !o,# the t$##el
,he# a blo, s*ote the si!e of the 0o$#tai# li'e the )%ash of batte%i#-%a*s *a!e
of fo%est oa's a#! s,$# b( ia#ts. The %o)' boo*e!& the ,alls )%a)'e! a#! sto#es
fell f%o* the %oof o# thei% hea!s. 4hat ,o$l! ha"e ha++e#e! if the !oo% ha! still
bee# o+e# I !o#3t li'e to thi#'. The( fle! f$%the% !o,# the t$##el la! to be still
ali"e& ,hile behi#! the* o$tsi!e the( hea%! the %oa% a#! %$*ble of /*a$3s f$%(. He
,as b%ea'i# %o)'s to +ie)es& s*ashi# ,all a#! )liff ,ith the lashi#s of his h$e
tail& till thei% little loft( )a*+i# %o$#!& the s)o%)he! %ass& the th%$sh3s sto#e& the
s#ail-)o"e%e! ,alls& the #a%%o, le!e& a#! all !isa++ea%e! i# a P$*ble of
s*ithe%ee#s& a#! a# a"ala#)he of s+li#te%e! sto#es fell o"e% the )liff i#to the "alle(
belo,.
/*a$ ha! left his lai% i# sile#t stealth& .$ietl( soa%e! i#to the ai%& a#! the# floate!
hea"( a#! slo, i# the !a%' li'e a *o#st%o$s )%o,& !o,# the ,i#! to,a%!s the ,est
of the 0o$#tai#& i# the ho+es of )at)hi# $#a,a%es so*ethi# o% so*ebo!( the%e&
a#! of s+(i# the o$tlet to the +assae ,hi)h the thief ha! $se!. This ,as the
o$tb$%st of his ,%ath ,he# he )o$l! fi#! #obo!( a#! see #othi#& e"e# ,he%e he
$esse! the o$tlet *$st a)t$all( be.
Afte% he ha! let off his %ae i# this ,a( he felt bette% a#! he tho$ht i# his hea%t that
he ,o$l! #ot be t%o$ble! aai# f%o* that !i%e)tio#. I# the *ea#,hile he ha!
f$%the% "e#ea#)e to ta'e. BBa%%el-%i!e%WC he s#o%te!. BYo$% feet )a*e f%o* the
,ate%si!e a#! $+ the ,ate% (o$ )a*e ,itho$t a !o$bt. I !o#3t '#o, (o$% s*ell& b$t
if (o$ a%e #ot o#e of those *e# of the La'e& (o$ ha! thei% hel+. The( shall see *e
a#! %e*e*be% ,ho is the %eal Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#WC
He %ose i# fi%e a#! ,e#t a,a( so$th to,a%!s the R$##i# Ri"e%.
Cha+te% 9III
NOT AT HO0E
I# the *ea#,hile& the !,a%"es sat i# !a%'#ess& a#! $tte% sile#)e fell abo$t the*. Little the( ate
a#! little the( s+o'e. The( )o$l! #ot )o$#t the +assi# of ti*eS a#! the( s)a%)el( !a%e! to
*o"e& fo% the ,his+e% of thei% "oi)es e)hoe! a#! %$stle! i# the t$##el. If the( !oHe!& the(
,o'e still to !a%'#ess a#! to sile#)e oi# o# $#b%o'e#. At last afte% !a(s a#! !a(s of ,aiti#&
as it see*e!& ,he# the( ,e%e be)o*i# )ho'e! a#! !aHe! fo% ,a#t of ai%& the( )o$l! bea% it #o
lo#e%. The( ,o$l! al*ost ha"e ,el)o*e! so$#!s f%o* belo, of the !%ao#3s %et$%#. I# the
sile#)e the( fea%e! so*e )$##i# !e"il%( of his& b$t the( )o$l! #ot sit the%e fo% e"e%.
Tho%i# s+o'e2 BLet $s t%( the !oo%WC he sai!. BI *$st feel the ,i#! o# *( fa)e soo# o%
!ie. I thi#' I ,o$l! %athe% be s*ashe! b( /*a$ i# the o+e# tha# s$ffo)ate i# he%eWC
/o se"e%al of the !,a%"es ot $+ a#! %o+e! ba)' to ,he%e the !oo% ha! bee#. B$t
the( fo$#! that the $++e% e#! of the t$##el ha! bee# shatte%e! a#! blo)'e! ,ith
b%o'e# %o)'. Neithe% 'e( #o% the *ai) it ha! o#)e obe(e! ,o$l! e"e% o+e# that
!oo% aai#.
B4e a%e t%a++e!WC the( %oa#e!. BThis is the e#!. 4e shall !ie he%e.C
B$t so*eho,& P$st ,he# the !,a%"es ,e%e *ost !es+ai%i#& Bilbo felt a st%a#e
lihte#i# of the hea%t& as if a hea"( ,eiht ha! o#e f%o* $#!e% his ,aist)oat.
BCo*e& )o*eWC he sai!. B64hile the%e3s life the%e3s ho+eW3 as *( fathe% $se! to sa(&
a#! 6Thi%! ti*e +a(s fo% all.3 I a* oi# !o,# the t$##el o#)e aai#. I ha"e bee#
that ,a( t,i)e& ,he# I '#e, the%e ,as a !%ao# at the othe% e#!& so I ,ill %is' a thi%!
"isit ,he# I a* #o lo#e% s$%e. A#(,a( the o#l( ,a( o$t is !o,#. A#! I thi#' this
ti*e (o$ ha! bette% all )o*e ,ith *e.C
I# !es+e%atio# the( a%ee!& a#! Tho%i# ,as the fi%st to o fo%,a%! b( Bilbo3s si!e.
BNo, !o be )a%ef$lWC ,his+e%e! the hobbit& Ba#! as .$iet as (o$ )a# beW The%e *a(
be #o /*a$ at the botto*& b$t the# aai# the%e *a( be. Do#3t let $s ta'e a#(
$##e)essa%( %is'sWC
Do,#& !o,# the( ,e#t. The !,a%"es )o$l! #ot& of )o$%se& )o*+a%e ,ith the hobbit
i# %eal stealth& a#! the( *a!e a !eal of +$ffi# a#! sh$ffli# ,hi)h e)hoes
*a#ifie! ala%*i#l(S b$t tho$h e"e%( #o, a#! aai# Bilbo i# fea% sto++e! a#!
liste#e!& #ot a so$#! sti%%e! belo,. Nea% the botto*& as ,ell as he )o$l! P$!e&
Bilbo sli++e! o# his %i# a#! ,e#t ahea!. B$t he !i! #ot #ee! it2 the !a%'#ess ,as
)o*+lete& a#! the( ,e%e all i#"isible& %i# o% #o %i#. I# fa)t so bla)' ,as it that the
hobbit )a*e to the o+e#i# $#eF+e)te!l(& +$t his ha#! o# ai%& st$*ble! fo%,a%!&
a#! %olle! hea!lo# i#to the hallW
The%e he la( fa)e !o,#,a%!s o# the floo% a#! !i! #ot !a%e to et $+& o% ha%!l( e"e#
to b%eathe. B$t #othi# *o"e!. The%e ,as #ot a lea* of lihtU$#less& as it see*e!
to hi*& ,he# at last he slo,l( %aise! his hea!& the%e ,as a +ale ,hite li#t& abo"e
hi* a#! fa% off i# the loo*. B$t )e%tai#l( it ,as #ot a s+a%' of !%ao#-fi%e& tho$h
the ,o%*-ste#)h ,as hea"( i# the +la)e& a#! the taste of "a+o$% ,as o# his to#$e.
At le#th 0%. Bai#s )o$l! bea% it #o lo#e%. BCo#fo$#! (o$& /*a$& (o$ ,o%*WC he
s.$ea'e! alo$!. B/to+ +la(i# hi!e-a#!-see'W Gi"e *e a liht& a#! the# eat *e& if
(o$ )a# )at)h *eWC
1ai#t e)hoes %a# %o$#! the $#see# hall& b$t the%e ,as #o a#s,e%.
Bilbo ot $+& a#! fo$#! that he !i! #ot '#o, i# ,hat !i%e)tio# to t$%#.
BNo, I ,o#!e% ,hat o# ea%th /*a$ is +la(i# at&C he sai!. BHe is #ot at ho*e to!a(
@o% to#iht& o% ,hate"e% it isA& I !o belie"e. If Oi# a#! Gloi# ha"e #ot lost thei% ti#!e%-
boFes& +e%ha+s ,e )a# *a'e a little liht& a#! ha"e a loo' %o$#! befo%e the l$)'
t$%#s.C
BLihtWC he )%ie!. BCa# a#(bo!( *a'e a lihtVC
The !,a%"es& of )o$%se& ,e%e "e%( ala%*e! ,he# Bilbo fell fo%,a%! !o,# the ste+ ,ith a b$*+
i#to the hall& a#! the( sat h$!!le! P$st ,he%e he ha! left the* at the e#! of the t$##el.
B/hW shWC the( hisse!& ,he# the( hea%! his "oi)eS a#! tho$h that hel+e! the hobbit
to fi#! o$t ,he%e the( ,e%e& it ,as so*e ti*e befo%e he )o$l! et a#(thi# else o$t
of the*. B$t i# the e#!& ,he# Bilbo a)t$all( bea# to sta*+ o# the floo%& a#!
s)%ea*e! o$t BlihtWC at the to+ of his sh%ill "oi)e& Tho%i# a"e ,a(& a#! Oi# a#!
Gloi# ,e%e se#t ba)' to thei% b$#!les at the to+ of the t$##el.
Afte% a ,hile a t,i#'li# lea* sho,e! the* %et$%#i#& Oi# ,ith a s*all +i#e-to%)h
aliht i# his ha#!& a#! Gloi# ,ith a b$#!le of othe%s $#!e% his a%*. :$i)'l( Bilbo
t%otte! to the !oo% a#! too' the to%)hS b$t he )o$l! #ot +e%s$a!e the !,a%"es to
liht the othe%s o% to )o*e a#! Poi# hi* (et. As Tho%i# )a%ef$ll( eF+lai#e!& 0%.
Bai#s ,as still offi)iall( thei% eF+e%t b$%la% a#! i#"estiato%. If he li'e! to %is' a
liht& that ,as his affai%. The( ,o$l! ,ait i# the t$##el fo% his %e+o%t. /o the( sat
#ea% the !oo% a#! ,at)he!.
The( sa, the little !a%' sha+e of the hobbit sta%t a)%oss the floo% hol!i# his ti#(
liht aloft. E"e%( #o, a#! aai#& ,hile he ,as still #ea% e#o$h& the( )a$ht a li#t
a#! a ti#'le as he st$*ble! o# so*e ol!e# thi#. The liht %e, s*alle% as he
,a#!e%e! a,a( i#to the "ast hallS the# it bea# to %ise !a#)i# i#to the ai%. Bilbo ,as
)li*bi# the %eat *o$#! of t%eas$%e. /oo# he stoo! $+o# the to+& a#! still ,e#t
o#. The# the( sa, hi* halt a#! stoo+ fo% a *o*e#tS b$t the( !i! #ot '#o, the
%easo#.
It ,as the A%'e#sto#e& the Hea%t of the 0o$#tai#. /o Bilbo $esse! f%o* Tho%i#3s
!es)%i+tio#S b$t i#!ee! the%e )o$l! #ot be t,o s$)h e*s& e"e# i# so *a%"ello$s a
hoa%!& e"e# i# all the ,o%l!. E"e% as he )li*be!& the sa*e ,hite lea* ha! sho#e
befo%e hi* a#! !%a,# his feet to,a%!s it. /lo,l( it %e, to a little lobe of +alli!
liht. No, as he )a*e #ea%& it ,as ti#e! ,ith a fli)'e%i# s+a%'le of *a#( )olo$%s at
the s$%fa)e& %efle)te! a#! s+li#te%e! f%o* the ,a"e%i# liht of his to%)h. At last he
loo'e! !o,# $+o# it& a#! he )a$ht his b%eath. The %eat Pe,el sho#e befo%e his feet
of its o,# i##e% liht& a#! (et& )$t a#! fashio#e! b( the !,a%"es& ,ho ha! !$ it
f%o* the hea%t of the *o$#tai# lo# ao& it too' all liht that fell $+o# it a#!
)ha#e! it i#to te# tho$sa#! s+a%'s of ,hite %a!ia#)e shot ,ith li#ts of the
%ai#bo,.
/$!!e#l( Bilbo3s a%* ,e#t to,a%!s it !%a,# b( its e#)ha#t*e#t. His s*all ha#!
,o$l! #ot )lose abo$t it& fo% it ,as a la%e a#! hea"( e*S b$t he lifte! it& sh$t his
e(es& a#! +$t it i# his !ee+est +o)'et.
BNo, I a* a b$%la% i#!ee!WC tho$ht he. BB$t I s$++ose I *$st tell the !,a%"es
abo$t itUso*e ti*e. The( !i! sa( I )o$l! +i)' a#! )hoose *( o,# sha%eS a#! I thi#'
I ,o$l! )hoose this& if the( too' all the %estWC All the sa*e he ha! a# $#)o*fo%table
feeli# that the +i)'i# a#! )hoosi# ha! #ot %eall( bee# *ea#t to i#)l$!e this
*a%"ello$s e*& a#! that t%o$ble ,o$l! (et )o*e of it.
No, he ,e#t o# aai#. Do,# the othe% si!e of the %eat *o$#! he )li*be!& a#! the
s+a%' of his to%)h "a#ishe! f%o* the siht of the ,at)hi# !,a%"es. B$t soo# the(
sa, it fa% a,a( i# the !ista#)e aai#. Bilbo ,as )%ossi# the floo% of the hall.
He ,e#t o#& $#til he )a*e to the %eat !oo%s at the f$%the% si!e& a#! the%e a !%a$ht
of ai% %ef%eshe! hi*& b$t it al*ost +$ffe! o$t his liht. He +ee+e! ti*i!l( th%o$h&
a#! )a$ht a li*+se of %eat +assaes a#! of the !i* bei##i#s of ,i!e stai%s
oi# $+ i#to the loo*. A#! still the%e ,as #o siht #o% so$#! of /*a$. He ,as P$st
oi# to t$%# a#! o ba)'& ,he# a bla)' sha+e s,oo+e! at hi*& a#! b%$she! his
fa)e. He s.$ea'e! a#! sta%te!& st$*ble! ba)',a%!s a#! fell. His to%)h !%o++e!
hea! !o,#,a%!s a#! ,e#t o$tW
BO#l( a bat& I s$++ose a#! ho+eWC he sai! *ise%abl(. BB$t #o, ,hat a* I to !oV
4hi)h is East& /o$th& No%th& o% 4estVC
BTho%i#W Bali#W Oi#W Gloi#W 1iliW KiliWC he )%ie! as lo$! as he )o$l!Uit see*e! a thi#
little #oise i# the ,i!e bla)'#ess. BThe liht3s o#e o$tW /o*eo#e )o*e a#! fi#! *e
a#! hel+ *eWC 1o% the *o*e#t his )o$%ae ha! faile! altoethe%.
1ai#tl( the !,a%"es hea%! his s*all )%ies& tho$h the o#l( ,o%! the( )o$l! )at)h ,as
Bhel+WC
BNo, ,hat o# ea%th o% $#!e% it has ha++e#e!VC sai! Tho%i#. BCe%tai#l( #ot the
!%ao#& o% he ,o$l! #ot o o# s.$ea'i#.C
The( ,aite! a *o*e#t o% t,o& a#! still the%e ,e%e #o !%ao#-#oises& #o so$#! at all
i# fa)t b$t Bilbo3s !ista#t "oi)e. BCo*e& o#e of (o$& et a#othe% liht o% t,oWC Tho%i#
o%!e%e!. BIt see*s ,e ha"e ot to o a#! hel+ o$% b$%la%.C
BIt is abo$t o$% t$%# to hel+&C sai! Bali#& Ba#! I a* .$ite ,illi# to o. A#(,a( I
eF+e)t it is safe fo% the *o*e#t.C
Gloi# lit se"e%al *o%e to%)hes& a#! the# the( all )%e+t o$t& o#e b( o#e& a#! ,e#t
alo# the ,all as h$%%ie!l( as the( )o$l!. It ,as #ot lo# befo%e the( *et Bilbo
hi*self )o*i# ba)' to,a%!s the*. His ,its ha! .$i)'l( %et$%#e! as soo# as he sa,
the t,i#'le of thei% lihts.
BO#l( a bat a#! a !%o++e! to%)h& #othi# ,o%seWC he sai! i# a#s,e% to thei%
.$estio#s. Tho$h the( ,e%e *$)h %elie"e!& the( ,e%e i#)li#e! to be %$*+( at
bei# f%ihte#e! fo% #othi#S b$t ,hat the( ,o$l! ha"e sai!& if he ha! tol! the* at
that *o*e#t abo$t the A%'e#sto#e& I !o#3t '#o,. The *e%e fleeti# li*+ses of
t%eas$%e ,hi)h the( ha! )a$ht as the( ,e#t alo# ha! %e'i#!le! all the fi%e of thei%
!,a%"ish hea%tsS a#! ,he# the hea%t of a !,a%f& e"e# the *ost %es+e)table& is
,a'e#e! b( ol! a#! b( Pe,els& he %o,s s$!!e#l( bol!& a#! he *a( be)o*e fie%)e.
The !,a%"es i#!ee! #o lo#e% #ee!e! a#( $%i#. All ,e%e #o, eae% to eF+lo%e the
hall ,hile the( ha! the )ha#)e& a#! ,illi# to belie"e that& fo% the +%ese#t& /*a$
,as a,a( f%o* ho*e. Ea)h #o, %i++e! a lihte! to%)hS a#! as the( aHe!& fi%st o#
o#e si!e a#! the# o# a#othe%& the( fo%ot fea% a#! e"e# )a$tio#. The( s+o'e alo$!&
a#! )%ie! o$t to o#e a#othe%& as the( lifte! ol! t%eas$%es f%o* the *o$#! o% f%o*
the ,all a#! hel! the* i# the liht& )a%essi# a#! fi#e%i# the*.
1ili a#! Kili ,e%e al*ost i# *e%%( *oo!& a#! fi#!i# still ha#i# the%e *a#( ol!e#
ha%+s st%$# ,ith sil"e% the( too' the* a#! st%$)' the*S a#! bei# *ai)al @a#!
also $#to$)he! b( the !%ao#& ,ho ha! s*all i#te%est i# *$si)A the( ,e%e still i#
t$#e. The !a%' hall ,as fille! ,ith a *elo!( that ha! lo# bee# sile#t. B$t *ost of
the !,a%"es ,e%e *o%e +%a)ti)al2 the( athe%e! e*s a#! st$ffe! thei% +o)'ets& a#!
let ,hat the( )o$l! #ot )a%%( fall ba)' th%o$h thei% fi#e%s ,ith a sih. Tho%i# ,as
#ot least a*o# theseS b$t al,a(s he sea%)he! f%o* si!e to si!e fo% so*ethi#
,hi)h he )o$l! #ot fi#!. It ,as the A%'e#sto#eS b$t he s+o'e of it (et to #o o#e.
No, the !,a%"es too' !o,# *ail a#! ,ea+o#s f%o* the ,alls& a#! a%*e!
the*sel"es. Ro(al i#!ee! !i! Tho%i# loo'& )la! i# a )oat of ol!-+late! %i#s& ,ith a
sil"e%-hafte! aFe i# a belt )%$ste! ,ith s)a%let sto#es.
B0%. Bai#sWC he )%ie!. BHe%e is the fi%st +a(*e#t of (o$% %e,a%!W Cast off (o$% ol!
)oat a#! +$t o# thisWC
4ith that he +$t o# Bilbo a s*all )oat of *ail& ,%o$ht fo% so*e (o$# elf-+%i#)e
lo# ao. It ,as of sil"e%-steel& ,hi)h the el"es )all *ith%il& a#! ,ith it ,e#t a belt of
+ea%ls a#! )%(stals. A liht hel* of fi$%e! leathe%& st%e#the#e! be#eath ,ith hoo+s
of steel& a#! st$!!e! abo$t the b%i* ,ith ,hite e*s& ,as set $+o# the hobbit3s
hea!.
BI feel *a#ifi)e#t&C he tho$htS Bb$t I eF+e)t I loo' %athe% abs$%!. Ho, the( ,o$l!
la$h o# the Hill at ho*eW /till I ,ish the%e ,as a loo'i#-lass ha#!(WC
All the sa*e 0%. Bai#s 'e+t his hea! *o%e )lea% of the be,it)h*e#t of the hoa%!
tha# the !,a%"es !i!. Lo# befo%e the !,a%"es ,e%e ti%e! of eFa*i#i# the
t%eas$%es& he be)a*e ,ea%( of it a#! sat !o,# o# the floo%S a#! he bea# to ,o#!e%
#e%"o$sl( ,hat the e#! of it all ,o$l! be. BI ,o$l! i"e a oo! *a#( of these
+%e)io$s oblets&C he tho$ht& Bfo% a !%i#' of so*ethi# )hee%i# o$t of o#e of
Beo%#3s ,oo!e# bo,lsWC
BTho%i#WC he )%ie! alo$!. B4hat #eFtV 4e a%e a%*e!& b$t ,hat oo! has a#( a%*o$%
e"e% bee# befo%e aai#st /*a$ the D%ea!f$lV This t%eas$%e is #ot (et ,o# ba)'. 4e
a%e #ot loo'i# fo% ol! (et& b$t fo% a ,a( of es)a+eS a#! ,e ha"e te*+te! l$)' too
lo#WC
BYo$ s+ea' the t%$thWC a#s,e%e! Tho%i#& %e)o"e%i# his ,its. BLet $s oW I ,ill $i!e
(o$. Not i# a tho$sa#! (ea%s sho$l! I fo%et the ,a(s of this +ala)e.C The# he haile!
the othe%s& a#! the( athe%e! toethe%& a#! hol!i# thei% to%)hes abo"e thei% hea!s
the( +asse! th%o$h the a+i# !oo%s& #ot ,itho$t *a#( a ba)',a%! la#)e of
lo#i#.
Thei% litte%i# *ail the( ha! )o"e%e! aai# ,ith thei% ol! )loa's a#! thei% b%iht
hel*s ,ith thei% tatte%e! hoo!s& a#! o#e b( o#e the( ,al'e! behi#! Tho%i#& a li#e
of little lihts i# the !a%'#ess that halte! ofte#& liste#i# i# fea% o#)e *o%e fo% a#(
%$*o$% of the !%ao#3s )o*i#.
Tho$h all the ol! a!o%#*e#ts ,e%e lo# *o$l!e%e! o% !est%o(e!& a#! tho$h all
,as befo$le! a#! blaste! ,ith the )o*i#s a#! oi#s of the *o#ste%& Tho%i# '#e,
e"e%( +assae a#! e"e%( t$%#. The( )li*be! lo# stai%s& a#! t$%#e! a#! ,e#t !o,#
,i!e e)hoi# ,a(s& a#! t$%#e! aai# a#! )li*be! (et *o%e stai%s& a#! (et *o%e
stai%s aai#. These ,e%e s*ooth& )$t o$t of the li"i# %o)' b%oa! a#! fai%S a#! $+&
$+& the !,a%"es ,e#t& a#! the( *et #o si# of a#( li"i# thi#& o#l( f$%ti"e sha!o,s
that fle! f%o* the a++%oa)h of thei% to%)hes fl$tte%i# i# the !%a$hts.
The ste+s ,e%e #ot *a!e& all the sa*e& fo% hobbit-les& a#! Bilbo ,as P$st feeli#
that he )o$l! o o# #o lo#e%& ,he# s$!!e#l( the %oof s+%a# hih a#! fa% be(o#!
the %ea)h of thei% to%)h-liht. A ,hite li**e% )o$l! be see# )o*i# th%o$h so*e
o+e#i# fa% abo"e& a#! the ai% s*elt s,eete%. Befo%e the* liht )a*e !i*l( th%o$h
%eat !oo%s& that h$# t,iste! o# thei% hi#es a#! half b$%#t.
BThis is the %eat )ha*be% of Th%o%&C sai! Tho%i#S Bthe hall of feasti# a#! of )o$#)il.
Not fa% off #o, is the 1%o#t Gate.C
The( +asse! th%o$h the %$i#e! )ha*be%. Tables ,e%e %otti# the%eS )hai%s a#!
be#)hes ,e%e l(i# the%e o"e%t$%#e!& )ha%%e! a#! !e)a(i#. /'$lls a#! bo#es ,e%e
$+o# the floo% a*o# flao#s a#! bo,ls a#! b%o'e# !%i#'i#-ho%#s a#! !$st. As
the( )a*e th%o$h (et *o%e !oo%s at the f$%the% e#!& a so$#! of ,ate% fell $+o#
thei% ea%s& a#! the %e( liht %e, s$!!e#l( *o%e f$ll.
BThe%e is the bi%th of the R$##i# Ri"e%&C sai! Tho%i#. B1%o* he%e it haste#s to the
Gate. Let $s follo, itWC
O$t of a !a%' o+e#i# i# a ,all of %o)' the%e iss$e! a boili# ,ate%& a#! it flo,e!
s,i%li# i# a #a%%o, )ha##el& )a%"e! a#! *a!e st%aiht a#! !ee+ b( the )$##i# of
a#)ie#t ha#!s. Besi!e it %a# a sto#e-+a"e! %oa!& ,i!e e#o$h fo% *a#( *e# ab%east.
/,iftl( alo# this the( %a#& a#! %o$#! a ,i!e-s,ee+i# t$%#Ua#! behol!W befo%e
the* stoo! the b%oa! liht of !a(. I# f%o#t the%e %ose a tall a%)h& still sho,i# the
f%a*e#ts of ol! )a%"e# ,o%' ,ithi#& ,o%# a#! s+li#te%e! a#! bla)'e#e! tho$h it
,as. A *ist( s$# se#t its +ale liht bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#& a#! bea*s of
ol! fell o# the +a"e*e#t at the th%eshol!.
A ,hi%l of bats f%ihte#e! f%o* sl$*be% b( thei% s*o'i# to%)hes fl$%%ie! o"e% the*S
as the( s+%a# fo%,a%! thei% feet slithe%e! o# sto#es %$bbe! s*ooth a#! sli*e! b(
the +assi# of the !%ao#. No, befo%e the* the ,ate% fell #oisil( o$t,a%! a#!
foa*e! !o,# to,a%!s the "alle(. The( fl$# thei% +ale to%)hes to the %o$#!& a#!
stoo! aHi# o$t ,ith !aHHle! e(es. The( ,e%e )o*e to the 1%o#t Gate& a#! ,e%e
loo'i# o$t $+o# Dale.
B4ellWC sai! Bilbo& BI #e"e% eF+e)te! to be loo'i# o$t of this !oo%. A#! I #e"e%
eF+e)te! to be so +lease! to see the s$# aai#& a#! to feel the ,i#! o# *( fa)e.
B$t& o,W this ,i#! is )ol!WC
It ,as. A bitte% easte%l( b%eeHe ble, ,ith a th%eat of o#)o*i# ,i#te%. It s,i%le! o"e%
a#! %o$#! the a%*s of the 0o$#tai# i#to the "alle(& a#! sihe! a*o# the %o)'s.
Afte% thei% lo# ti*e i# the ste,i# !e+ths of the !%ao#-ha$#te! )a"e%#s& the(
shi"e%e! i# the s$#.
/$!!e#l( Bilbo %ealiHe! that he ,as #ot o#l( ti%e! b$t also "e%( h$#%( i#!ee!. BIt
see*s to be late *o%#i#&C he sai!& Ba#! so I s$++ose it is *o%e o% less b%ea'fast-
ti*eUif the%e is a#( b%ea'fast to ha"e. B$t I !o#3t feel that /*a$3s f%o#t !oo%ste+
is the safest +la)e fo% a *eal. Do let3s o so*e,he%e ,he%e ,e )a# sit .$iet fo% a
bitWC
B:$ite %ihtWC sai! Bali#. BA#! I thi#' I '#o, ,hi)h ,a( ,e sho$l! o2 ,e o$ht to
*a'e fo% the ol! loo'-o$t +ost at the /o$th-4est )o%#e% of the 0o$#tai#.C
BHo, fa% is thatVC as'e! the hobbit.
B1i"e ho$%s *a%)h& I sho$l! thi#'. It ,ill be %o$h oi#. The %oa! f%o* the Gate
alo# the left e!e of the st%ea* see*s all b%o'e# $+. B$t loo' !o,# the%eW The
%i"e% loo+s s$!!e#l( east a)%oss Dale i# f%o#t of the %$i#e! to,#. At that +oi#t the%e
,as o#)e a b%i!e& lea!i# to stee+ stai%s that )li*be! $+ the %iht ba#'& a#! so to a
%oa! %$##i# to,a%!s Ra"e#hill. The%e is @o% ,asA a +ath that left the %oa! a#!
)li*be! $+ to the +ost. A ha%! )li*b& too& e"e# if the ol! ste+s a%e still the%e.C
BDea% *eWC %$*ble! the hobbit. B0o%e ,al'i# a#! *o%e )li*bi# ,itho$t
b%ea'fastW I ,o#!e% ho, *a#( b%ea'fasts& a#! othe% *eals& ,e ha"e *isse! i#si!e
that #ast( )lo)'less& ti*eless holeVC
As a *atte% of fa)t t,o #ihts a#! the !a( bet,ee# ha! o#e b( @a#! #ot altoethe%
,itho$t foo!A si#)e the !%ao# s*ashe! the *ai) !oo%& b$t Bilbo ha! .$ite lost
)o$#t& a#! it *iht ha"e bee# o#e #iht o% a ,ee' of #ihts fo% all he )o$l! tell.
BCo*e& )o*eWC sai! Tho%i# la$hi#Uhis s+i%its ha! be$# to %ise aai#& a#! he
%attle! the +%e)io$s sto#es i# his +o)'ets. BDo#3t )all *( +ala)e a #ast( holeW Yo$
,ait till it has bee# )lea#e! a#! %e!e)o%ate!WC
BThat ,o#3t be till /*a$3s !ea!&C sai! Bilbo l$*l(. BI# the *ea#,hile ,he%e is heV
I ,o$l! i"e a oo! b%ea'fast to '#o,. I ho+e he is #ot $+ o# the 0o$#tai# loo'i#
!o,# at $sWC
That i!ea !ist$%be! the !,a%"es *ihtil(& a#! the( .$i)'l( !e)i!e! that Bilbo a#!
Bali# ,e%e %iht.
B4e *$st *o"e a,a( f%o* he%e&C sai! Do%i. BI feel as if his e(es ,e%e o# the ba)' of
*( hea!.C
BIt3s a )ol! lo#eso*e +la)e&C sai! Bo*b$%. BThe%e *a( be !%i#'& b$t I see #o si# of
foo!. A !%ao# ,o$l! al,a(s be h$#%( i# s$)h +a%ts.C
BCo*e o#W Co*e o#WC )%ie! the othe%s. BLet $s follo, Bali#3s +athWC
8#!e% the %o)'( ,all to the %iht the%e ,as #o +ath& so o# the( t%$!e! a*o# the sto#es o#
the left si!e of the %i"e%& a#! the e*+ti#ess a#! !esolatio# soo# sobe%e! e"e# Tho%i# aai#.
The b%i!e that Bali# ha! s+o'e# of the( fo$#! lo# falle#& a#! *ost of its sto#es ,e%e #o,
o#l( bo$l!e%s i# the shallo, #ois( st%ea*S b$t the( fo%!e! the ,ate% ,itho$t *$)h !iffi)$lt(&
a#! fo$#! the a#)ie#t ste+s& a#! )li*be! the hih ba#'. Afte% oi# a sho%t ,a( the( st%$)' the
ol! %oa!& a#! befo%e lo# )a*e to a !ee+ !ell shelte%e! a*o# the %o)'sS the%e the( %este! fo%
a ,hile a#! ha! s$)h a b%ea'fast as the( )o$l!& )hiefl( )%a* a#! ,ate%. @If (o$ ,a#t to '#o,
,hat )%a* is& I )a# o#l( sa( that I !o#3t '#o, the %e)i+eS b$t it is bis)$itish& 'ee+s oo!
i#!efi#itel(& is s$++ose! to be s$stai#i#& a#! is )e%tai#l( #ot e#te%tai#i#& bei# i# fa)t "e%(
$#i#te%esti# eF)e+t as a )he,i# eFe%)ise. It ,as *a!e b( the La'e-*e# fo% lo# Po$%#e(s.A
Afte% that the( ,e#t o# aai#S a#! #o, the %oa! st%$)' ,est,a%!s a#! left the %i"e%&
a#! the %eat sho$l!e% of the so$th-+oi#ti# *o$#tai#-s+$% !%e, e"e% #ea%e%. At
le#th the( %ea)he! the hill +ath. It s)%a*ble! stee+l( $+& a#! the( +lo!!e! slo,l(
o#e behi#! the othe%& till at last i# the late afte%#oo# the( )a*e to the to+ of the
%i!e a#! sa, the ,i#t%( s$# oi# !o,#,a%!s to the 4est.
He%e the( fo$#! a flat +la)e ,itho$t a ,all o# th%ee si!es& b$t ba)'e! to the No%th
b( a %o)'( fa)e i# ,hi)h the%e ,as a# o+e#i# li'e a !oo%. 1%o* that !oo% the%e ,as
a ,i!e "ie, East a#! /o$th a#! 4est.
BHe%e&C sai! Bali#& Bi# the ol! !a(s ,e $se! al,a(s to 'ee+ ,at)h*e#& a#! that !oo%
behi#! lea!s i#to a %o)'he,# )ha*be% that ,as *a!e he%e as a $a%!%oo*. The%e
,e%e se"e%al +la)es li'e it %o$#! the 0o$#tai#. B$t the%e see*e! s*all #ee! fo%
,at)hi# i# the !a(s of o$% +%os+e%it(& a#! the $a%!s ,e%e *a!e o"e% )o*fo%table&
+e%ha+sUothe%,ise ,e *iht ha"e ha! lo#e% ,a%#i# of the )o*i# of the !%ao#&
a#! thi#s *iht ha"e bee# !iffe%e#t. /till& he%e ,e )a# #o, lie hi! a#! shelte%e! fo%
a ,hile& a#! )a# see *$)h ,itho$t bei# see#.C
BNot *$)h $se& if ,e ha"e bee# see# )o*i# he%e&C sai! Do%i& ,ho ,as al,a(s
loo'i# $+ to,a%!s the 0o$#tai#3s +ea'& as if he eF+e)te! to see /*a$ +e%)he!
the%e li'e a bi%! o# a stee+le.
B4e *$st ta'e o$% )ha#)e of that&C sai! Tho%i#. B4e )a# o #o f$%the% to-!a(.C
BHea%& hea%WC )%ie! Bilbo& a#! fl$# hi*self o# the %o$#!.
I# the %o)'-)ha*be% the%e ,o$l! ha"e bee# %oo* fo% a h$#!%e!& a#! the%e ,as a
s*all )ha*be% f$%the% i#& *o%e %e*o"e! f%o* the )ol! o$tsi!e. It ,as .$ite
!ese%te!S #ot e"e# ,il! a#i*als see*e! to ha"e $se! it i# all the !a(s of /*a$3s
!o*i#io#. The%e the( lai! thei% b$%!e#sS a#! so*e th%e, the*sel"es !o,# at o#)e
a#! sle+t& b$t the othe%s sat #ea% the o$te% !oo% a#! !is)$sse! thei% +la#s. I# all
thei% tal' the( )a*e +e%+et$all( ba)' to o#e thi#2 ,he%e ,as /*a$V The( loo'e!
4est a#! the%e ,as #othi#& a#! East the%e ,as #othi#& a#! i# the /o$th the%e ,as
#o si# of the !%ao#& b$t the%e ,as a athe%i# of "e%( *a#( bi%!s. At that the(
aHe! a#! ,o#!e%e!S b$t the( ,e%e #o #ea%e% $#!e%sta#!i# it& ,he# the fi%st )ol!
sta%s )a*e o$t.
Cha+te% 9I7
1IRE AND 4ATER
No, if (o$ ,ish& li'e the !,a%"es& to hea% #e,s of /*a$& (o$ *$st o ba)' aai# to the
e"e#i# ,he# he s*ashe! the !oo% a#! fle, off i# %ae& t,o !a(s befo%e.
The *e# of the la'e-to,# Esa%oth ,e%e *ostl( i#!oo%s& fo% the b%eeHe ,as f%o*
the bla)' East a#! )hill& b$t a fe, ,e%e ,al'i# o# the .$a(s& a#! ,at)hi#& as the(
,e%e fo#! of !oi#& the sta%s shi#e o$t f%o* the s*ooth +at)hes of the la'e as the(
o+e#e! i# the s'(. 1%o* thei% to,# the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# ,as *ostl( s)%ee#e! b(
the lo, hills at the fa% e#! of the la'e& th%o$h a a+ i# ,hi)h the R$##i# Ri"e%
)a*e !o,# f%o* the No%th. O#l( its hih +ea' )o$l! the( see i# )lea% ,eathe%& a#!
the( loo'e! sel!o* at it& fo% it ,as o*i#o$s a#! !%ea% e"e# i# the liht of *o%#i#.
No, it ,as lost a#! o#e& blotte! i# the !a%'.
/$!!e#l( it fli)'e%e! ba)' to "ie,S a b%ief lo, to$)he! it a#! fa!e!.
BLoo'WC sai! o#e. BThe lihts aai#W Last #iht the ,at)h*e# sa, the* sta%t a#! fa!e
f%o* *i!#iht $#til !a,#. /o*ethi# is ha++e#i# $+ the%e.C
B5e%ha+s the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# is fo%i# ol!&C sai! a#othe%. BIt is lo# si#)e
he ,e#t No%th. It is ti*e the so#s bea# to +%o"e the*sel"es aai#.C
B4hi)h 'i#VC sai! a#othe% ,ith a %i* "oi)e. BAs li'e as #ot it is the *a%a$!i# fi%e
of the D%ao#& the o#l( 'i# $#!e% the 0o$#tai# ,e ha"e e"e% '#o,#.C
BYo$ a%e al,a(s fo%ebo!i# loo*( thi#sWC sai! the othe%s. BA#(thi# f%o* floo!s
to +oiso#e! fish. Thi#' of so*ethi# )hee%f$lWC
The# s$!!e#l( a %eat liht a++ea%e! i# the lo, +la)e i# the hills a#! the #o%the%#
e#! of the la'e t$%#e! ol!e#. BThe Ki# be#eath the 0o$#tai#WC the( sho$te!. BHis
,ealth is li'e the /$#& his sil"e% li'e a fo$#tai#& his %i"e%s ol!e# %$#W The %i"e% is
%$##i# ol! f%o* the 0o$#tai#WC the( )%ie!& a#! e"e%(,he%e ,i#!o,s ,e%e
o+e#i# a#! feet ,e%e h$%%(i#.
The%e ,as o#)e *o%e a t%e*e#!o$s eF)ite*e#t a#! e#th$sias*. B$t the %i*-"oi)e!
fello, %a# hotfoot to the 0aste%. BThe !%ao# is )o*i# o% I a* a foolWC he )%ie!.
BC$t the b%i!esW To a%*sW To a%*sWC
The# ,a%#i# t%$*+ets ,e%e s$!!e#l( so$#!e!& a#! e)hoe! alo# the %o)'( sho%es.
The )hee%i# sto++e! a#! the Po( ,as t$%#e! to !%ea!. /o it ,as that the !%ao# !i!
#ot fi#! the* .$ite $#+%e+a%e!.
Befo%e lo#& so %eat ,as his s+ee!& the( )o$l! see hi* as a s+a%' of fi%e %$shi#
to,a%!s the* a#! %o,i# e"e% h$e% a#! *o%e b%iht& a#! #ot the *ost foolish
!o$bte! that the +%o+he)ies ha! o#e %athe% ,%o#. /till the( ha! a little ti*e. E"e%(
"essel i# the to,# ,as fille! ,ith ,ate%& e"e%( ,a%%io% ,as a%*e!& e"e%( a%%o, a#!
!a%t ,as %ea!(& a#! the b%i!e to the la#! ,as th%o,# !o,# a#! !est%o(e!& befo%e
the %oa% of /*a$3s te%%ible a++%oa)h %e, lo$!& a#! the la'e %i++le! %e! as fi%e
be#eath the a,f$l beati# of his ,i#s. A*i! sh%ie's a#! ,aili# a#! the sho$ts of
*e# he )a*e o"e% the*& s,e+t to,a%!s the b%i!es a#! ,as foile!W The b%i!e ,as
o#e& a#! his e#e*ies ,e%e o# a# isla#! i# !ee+ ,ate%Utoo !ee+ a#! !a%' a#! )ool
fo% his li'i#. If he +l$#e! i#to it& a "a+o$% a#! a stea* ,o$l! a%ise e#o$h to )o"e%
all the la#! ,ith a *ist fo% !a(sS b$t the la'e ,as *ihtie% tha# he& it ,o$l! .$e#)h
hi* befo%e he )o$l! +ass th%o$h.
Roa%i# he s,e+t ba)' o"e% the to,#. A hail of !a%' a%%o,s lea+e! $+ a#! s#a++e!
a#! %attle! o# his s)ales a#! Pe,els& a#! thei% shafts fell ba)' 'i#!le! b( his b%eath
b$%#i# a#! hissi# i#to the la'e. No fi%e,o%'s (o$ e"e% i*ai#e! e.$alle! the
sihts that #iht. At the t,a#i# of the bo,s a#! the sh%illi# of the t%$*+ets the
!%ao#3s ,%ath blaHe! to its heiht& till he ,as bli#! a#! *a! ,ith it. No o#e ha!
!a%e! to i"e battle to hi* fo% *a#( a# aeS #o% ,o$l! the( ha"e !a%e! #o,& if it
ha! #ot bee# fo% the %i*-"oi)e! *a# @Ba%! ,as his #a*eA& ,ho %a# to a#! f%o
)hee%i# o# the a%)he%s a#! $%i# the 0aste% to o%!e% the* to fiht to the last
a%%o,.
1i%e lea+e! f%o* the !%ao#3s Pa,s. He )i%)le! fo% a ,hile hih i# the ai% abo"e the*
lihti# all the la'eS the t%ees b( the sho%es sho#e li'e )o++e% a#! li'e bloo! ,ith
lea+i# sha!o,s of !e#se bla)' at thei% feet. The# !o,# he s,oo+e! st%aiht
th%o$h the a%%o,-sto%*& %e)'less i# his %ae& ta'i# #o hee! to t$%# his s)al( si!es
to,a%!s his foes& see'i# o#l( to set thei% to,# ablaHe.
1i%e lea+e! f%o* that)he! %oofs a#! ,oo!e# bea*-e#!s as he h$%tle! !o,# a#!
+ast a#! %o$#! aai#& tho$h all ha! bee# !%e#)he! ,ith ,ate% befo%e he )a*e.
O#)e *o%e ,ate% ,as fl$# b( a h$#!%e! ha#!s ,he%e"e% a s+a%' a++ea%e!. Ba)'
s,i%le! the !%ao#. A s,ee+ of his tail a#! the %oof of the G%eat Ho$se )%$*ble!
a#! s*ashe! !o,#. 1la*es $#.$e#)hable s+%a# hih i#to the #iht. A#othe%
s,oo+ a#! a#othe%& a#! a#othe% ho$se a#! the# a#othe% s+%a# afi%e a#! fellS a#!
still #o a%%o, hi#!e%e! /*a$ o% h$%t hi* *o%e tha# a fl( f%o* the *a%shes.
Al%ea!( *e# ,e%e P$*+i# i#to the ,ate% o# e"e%( si!e. 4o*e# a#! )hil!%e# ,e%e bei#
h$!!le! i#to la!e# boats i# the *a%'et-+ool. 4ea+o#s ,e%e fl$# !o,#. The%e ,as *o$%#i#
a#! ,ee+i#& ,he%e b$t a little ti*e ao the ol! so#s of *i%th to )o*e ha! bee# s$# abo$t
the !,a%"es. No, *e# )$%se! thei% #a*es. The 0aste% hi*self ,as t$%#i# to his %eat il!e!
boat& ho+i# to %o, a,a( i# the )o#f$sio# a#! sa"e hi*self. /oo# all the to,# ,o$l! be
!ese%te! a#! b$%#e! !o,# to the s$%fa)e of the la'e.
That ,as the !%ao#3s ho+e. The( )o$l! all et i#to boats fo% all he )a%e!. The%e he
)o$l! ha"e fi#e s+o%t h$#ti# the*& o% the( )o$l! sto+ till the( sta%"e!. Let the* t%(
to et to la#! a#! he ,o$l! be %ea!(. /oo# he ,o$l! set all the sho%ela#! ,oo!s
ablaHe a#! ,ithe% e"e%( fiel! a#! +ast$%e. J$st #o, he ,as e#Po(i# the s+o%t of
to,#-baiti# *o%e tha# he ha! e#Po(e! a#(thi# fo% (ea%s.
B$t the%e ,as still a )o*+a#( of a%)he%s that hel! thei% %o$#! a*o# the b$%#i#
ho$ses. Thei% )a+tai# ,as Ba%!& %i*-"oi)e! a#! %i*-fa)e!& ,hose f%ie#!s ha!
a))$se! hi* of +%o+hes(i# floo!s a#! +oiso#e! fish& tho$h the( '#e, his ,o%th
a#! )o$%ae. He ,as a !es)e#!a#t i# lo# li#e of Gi%io#& Lo%! of Dale& ,hose ,ife
a#! )hil! ha! es)a+e! !o,# the R$##i# Ri"e% f%o* the %$i# lo# ao. No, he shot
,ith a %eat (e, bo,& till all his a%%o,s b$t o#e ,e%e s+e#t. The fla*es ,e%e #ea%
hi*. His )o*+a#io#s ,e%e lea"i# hi*. He be#t his bo, fo% the last ti*e.
/$!!e#l( o$t of the !a%' so*ethi# fl$tte%e! to his sho$l!e%. He sta%te!Ub$t it ,as
o#l( a# ol! th%$sh. 8#af%ai! it +e%)he! b( his ea% a#! it b%o$ht hi* #e,s.
0a%"elli# he fo$#! he )o$l! $#!e%sta#! its to#$e& fo% he ,as of the %a)e of Dale.
B4aitW 4aitWC it sai! to hi*. BThe *oo# is %isi#. Loo' fo% the hollo, of the left
b%east as he flies a#! t$%#s abo"e (o$WC A#! ,hile Ba%! +a$se! i# ,o#!e% it tol! hi*
of ti!i#s $+ i# the 0o$#tai# a#! of all that it ha! hea%!.
The# Ba%! !%e, his bo,-st%i# to his ea%. The !%ao# ,as )i%)li# ba)'& fl(i# lo,&
a#! as he )a*e the *oo# %ose abo"e the easte%# sho%e a#! sil"e%e! his %eat ,i#s.
BA%%o,WC sai! the bo,*a#. BBla)' a%%o,W I ha"e sa"e! (o$ to the last. Yo$ ha"e
#e"e% faile! *e a#! al,a(s I ha"e %e)o"e%e! (o$. I ha! (o$ f%o* *( fathe% a#! he
f%o* of ol!. If e"e% (o$ )a*e f%o* the fo%es of the t%$e 'i# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#&
o #o, a#! s+ee! ,ellWC
The !%ao# s,oo+e! o#)e *o%e lo,e% tha# e"e%& a#! as he t$%#e! a#! !i"e! !o,#
his bell( litte%e! ,hite ,ith s+a%'li# fi%es of e*s i# the *oo#Ub$t #ot i# o#e
+la)e. The %eat bo, t,a#e!. The bla)' a%%o, s+e! st%aiht f%o* the st%i#&
st%aiht fo% the hollo, b( the left b%east ,he%e the fo%ele ,as fl$# ,i!e. I# it
s*ote a#! "a#ishe!& ba%b& shaft a#! feathe%& so fie%)e ,as its fliht. 4ith a sh%ie'
that !eafe#e! *e#& felle! t%ees a#! s+lit sto#e& /*a$ shot s+o$ti# i#to the ai%&
t$%#e! o"e% a#! )%ashe! !o,# f%o* o# hih i# %$i#.
1$ll o# the to,# he fell. His last th%oes s+li#te%e! it to s+a%'s a#! le!es. The la'e
%oa%e! i#. A "ast stea* lea+e! $+& ,hite i# the s$!!e# !a%' $#!e% the *oo#. The%e
,as a hiss& a $shi# ,hi%l& a#! the# sile#)e. A#! that ,as the e#! of /*a$ a#!
Esa%oth& b$t #ot of Ba%!.
The ,aFi# *oo# %ose hihe% a#! hihe% a#! the ,i#! %e, lo$! a#! )ol!. It t,iste! the ,hite
fo i#to be#!i# +illa%s a#! h$%%(i# )lo$!s a#! !%o"e it off to the 4est to s)atte% i# tatte%e!
sh%e!s o"e% the *a%shes befo%e 0i%',oo!. The# the *a#( boats )o$l! be see# !otte! !a%' o#
the s$%fa)e of the la'e& a#! !o,# the ,i#! )a*e the "oi)es of the +eo+le of Esa%oth
la*e#ti# thei% lost to,# a#! oo!s a#! %$i#e! ho$ses. B$t the( ha! %eall( *$)h to be
tha#'f$l fo%& ha! the( tho$ht of it& tho$h it )o$l! ha%!l( be eF+e)te! that the( sho$l! P$st
the#2 th%ee .$a%te%s of the +eo+le of the to,# ha! at least es)a+e! ali"eS thei% ,oo!s a#!
fiel!s a#! +ast$%es a#! )attle a#! *ost of thei% boats %e*ai#e! $#!a*ae!S a#! the !%ao#
,as !ea!. 4hat that *ea#t the( ha! #ot (et %ealiHe!.
The( athe%e! i# *o$%#f$l )%o,!s $+o# the ,este%# sho%es& shi"e%i# i# the )ol!
,i#!& a#! thei% fi%st )o*+lai#ts a#! a#e% ,e%e aai#st the 0aste%& ,ho ha! left the
to,# so soo#& ,hile so*e ,e%e still ,illi# to !efe#! it.
BHe *a( ha"e a oo! hea! fo% b$si#essUes+e)iall( his o,# b$si#ess&C so*e
*$%*$%e!& Bb$t he is #o oo! ,he# a#(thi# se%io$s ha++e#sWC A#! the( +%aise!
the )o$%ae of Ba%! a#! his last *iht( shot. BIf o#l( he ha! #ot bee# 'ille!&C the( all
sai!& B,e ,o$l! *a'e hi* a 'i#. Ba%! the D%ao#-shoote% of the li#e of Gi%io#W Alas
that he is lostWC
A#! i# the "e%( *i!st of thei% tal' a tall fi$%e ste++e! f%o* the sha!o,s. He ,as
!%e#)he! ,ith ,ate%& his bla)' hai% h$# ,et o"e% his fa)e a#! sho$l!e%s& a#! a
fie%)e liht ,as i# his e(es.
BBa%! is #ot lostWC he )%ie!. BHe !i"e! f%o* Esa%oth& ,he# the e#e*( ,as slai#. I a*
Ba%!& of the li#e of Gi%io#S I a* the sla(e% of the !%ao#WC
BKi# Ba%!W Ki# Ba%!WC the( sho$te!S b$t the 0aste% %o$#! his )hatte%i# teeth.
BGi%io# ,as lo%! of Dale& #ot 'i# of Esa%oth&C he sai!. BI# the La'e-to,# ,e ha"e
al,a(s ele)te! *aste%s f%o* a*o# the ol! a#! ,ise& a#! ha"e #ot e#!$%e! the
%$le of *e%e fihti# *e#. Let 6Ki# Ba%!3 o ba)' to his o,# 'i#!o*UDale is #o,
f%ee! b( his "alo$%& a#! #othi# hi#!e%s his %et$%#. A#! a#( that ,ish )a# o ,ith
hi*& if the( +%efe% the )ol! sto#es $#!e% the sha!o, of the 0o$#tai# to the %ee#
sho%es of the la'e. The ,ise ,ill sta( he%e a#! ho+e to %eb$il! o$% to,#& a#! e#Po(
aai# i# ti*e its +ea)e a#! %i)hes.C
B4e ,ill ha"e Ki# Ba%!WC the +eo+le #ea% at ha#! sho$te! i# %e+l(. B4e ha"e ha!
e#o$h of the ol! *e# a#! the *o#e(-)o$#te%sWC A#! +eo+le f$%the% off too' $+
the )%(2 B8+ the Bo,*a#& a#! !o,# ,ith 0o#e(bas&C till the )la*o$% e)hoe! alo#
the sho%e.
BI a* the last *a# to $#!e%"al$e Ba%! the Bo,*a#&C sai! the 0aste% ,a%il( @fo% Ba%!
#o, stoo! )lose besi!e hi*A. BHe has to#iht ea%#e! a# e*i#e#t +la)e i# the %oll of
the be#efa)to%s of o$% to,#S a#! he is ,o%th( of *a#( i*+e%ishable so#s. B$t& ,h(
O 5eo+leVCUa#! he%e the 0aste% %ose to his feet a#! s+o'e "e%( lo$! a#!
)lea%UB4h( !o I et all (o$% bla*eV 1o% ,hat fa$lt a* I to be !e+ose!V 4ho
a%o$se! the !%ao# f%o* his sl$*be%& I *iht as'V 4ho obtai#e! of $s %i)h ifts a#!
a*+le hel+& a#! le! $s to belie"e that ol! so#s )o$l! )o*e t%$eV 4ho +la(e! o#
o$% soft hea%ts a#! o$% +leasa#t fa#)iesV 4hat so%t of ol! ha"e the( se#t !o,# the
%i"e% to %e,a%! $sV D%ao#-fi%e a#! %$i#W 1%o* ,ho* sho$l! ,e )lai* the
%e)o*+e#se of o$% !a*ae& a#! ai! fo% o$% ,i!o,s a#! o%+ha#sVC
As (o$ see& the 0aste% ha! #ot ot his +ositio# fo% #othi#. The %es$lt of his ,o%!s
,as that fo% the *o*e#t the +eo+le .$ite fo%ot thei% i!ea of a #e, 'i#& a#!
t$%#e! thei% a#%( tho$hts to,a%!s Tho%i# a#! his )o*+a#(. 4il! a#! bitte% ,o%!s
,e%e sho$te! f%o* *a#( si!esS a#! so*e of those ,ho ha! befo%e s$# the ol!
so#s lo$!est& ,e%e #o, hea%! as lo$!l( )%(i# that the !,a%"es ha! sti%%e! the
!%ao# $+ aai#st the* !elibe%atel(W
B1oolsWC sai! Ba%!. B4h( ,aste ,o%!s a#! ,%ath o# those $#ha++( )%eat$%esV
Do$btless the( +e%ishe! fi%st i# fi%e& befo%e /*a$ )a*e to $s.C The# e"e# as he ,as
s+ea'i#& the tho$ht )a*e i#to his hea%t of the fable! t%eas$%e of the 0o$#tai#
l(i# ,itho$t $a%! o% o,#e%& a#! he fell s$!!e#l( sile#t. He tho$ht of the 0aste%3s
,o%!s& a#! of Dale %eb$ilt& a#! fille! ,ith ol!e# bells& if he )o$l! b$t fi#! the *e#.
At le#th he s+o'e aai#2 BThis is #o ti*e fo% a#%( ,o%!s& 0aste%& o% fo% )o#si!e%i#
,eiht( +la#s of )ha#e. The%e is ,o%' to !o. I se%"e (o$ stillUtho$h afte% a ,hile I
*a( thi#' aai# of (o$% ,o%!s a#! o No%th ,ith a#( that ,ill follo, *e.C
The# he st%o!e off to hel+ i# the o%!e%i# of the )a*+s a#! i# the )a%e of the si)'
a#! the ,o$#!e!. B$t the 0aste% s)o,le! at his ba)' as he ,e#t& a#! %e*ai#e!
sitti# o# the %o$#!. He tho$ht *$)h b$t sai! little& $#less it ,as to )all lo$!l( fo%
*e# to b%i# hi* fi%e a#! foo!.
No, e"e%(,he%e Ba%! ,e#t he fo$#! tal' %$##i# li'e fi%e a*o# the +eo+le
)o#)e%#i# the "ast t%eas$%e that ,as #o, $#$a%!e!. 0e# s+o'e of the
%e)o*+e#se fo% all thei% ha%* that the( ,o$l! soo# et f%o* it& a#! ,ealth o"e% a#!
to s+a%e ,ith ,hi)h to b$( %i)h thi#s f%o* the /o$thS a#! it )hee%e! the* %eatl(
i# thei% +liht. That ,as as ,ell& fo% the #iht ,as bitte% a#! *ise%able. /helte%s
)o$l! be )o#t%i"e! fo% fe, @the 0aste% ha! o#eA a#! the%e ,as little foo! @e"e# the
0aste% ,e#t sho%tA. 0a#( too' ill of ,et a#! )ol! a#! so%%o, that #iht& a#!
afte%,a%!s !ie!& ,ho ha! es)a+e! $#i#P$%e! f%o* the %$i# of the to,#S a#! i# the
!a(s that follo,e! the%e ,as *$)h si)'#ess a#! %eat h$#e%.
0ea#,hile Ba%! too' the lea!& a#! o%!e%e! thi#s as he ,ishe!& tho$h al,a(s i#
the 0aste%3s #a*e& a#! he ha! a ha%! tas' to o"e%# the +eo+le a#! !i%e)t the
+%e+a%atio#s fo% thei% +%ote)tio# a#! ho$si#. 5%obabl( *ost of the* ,o$l! ha"e
+e%ishe! i# the ,i#te% that #o, h$%%ie! afte% a$t$*#& if hel+ ha! #ot bee# to ha#!.
B$t hel+ )a*e s,iftl(S fo% Ba%! at o#)e ha! s+ee!( *esse#e%s se#t $+ the %i"e% to
the 1o%est to as' the ai! of the Ki# of the El"es of the 4oo!& a#! these *esse#e%s
ha! fo$#! a host al%ea!( o# the *o"e& altho$h it ,as the# o#l( the thi%! !a( afte%
the fall of /*a$.
The El"e#'i# ha! %e)ei"e! #e,s f%o* his o,# *esse#e%s a#! f%o* the bi%!s that
lo"e! his fol'& a#! al%ea!( '#e, *$)h of ,hat ha! ha++e#e!. 7e%( %eat i#!ee!
,as the )o**otio# a*o# all thi#s ,ith ,i#s that !,elt o# the bo%!e%s of the
Desolatio# of the D%ao#. The ai% ,as fille! ,ith )i%)li# flo)'s& a#! thei% s,ift-fl(i#
*esse#e%s fle, he%e a#! the%e a)%oss the s'(. Abo"e the bo%!e%s of the 1o%est
the%e ,as ,histli#& )%(i# a#! +i+i#. 1a% o"e% 0i%',oo! ti!i#s s+%ea!2 B/*a$ is
!ea!WC Lea"es %$stle! a#! sta%tle! ea%s ,e%e lifte!. E"e# befo%e the El"e#'i# %o!e
fo%th the #e,s ha! +asse! ,est %iht to the +i#e,oo!s of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#sS
Beo%# ha! hea%! it i# his ,oo!e# ho$se& a#! the obli#s ,e%e at )o$#)il i# thei%
)a"es.
BThat ,ill be the last ,e shall hea% of Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!& I fea%&C sai! the 'i#. BHe
,o$l! ha"e !o#e bette% to ha"e %e*ai#e! *( $est. It is a# ill ,i#!& all the sa*e&C
he a!!e!& Bthat blo,s #o o#e a#( oo!.C 1o% he too ha! #ot fo%otte# the lee#! of
the ,ealth of Th%o%. /o it ,as that Ba%!3s *esse#e%s fo$#! hi* #o, *a%)hi# ,ith
*a#( s+ea%*e# a#! bo,*e#S a#! )%o,s ,e%e athe%e! thi)' abo"e hi*& fo% the(
tho$ht that ,a% ,as a,a'e#i# aai#& s$)h as ha! #ot bee# i# those +a%ts fo% a
lo# ae.
B$t the 'i#& ,he# he %e)ei"e! the +%a(e%s of Ba%!& ha! +it(& fo% he ,as the lo%! of a
oo! a#! 'i#!l( +eo+leS so t$%#i# his *a%)h& ,hi)h ha! at fi%st bee# !i%e)t to,a%!s
the 0o$#tai#& he haste#e! #o, !o,# the %i"e% to the Lo# La'e. He ha! #ot boats
o% %afts e#o$h fo% his host& a#! the( ,e%e fo%)e! to o the slo,e% ,a( b( footS b$t
%eat sto%e of oo!s he se#t ahea! b( ,ate%. /till el"es a%e liht-foote!& a#! tho$h
the( ,e%e #ot i# these !a(s *$)h $se! to the *a%)hes a#! the t%ea)he%o$s la#!s
bet,ee# the 1o%est a#! the La'e& thei% oi# ,as s,ift. O#l( fi"e !a(s afte% the
!eath of the !%ao# the( )a*e $+o# the sho%es a#! loo'e! o# the %$i#s of the to,#.
Thei% ,el)o*e ,as oo!& as *a( be eF+e)te!& a#! the *e# a#! thei% 0aste% ,e%e
%ea!( to *a'e a#( ba%ai# fo% the f$t$%e i# %et$%# fo% the El"e#'i#3s ai!.
Thei% +la#s ,e%e soo# *a!e. 4ith the ,o*e# a#! the )hil!%e#& the ol! a#! the
$#fit& the 0aste% %e*ai#e! behi#!S a#! ,ith hi* ,e%e so*e *e# of )%afts a#!
*a#( s'ille! el"esS a#! the( b$sie! the*sel"es felli# t%ees& a#! )olle)ti# the
ti*be% se#t !o,# f%o* the 1o%est. The# the( set abo$t %aisi# *a#( h$ts b( the
sho%e aai#st the o#)o*i# ,i#te%S a#! also $#!e% the 0aste%3s !i%e)tio# the(
bea# the +la##i# of a #e, to,#& !esi#e! *o%e fai% a#! la%e e"e# tha# befo%e&
b$t #ot i# the sa*e +la)e. The( %e*o"e! #o%th,a%! hihe% $+ the sho%eS fo% e"e%
afte% the( ha! a !%ea! of the ,ate% ,he%e the !%ao# la(. He ,o$l! #e"e% aai#
%et$%# to his ol!e# be!& b$t ,as st%et)he! )ol! as sto#e& t,iste! $+o# the floo% of
the shallo,s. The%e fo% aes his h$e bo#es )o$l! be see# i# )al* ,eathe% a*i! the
%$i#e! +iles of the ol! to,#. B$t fe, !a%e! to )%oss the )$%se! s+ot& a#! #o#e !a%e!
to !i"e i#to the shi"e%i# ,ate% o% %e)o"e% the +%e)io$s sto#es that fell f%o* his
%otti# )a%)ase.
B$t all the *e# of a%*s ,ho ,e%e still able& a#! the *ost of the El"e#'i#3s a%%a(&
ot %ea!( to *a%)h #o%th to the 0o$#tai#. It ,as th$s that i# ele"e# !a(s f%o* the
%$i# of the to,# the hea! of thei% host +asse! the %o)'-ates at the e#! of the la'e
a#! )a*e i#to the !esolate la#!s.
Cha+te% 97
THE GATHERING O1 THE CLO8D/
No, ,e ,ill %et$%# to Bilbo a#! the !,a%"es. All #iht o#e of the* ha! ,at)he!& b$t ,he#
*o%#i# )a*e the( ha! #ot hea%! o% see# a#( si# of !a#e%. B$t e"e% *o%e thi)'l( the bi%!s
,e%e athe%i#. Thei% )o*+a#ies )a*e fl(i# f%o* the /o$thS a#! the )%o,s that still li"e!
abo$t the 0o$#tai# ,e%e ,heeli# a#! )%(i# $#)easi#l( abo"e.
B/o*ethi# st%a#e is ha++e#i#&C sai! Tho%i#. BThe ti*e has o#e fo% the a$t$*#
,a#!e%i#sS a#! these a%e bi%!s that !,ell al,a(s i# the la#!S the%e a%e sta%li#s
a#! flo)'s of fi#)hesS a#! fa% off the%e a%e *a#( )a%%io# bi%!s as if a battle ,e%e
afootWC
/$!!e#l( Bilbo +oi#te!2 BThe%e is that ol! th%$sh aai#WC he )%ie!. BHe see*s to ha"e
es)a+e!& ,he# /*a$ s*ashe! the *o$#tai#-si!e& b$t I !o#3t s$++ose the s#ails
ha"eWC
/$%e e#o$h the ol! th%$sh ,as the%e& a#! as Bilbo +oi#te!& he fle, to,a%!s the*
a#! +e%)he! o# a sto#e #ea% b(. The# he fl$tte%e! his ,i#s a#! sa#S the# he
)o)'e! his hea! o# o#e si!e& as if to liste#S a#! aai# he sa#& a#! aai# he liste#e!.
BI belie"e he is t%(i# to tell $s so*ethi#&C sai! Bali#S Bb$t I )a##ot follo, the
s+ee)h of s$)h bi%!s& it is "e%( .$i)' a#! !iffi)$lt. Ca# (o$ *a'e it o$t Bai#sVC
BNot "e%( ,ell&C sai! Bilbo @as a *atte% of fa)t& he )o$l! *a'e #othi# of it at allAS
Bb$t the ol! fello, see*s "e%( eF)ite!.C
BI o#l( ,ish he ,as a %a"e#WC sai! Bali#.
BI tho$ht (o$ !i! #ot li'e the*W Yo$ see*e! "e%( sh( of the*& ,he# ,e )a*e this
,a( befo%e.C
BThose ,e%e )%o,sW A#! #ast( s$s+i)io$s-loo'i# )%eat$%es at that& a#! %$!e as ,ell.
Yo$ *$st ha"e hea%! the $l( #a*es the( ,e%e )alli# afte% $s. B$t the %a"e#s a%e
!iffe%e#t. The%e $se! to be %eat f%ie#!shi+ bet,ee# the* a#! the +eo+le of Th%o%S
a#! the( ofte# b%o$ht $s se)%et #e,s& a#! ,e%e %e,a%!e! ,ith s$)h b%iht thi#s
as the( )o"ete! to hi!e i# thei% !,elli#s.
BThe( li"e *a#( a (ea%& a#! thei% *e*o%ies a%e lo#& a#! the( ha#! o# thei% ,is!o*
to thei% )hil!%e#. I '#e, *a#( a*o# the %a"e#s of the %o)'s ,he# I ,as a !,a%f-
la!. This "e%( heiht ,as o#)e #a*e! Ra"e#hill& be)a$se the%e ,as a ,ise a#!
fa*o$s +ai%& ol! Ca%) a#! his ,ife& that li"e! he%e abo"e the $a%!-)ha*be%. B$t I
!o#3t s$++ose that a#( of that a#)ie#t b%ee! li#e% he%e #o,.C
No soo#e% ha! he fi#ishe! s+ea'i# tha# the ol! th%$sh a"e a lo$! )all& a#!
i**e!iatel( fle, a,a(.
B4e *a( #ot $#!e%sta#! hi*& b$t that ol! bi%! $#!e%sta#!s $s& I a* s$%e&C sai!
Bali#. BKee+ ,at)h #o,& a#! see ,hat ha++e#sWC
Befo%e lo# the%e ,as a fl$tte%i# of ,i#s& a#! ba)' )a*e the th%$shS a#! ,ith hi*
)a*e a *ost !e)%e+it ol! bi%!. He ,as etti# bli#!& he )o$l! ha%!l( fl(& a#! the to+
of his hea! ,as bal!. He ,as a# ae! %a"e# of %eat siHe. He alihte! stiffl( o# the
%o$#! befo%e the*& slo,l( fla++e! his ,i#s& a#! bobbe! to,a%!s Tho%i#.
BO Tho%i# so# of Th%ai#& a#! Bali# so# of 1$#!i#&C he )%oa'e! @a#! Bilbo )o$l!
$#!e%sta#! ,hat he sai!& fo% he $se! o%!i#a%( la#$ae a#! #ot bi%!-s+ee)hA. BI a*
RoZ) so# of Ca%). Ca%) is !ea!& b$t he ,as ,ell '#o,# to (o$ o#)e. It is a h$#!%e!
(ea%s a#! th%ee a#! fift( si#)e I )a*e o$t of the e& b$t I !o #ot fo%et ,hat *(
fathe% tol! *e. No, I a* the )hief of the %eat %a"e#s of the 0o$#tai#. 4e a%e fe,&
b$t ,e %e*e*be% still the 'i# that ,as of ol!. 0ost of *( +eo+le a%e ab%oa!& fo%
the%e a%e %eat ti!i#s i# the /o$thUso*e a%e ti!i#s of Po( to (o$& a#! so*e (o$
,ill #ot thi#' so oo!.
BBehol!W the bi%!s a%e athe%i# ba)' aai# to the 0o$#tai# a#! to Dale f%o* /o$th
a#! East a#! 4est& fo% ,o%! has o#e o$t that /*a$ is !ea!WC
BDea!W Dea!VC sho$te! the !,a%"es. BDea!W The# ,e ha"e bee# i# #ee!less
fea%Ua#! the t%eas$%e is o$%sWC The( all s+%a# $+ a#! bea# to )a+e% abo$t fo% Po(.
BYes& !ea!&C sai! RoZ). BThe th%$sh& *a( his feathe%s #e"e% fall& sa, hi* !ie& a#! ,e
*a( t%$st his ,o%!s. He sa, hi* fall i# battle ,ith the *e# of Esa%oth the thi%!
#iht ba)' f%o* #o, at the %isi# of the *oo#.C
It ,as so*e ti*e befo%e Tho%i# )o$l! b%i# the !,a%"es to be sile#t a#! liste# to the
%a"e#3s #e,s. At le#th ,he# he ha! tol! all the tale of the battle he ,e#t o#2
B/o *$)h fo% Po(& Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!. Yo$ *a( o ba)' to (o$% halls i# safet(S all the
t%eas$%e is (o$%sUfo% the *o*e#t. B$t *a#( a%e athe%i# hithe% besi!e the bi%!s.
The #e,s of the !eath of the $a%!ia# has al%ea!( o#e fa% a#! ,i!e& a#! the lee#!
of the ,ealth of Th%o% has #ot lost i# the telli# !$%i# *a#( (ea%sS *a#( a%e eae%
fo% a sha%e of the s+oil. Al%ea!( a host of the el"es is o# the ,a(& a#! )a%%io# bi%!s
a%e ,ith the* ho+i# fo% battle a#! sla$hte%. B( the la'e *e# *$%*$% that thei%
so%%o,s a%e !$e to the !,a%"esS fo% the( a%e ho*eless a#! *a#( ha"e !ie!& a#!
/*a$ has !est%o(e! thei% to,#. The( too thi#' to fi#! a*e#!s f%o* (o$% t%eas$%e&
,hethe% (o$ a%e ali"e o% !ea!.
BYo$% o,# ,is!o* *$st !e)i!e (o$% )o$%seS b$t thi%tee# is s*all %e*#a#t of the
%eat fol' of D$%i# that o#)e !,elt he%e& a#! #o, a%e s)atte%e! fa%. If (o$ ,ill liste#
to *( )o$#sel& (o$ ,ill #ot t%$st the 0aste% of the La'e-*e#& b$t %athe% hi* that
shot the !%ao# ,ith his bo,. Ba%! is he& of the %a)e of Dale& of the li#e of Gi%io#S he
is a %i* *a# b$t t%$e. 4e ,o$l! see +ea)e o#)e *o%e a*o# !,a%"es a#! *e#
a#! el"es afte% the lo# !esolatio#S b$t it *a( )ost (o$ !ea% i# ol!. I ha"e s+o'e#.C
The# Tho%i# b$%st fo%th i# a#e%2 BO$% tha#'s& RoZ) Ca%)3s so#. Yo$ a#! (o$% +eo+le
shall #ot be fo%otte#. B$t #o#e of o$% ol! shall thie"es ta'e o% the "iole#t )a%%( off
,hile ,e a%e ali"e. If (o$ ,o$l! ea%# o$% tha#'s still *o%e& b%i# $s #e,s of a#( that
!%a, #ea%. Also I ,o$l! be of (o$& if a#( of (o$ a%e still (o$# a#! st%o# of ,i#&
that (o$ ,o$l! se#! *esse#e%s to o$% 'i# i# the *o$#tai#s of the No%th& both
,est f%o* he%e a#! east& a#! tell the* of o$% +liht. B$t o s+e)iall( to *( )o$si#
Dai# i# the I%o# Hills& fo% he has *a#( +eo+le ,ell-a%*e!& a#! !,ells #ea%est to this
+la)e. Bi! hi* haste#WC
BI ,ill #ot sa( if this )o$#sel be oo! o% ba!&C )%oa'e! RoZ)& Bb$t I ,ill !o ,hat )a#
be !o#e.C The# off he slo,l( fle,.
BBa)' #o, to the 0o$#tai#WC )%ie! Tho%i#. B4e ha"e little ti*e to lose.C
BA#! little foo! to $seWC )%ie! Bilbo& al,a(s +%a)ti)al o# s$)h +oi#ts. I# a#( )ase he
felt that the a!"e#t$%e ,as& +%o+e%l( s+ea'i#& o"e% ,ith the !eath of the
!%ao#Ui# ,hi)h he ,as *$)h *ista'e#Ua#! he ,o$l! ha"e i"e# *ost of his
sha%e of the +%ofits fo% the +ea)ef$l ,i#!i# $+ of these affai%s.
BBa)' to the 0o$#tai#WC )%ie! the !,a%"es as if the( ha! #ot hea%! hi*S so ba)' he
ha! to o ,ith the*.
As (o$ ha"e hea%! so*e of the e"e#ts al%ea!(& (o$ ,ill see that the !,a%"es still ha! so*e
!a(s befo%e the*. The( eF+lo%e! the )a"e%#s o#)e *o%e& a#! fo$#!& as the( eF+e)te!& that
o#l( the 1%o#t Gate %e*ai#e! o+e#S all the othe% ates @eF)e+t& of )o$%se& the s*all se)%et
!oo%A ha! lo# ao bee# b%o'e# a#! blo)'e! b( /*a$& a#! #o si# of the* %e*ai#e!. /o #o,
the( bea# to labo$% ha%! i# fo%tif(i# the *ai# e#t%a#)e& a#! i# *a'i# a #e, +ath that le!
f%o* it. Tools ,e%e to be fo$#! i# +le#t( that the *i#e%s a#! .$a%%ie%s a#! b$il!e%s of ol! ha!
$se!S a#! at s$)h ,o%' the !,a%"es ,e%e still "e%( s'ille!.
As the( ,o%'e! the %a"e#s b%o$ht the* )o#sta#t ti!i#s. I# this ,a( the( lea%#e!
that the El"e#'i# ha! t$%#e! asi!e to the La'e& a#! the( still ha! a b%eathi# s+a)e.
Bette% still& the( hea%! that th%ee of thei% +o#ies ha! es)a+e! a#! ,e%e ,a#!e%i#
,il! fa% !o,# the ba#'s of the R$##i# Ri"e%& #ot fa% f%o* ,he%e the %est of thei%
sto%es ha! bee# left. /o ,hile the othe%s ,e#t o# ,ith thei% ,o%'& 1ili a#! Kili ,e%e
se#t& $i!e! b( a %a"e#& to fi#! the +o#ies a#! b%i# ba)' all the( )o$l!.
The( ,e%e fo$% !a(s o#e& a#! b( that ti*e the( '#e, that the Poi#e! a%*ies of the
La'e-*e# a#! the El"es ,e%e h$%%(i# to,a%! the 0o$#tai#. B$t #o, thei% ho+es
,e%e hihe%S fo% the( ha! foo! fo% so*e ,ee's ,ith )a%eU)hiefl( )%a*& of )o$%se&
a#! the( ,e%e "e%( ti%e! of itS b$t )%a* is *$)h bette% tha# #othi#Ua#! al%ea!(
the ate ,as blo)'e! ,ith a ,all of s.$a%e! sto#es lai! !%(& b$t "e%( thi)' a#! hih&
a)%oss the o+e#i#. The%e ,e%e holes i# the ,all th%o$h ,hi)h the( )o$l! see @o%
shootA& b$t #o e#t%a#)e. The( )li*be! i# o% o$t ,ith la!!e%s& a#! ha$le! st$ff $+
,ith %o+es. 1o% the iss$i# of the st%ea* the( ha! )o#t%i"e! a s*all lo, a%)h $#!e%
the #e, ,allS b$t #ea% the e#t%a#)e the( ha! so alte%e! the #a%%o, be! that a ,i!e
+ool st%et)he! f%o* the *o$#tai#-,all to the hea! of the fall o"e% ,hi)h the st%ea*
,e#t to,a%!s Dale. A++%oa)h to the Gate ,as #o, o#l( +ossible& ,itho$t s,i**i#&
alo# a #a%%o, le!e of the )liff& to the %iht as o#e loo'e! o$t,a%!s f%o* the ,all.
The +o#ies the( ha! b%o$ht o#l( to the hea! of the ste+s abo"e the ol! b%i!e& a#!
$#loa!i# the* the%e ha! bi!!e# the* %et$%# to thei% *aste%s a#! se#t the* ba)'
%i!e%less to the /o$th.
The%e )a*e a #iht ,he# s$!!e#l( the%e ,e%e *a#( lihts as of fi%es a#! to%)hes a,a( so$th i#
Dale befo%e the*.
BThe( ha"e )o*eWC )alle! Bali#. BA#! thei% )a*+ is "e%( %eat. The( *$st ha"e )o*e
i#to the "alle( $#!e% the )o"e% of !$s' alo# both ba#'s of the %i"e%.C
That #iht the !,a%"es sle+t little. The *o%#i# ,as still +ale ,he# the( sa, a
)o*+a#( a++%oa)hi#. 1%o* behi#! thei% ,all the( ,at)he! the* )o*e $+ to the
"alle(3s hea! a#! )li*b slo,l( $+. Befo%e lo# the( )o$l! see that both *e# of the
la'e a%*e! as if fo% ,a% a#! el"ish bo,*e# ,e%e a*o# the*. At le#th the
fo%e*ost of these )li*be! the t$*ble! %o)'s a#! a++ea%e! at the to+ of the fallsS
a#! "e%( %eat ,as thei% s$%+%ise to see the +ool befo%e the* a#! the Gate blo)'e!
,ith a ,all of #e,-he,# sto#e.
As the( stoo! +oi#ti# a#! s+ea'i# to o#e a#othe% Tho%i# haile! the*2 B4ho a%e
(o$&C he )alle! i# a "e%( lo$! "oi)e& Bthat )o*e as if i# ,a% to the ates of Tho%i# so#
of Th%ai#& Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! ,hat !o (o$ !esi%eVC
B$t the( a#s,e%e! #othi#. /o*e t$%#e! s,iftl( ba)'& a#! the othe%s afte% aHi# fo%
a ,hile at the Gate a#! its !efe#)es soo# follo,e! the*. That !a( the )a*+ ,as
*o"e! to the east of the %i"e%& %iht bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#. The %o)'s
e)hoe! the# ,ith "oi)es a#! ,ith so#& as the( ha! #ot !o#e fo% *a#( a !a(. The%e
,as the so$#!& too& of el"e#-ha%+s a#! of s,eet *$si)S a#! as it e)hoe! $+ to,a%!s
the* it see*e! that the )hill of the ai% ,as ,a%*e!& a#! the( )a$ht fai#tl( the
f%a%a#)e of ,oo!la#! flo,e%s blosso*i# i# s+%i#.
The# Bilbo lo#e! to es)a+e f%o* the !a%' fo%t%ess a#! to o !o,# a#! Poi# i# the
*i%th a#! feasti# b( the fi%es. /o*e of the (o$#e% !,a%"es ,e%e *o"e! i# thei%
hea%ts& too& a#! the( *$tte%e! that the( ,ishe! thi#s ha! falle# o$t othe%,ise a#!
that the( *iht ,el)o*e s$)h fol' as f%ie#!sS b$t Tho%i# s)o,le!.
The# the !,a%"es the*sel"es b%o$ht fo%th ha%+s a#! i#st%$*e#ts %eai#e! f%o*
the hoa%!& a#! *a!e *$si) to softe# his *oo!S b$t thei% so# ,as #ot as el"ish
so#& a#! ,as *$)h li'e the so# the( ha! s$# lo# befo%e i# Bilbo3s little hobbit-
hole.
8#!e% the 0o$#tai# !a%' a#! tall
The Ki# has )o*e $#to his hallW
His foe is !ea!& the 4o%* of D%ea!&
A#! e"e% so his foes shall fall.
The s,o%! is sha%+& the s+ea% is lo#&
The a%%o, s,ift& the Gate is st%o#S
The hea%t is bol! that loo's o# ol!S
The !,a%"es #o *o%e shall s$ffe% ,%o#.
The !,a%"es of (o%e *a!e *iht( s+ells&
4hile ha**e%s fell li'e %i#i# bells
I# +la)es !ee+& ,he%e !a%' thi#s slee+&
I# hollo, halls be#eath the fells.
O# sil"e% #e)'la)es the( st%$#
The liht of sta%s& o# )%o,#s the( h$#
The !%ao#-fi%e& f%o* t,iste! ,i%e
The *elo!( of ha%+s the( ,%$#.
The *o$#tai# th%o#e o#)e *o%e is f%ee!W
OW ,a#!e%i# fol'& the s$**o#s hee!W Co*e hasteW
Co*e hasteW a)%oss the ,asteW
The 'i# of f%ie#! a#! 'i# has #ee!.
No, )all ,e o"e% *o$#tai#s )ol!&
6Co*e ba)' $#to the )a"e%#s ol!3W
He%e at the Gates the 'i# a,aits&
His ha#!s a%e %i)h ,ith e*s a#! ol!.
The 'i# is )o*e $#to his hall
8#!e% the 0o$#tai# !a%' a#! tall.
The 4o%* of D%ea! is slai# a#! !ea!&
A#! e"e% so o$% foes shall fallW
This so# a++ea%e! to +lease Tho%i#& a#! he s*ile! aai# a#! %e, *e%%(S a#! he
bea# %e)'o#i# the !ista#)e to the I%o# Hills a#! ho, lo# it ,o$l! be befo%e Dai#
)o$l! %ea)h the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& if he ha! set o$t as soo# as the *essae %ea)he!
hi*. B$t Bilbo3s hea%t fell& both at the so# a#! the tal'2 the( so$#!e! *$)h too
,a%li'e.
The #eFt *o%#i# ea%l( a )o*+a#( of s+ea%*e# ,as see# )%ossi# the %i"e%& a#!
*a%)hi# $+ the "alle(. The( bo%e ,ith the* the %ee# ba##e% of the El"e#'i# a#!
the bl$e ba##e% of the La'e& a#! the( a!"a#)e! $#til the( stoo! %iht befo%e the ,all
at the Gate.
Aai# Tho%i# haile! the* i# a lo$! "oi)e2 B4ho a%e (o$ that )o*e a%*e! fo% ,a% to
the ates of Tho%i# so# of Th%ai#& Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#VC This ti*e he ,as
a#s,e%e!.
A tall *a# stoo! fo%,a%!& !a%' of hai% a#! %i* of fa)e& a#! he )%ie!2 BHail Tho%i#W
4h( !o (o$ fe#)e (o$%self li'e a %obbe% i# his hol!V 4e a%e #ot (et foes& a#! ,e
%ePoi)e that (o$ a%e ali"e be(o#! o$% ho+e. 4e )a*e eF+e)ti# to fi#! #o#e li"i#
he%eS (et #o, that ,e a%e *et the%e is *atte% fo% a +a%le( a#! a )o$#)il.C
B4ho a%e (o$& a#! of ,hat ,o$l! (o$ +a%le(VC
BI a* Ba%!& a#! b( *( ha#! ,as the !%ao# slai# a#! (o$% t%eas$%e !eli"e%e!. Is that
#ot a *atte% that )o#)e%#s (o$V 0o%eo"e% I a* b( %iht !es)e#t the hei% of Gi%io# of
Dale& a#! i# (o$% hoa%! is *i#le! *$)h of the ,ealth of his halls a#! to,#s& ,hi)h
of ol! /*a$ stole. Is #ot that a *atte% of ,hi)h ,e *a( s+ea'V 1$%the% i# his last
battle /*a$ !est%o(e! the !,elli#s of the *e# of Esa%oth& a#! I a* (et the
se%"a#t of thei% 0aste%. I ,o$l! s+ea' fo% hi* a#! as' ,hethe% (o$ ha"e #o tho$ht
fo% the so%%o, a#! *ise%( of his +eo+le. The( ai!e! (o$ i# (o$% !ist%ess& a#! i#
%e)o*+e#se (o$ ha"e th$s fa% b%o$ht %$i# o#l(& tho$h !o$btless $#!esi#e!.C
No, these ,e%e fai% ,o%!s a#! t%$e& if +%o$!l( a#! %i*l( s+o'e#S a#! Bilbo tho$ht
that Tho%i# ,o$l! at o#)e a!*it ,hat P$sti)e ,as i# the*. He !i! #ot& of )o$%se&
eF+e)t that a#( o#e ,o$l! %e*e*be% that it ,as he ,ho !is)o"e%e! all b( hi*self
the !%ao#3s ,ea' s+otS a#! that ,as P$st as ,ell& fo% #o o#e e"e% !i!. B$t also he
!i! #ot %e)'o# ,ith the +o,e% that ol! has $+o# ,hi)h a !%ao# has lo# b%oo!e!&
#o% ,ith !,a%"ish hea%ts. Lo# ho$%s i# the +ast !a(s Tho%i# ha! s+e#t i# the
t%eas$%(& a#! the l$st of it ,as hea"( o# hi*. Tho$h he ha! h$#te! )hiefl( fo% the
A%'e#sto#e& (et he ha! a# e(e fo% *a#( a#othe% ,o#!e%f$l thi# that ,as l(i#
the%e& abo$t ,hi)h ,e%e ,o$#! ol! *e*o%ies of the labo$%s a#! the so%%o,s of his
%a)e.
BYo$ +$t (o$% ,o%st )a$se last a#! i# the )hief +la)e&C Tho%i# a#s,e%e!. BTo the
t%eas$%e of *( +eo+le #o *a# has a )lai*& be)a$se /*a$ ,ho stole it f%o* $s also
%obbe! hi* of life o% ho*e. The t%eas$%e ,as #ot his that his e"il !ee!s sho$l! be
a*e#!e! ,ith a sha%e of it. The +%i)e of the oo!s a#! the assista#)e that ,e
%e)ei"e! of the La'e-*e# ,e ,ill fai%l( +a(Ui# !$e ti*e. B$t #othi# ,ill ,e i"e&
#ot e"e# a loaf3s ,o%th& $#!e% th%eat of fo%)e. 4hile a# a%*e! host lies befo%e o$%
!oo%s& ,e loo' o# (o$ as foes a#! thie"es.
BIt is i# *( *i#! to as' ,hat sha%e of thei% i#he%ita#)e (o$ ,o$l! ha"e +ai! to o$%
'i#!%e!& ha! (o$ fo$#! the hoa%! $#$a%!e! a#! $s slai#.C
BA P$st .$estio#&C %e+lie! Ba%!. BB$t (o$ a%e #ot !ea!& a#! ,e a%e #ot %obbe%s.
0o%eo"e% the ,ealth( *a( ha"e +it( be(o#! %iht o# the #ee!( that bef%ie#!e!
the* ,he# the( ,e%e i# ,a#t. A#! still *( othe% )lai*s %e*ai# $#a#s,e%e!.C
BI ,ill #ot +a%le(& as I ha"e sai!& ,ith a%*e! *e# at *( ate. No% at all ,ith the
+eo+le of the El"e#'i#& ,ho* I %e*e*be% ,ith s*all 'i#!#ess. I# this !ebate the(
ha"e #o +la)e. Beo#e #o, e%e o$% a%%o,s fl(W A#! if (o$ ,o$l! s+ea' ,ith *e
aai#& fi%st !is*iss the el"ish host to the ,oo!s ,he%e it belo#s& a#! the# %et$%#&
la(i# !o,# (o$% a%*s befo%e (o$ a++%oa)h the th%eshol!.C
BThe El"e#'i# is *( f%ie#!& a#! he has s$))o$%e! the +eo+le of the La'e i# thei%
#ee!& tho$h the( ha! #o )lai* b$t f%ie#!shi+ o# hi*&C a#s,e%e! Ba%!. B4e ,ill
i"e (o$ ti*e to %e+e#t (o$% ,o%!s. Gathe% (o$% ,is!o* e%e ,e %et$%#WC The# he
!e+a%te! a#! ,e#t ba)' to the )a*+.
E%e *a#( ho$%s ,e%e +ast& the ba##e%-bea%e%s %et$%#e!& a#! t%$*+ete%s stoo! fo%th
a#! ble, a blast2
BI# the #a*e of Esa%oth a#! the 1o%est&C o#e )%ie!& B,e s+ea' $#to Tho%i# Th%ai#3s
so# Oa'e#shiel!& )alli# hi*self the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! ,e bi! hi*
)o#si!e% ,ell the )lai*s that ha"e bee# $%e!& o% be !e)la%e! o$% foe. At the least he
shall !eli"e% o#e t,elfth +o%tio# of the t%eas$%e $#to Ba%!& as the !%ao#-sla(e%& a#!
as the hei% of Gi%io#. 1%o* that +o%tio# Ba%! ,ill hi*self )o#t%ib$te to the ai! of
Esa%othS b$t if Tho%i# ,o$l! ha"e the f%ie#!shi+ a#! ho#o$% of the la#!s abo$t& as
his si%es ha! of ol!& the# he ,ill i"e also so*e,hat of his o,# fo% the )o*fo%t of the
*e# of the La'e.C
The# Tho%i# seiHe! a bo, of ho%# a#! shot a# a%%o, at the s+ea'e%. It s*ote i#to his
shiel! a#! st$)' the%e .$i"e%i#.
B/i#)e s$)h is (o$% a#s,e%&C he )alle! i# %et$%#& BI !e)la%e the 0o$#tai# besiee!.
Yo$ shall #ot !e+a%t f%o* it& $#til (o$ )all o# (o$% si!e fo% a t%$)e a#! a +a%le(. 4e
,ill bea% #o ,ea+o#s aai#st (o$& b$t ,e lea"e (o$ to (o$% ol!. Yo$ *a( eat that&
if (o$ ,illWC
4ith that the *esse#e%s !e+a%te! s,iftl(& a#! the !,a%"es ,e%e left to )o#si!e%
thei% )ase. /o %i* ha! Tho%i# be)o*e& that e"e# if the( ha! ,ishe!& the othe%s
,o$l! #ot ha"e !a%e! to fi#! fa$lt ,ith hi*S b$t i#!ee! *ost of the* see*e! to
sha%e his *i#!UeF)e+t +e%ha+s ol! fat Bo*b$% a#! 1ili a#! Kili. Bilbo& of )o$%se&
!isa++%o"e! of the ,hole t$%# of affai%s. He ha! b( #o, ha! *o%e tha# e#o$h of
the 0o$#tai#& a#! bei# besiee! i#si!e it ,as #ot at all to his taste.
BThe ,hole +la)e still sti#'s of !%ao#&C he %$*ble! to hi*self& Ba#! it *a'es *e
si)'. A#! )%a* is bei##i# si*+l( to sti)' i# *( th%oat.C
Cha+te% 97I
A THIE1 IN THE NIGHT
No, the !a(s +asse! slo,l( a#! ,ea%il(. 0a#( of the !,a%"es s+e#t thei% ti*e +ili# a#!
o%!e%i# the t%eas$%eS a#! #o, Tho%i# s+o'e of the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#& a#! ba!e the*
eae%l( to loo' fo% it i# e"e%( )o%#e%.
B1o% the A%'e#sto#e of *( fathe%&C he sai!& Bis ,o%th *o%e tha# a %i"e% of ol! i#
itself& a#! to *e it is be(o#! +%i)e. That sto#e of all the t%eas$%e I #a*e $#to *(self&
a#! I ,ill be a"e#e! o# a#(o#e ,ho fi#!s it a#! ,ithhol!s it.C
Bilbo hea%! these ,o%!s a#! he %e, af%ai!& ,o#!e%i# ,hat ,o$l! ha++e#& if the
sto#e ,as fo$#!U,%a++e! i# a# ol! b$#!le of tatte%e! o!!*e#ts that he $se! as a
+illo,. All the sa*e he !i! #ot s+ea' of it& fo% as the ,ea%i#ess of the !a(s %e,
hea"ie%& the bei##i#s of a +la# ha! )o*e i#to his little hea!.
Thi#s ha! o#e o# li'e this fo% so*e ti*e& ,he# the %a"e#s b%o$ht #e,s that Dai#
a#! *o%e tha# fi"e h$#!%e! !,a%"es& h$%%(i# f%o* the I%o# Hills& ,e%e #o, ,ithi#
abo$t t,o !a(s3 *a%)h of Dale& )o*i# f%o* the No%th-East.
BB$t the( )a##ot %ea)h the 0o$#tai# $#*a%'e!&C sai! RoZ)& Ba#! I fea% lest the%e be
battle i# the "alle(. I !o #ot )all this )o$#sel oo!. Tho$h the( a%e a %i* fol'& the(
a%e #ot li'el( to o"e%)o*e the host that besets (o$S a#! e"e# if the( !i! so& ,hat
,ill (o$ ai#V 4i#te% a#! s#o, is haste#i# behi#! the*. Ho, shall (o$ be fe!
,itho$t the f%ie#!shi+ a#! oo!,ill of the la#!s abo$t (o$V The t%eas$%e is li'el( to
be (o$% !eath& tho$h the !%ao# is #o *o%eWC
B$t Tho%i# ,as #ot *o"e!. B4i#te% a#! s#o, ,ill bite both *e# a#! el"es&C he sai!&
Ba#! the( *a( fi#! thei% !,elli# i# the ,aste %ie"o$s to bea%. 4ith *( f%ie#!s
behi#! the* a#! ,i#te% $+o# the*& the( ,ill +e%ha+s be i# softe% *oo! to +a%le(
,ith.C
That #iht Bilbo *a!e $+ his *i#!. The s'( ,as bla)' a#! *oo#less. As soo# as it
,as f$ll !a%'& he ,e#t to a )o%#e% of a# i##e% )ha*be% P$st ,ithi# the ate a#! !%e,
f%o* his b$#!le a %o+e& a#! also the A%'e#sto#e ,%a++e! i# a %a. The# he )li*be!
to the to+ of the ,all. O#l( Bo*b$% ,as the%e& fo% it ,as his t$%# to ,at)h& a#! the
!,a%"es 'e+t o#l( o#e ,at)h*a# at a ti*e.
BIt is *iht( )ol!WC sai! Bo*b$%. BI ,ish ,e )o$l! ha"e a fi%e $+ he%e as the( ha"e i#
the )a*+WC
BIt is ,a%* e#o$h i#si!e&C sai! Bilbo.
BI !a%esa(S b$t I a* bo$#! he%e till *i!#iht&C %$*ble! the fat !,a%f. BA so%%(
b$si#ess altoethe%. Not that I "e#t$%e to !isa%ee ,ith Tho%i#& *a( his bea%! %o,
e"e% lo#e%S (et he ,as e"e% a !,a%f ,ith a stiff #e)'.C
BNot as stiff as *( les&C sai! Bilbo. BI a* ti%e! of stai%s a#! sto#e +assaes. I ,o$l!
i"e a oo! !eal fo% the feel of %ass at *( toes.C
BI ,o$l! i"e a oo! !eal fo% the feel of a st%o# !%i#' i# *( th%oat& a#! fo% a soft
be! afte% a oo! s$++e%WC
BI )a#3t i"e (o$ those& ,hile the siee is oi# o#.
B$t it is lo# si#)e I ,at)he!& a#! I ,ill ta'e (o$% t$%# fo% (o$& if (o$ li'e. The%e is #o
slee+ i# *e to#iht.C
BYo$ a%e a oo! fello,& 0%. Bai#s& a#! I ,ill ta'e (o$% offe% 'i#!l(. If the%e sho$l!
be a#(thi# to #ote& %o$se *e fi%st& *i#! (o$W I ,ill lie i# the i##e% )ha*be% to the
left& #ot fa% a,a(.C
BOff (o$ oWC sai! Bilbo. BI ,ill ,a'e (o$ at *i!#iht& a#! (o$ )a# ,a'e the #eFt
,at)h*a#.C
As soo# as Bo*b$% ha! o#e& Bilbo +$t o# his %i#& faste#e! his %o+e& sli++e! !o,#
o"e% the ,all& a#! ,as o#e. He ha! abo$t fi"e ho$%s befo%e hi*. Bo*b$% ,o$l!
slee+ @he )o$l! slee+ at a#( ti*e& a#! e"e% si#)e the a!"e#t$%e i# the fo%est he ,as
al,a(s t%(i# to %e)a+t$%e the bea$tif$l !%ea*s he ha! the#AS a#! all the othe%s
,e%e b$s( ,ith Tho%i#. It ,as $#li'el( that a#(& e"e# 1ili o% Kili& ,o$l! )o*e o$t o#
the ,all $#til it ,as thei% t$%#.
It ,as "e%( !a%'& a#! the %oa! afte% a ,hile& ,he# he left the #e,l( *a!e +ath a#!
)li*be! !o,# to,a%!s the lo,e% )o$%se of the st%ea*& ,as st%a#e to hi*. At last
he )a*e to the be#! ,he%e he ha! to )%oss the ,ate%& if he ,as to *a'e fo% the
)a*+& as he ,ishe!. The be! of the st%ea* ,as the%e shallo, b$t al%ea!( b%oa!&
a#! fo%!i# it i# the !a%' ,as #ot eas( fo% the little hobbit. He ,as #ea%l( a)%oss
,he# he *isse! his footi# o# a %o$#! sto#e a#! fell i#to the )ol! ,ate% ,ith a
s+lash. He ha! ba%el( s)%a*ble! o$t o# the fa% ba#'& shi"e%i# a#! s+l$tte%i#&
,he# $+ )a*e el"es i# the loo* ,ith b%iht la#te%#s a#! sea%)he! fo% the )a$se of
the #oise.
BThat ,as #o fishWC o#e sai!. BThe%e is a s+( abo$t. Hi!e (o$% lihtsW The( ,ill hel+
hi* *o%e tha# $s& if it is that .$ee% little )%eat$%e that is sai! to be thei% se%"a#t.C
B/e%"a#t& i#!ee!WC s#o%te! BilboS a#! i# the *i!!le of his s#o%t he s#eeHe! lo$!l(&
a#! the el"es i**e!iatel( athe%e! to,a%!s the so$#!.
BLet3s ha"e a lihtWC he sai!. BI a* he%e& if (o$ ,a#t *eWC a#! he sli++e! off his %i#&
a#! +o++e! f%o* behi#! a %o)'.
The( seiHe! hi* .$i)'l(& i# s+ite of thei% s$%+%ise. B4ho a%e (o$V A%e (o$ the
!,a%"es3 hobbitV 4hat a%e (o$ !oi#V Ho, !i! (o$ et so fa% +ast o$% se#ti#elsVC
the( as'e! o#e afte% a#othe%.
BI a* 0%. Bilbo Bai#s&C he a#s,e%e!& B)o*+a#io# of Tho%i#& if (o$ ,a#t to '#o,. I
'#o, (o$% 'i# ,ell b( siht& tho$h +e%ha+s he !oes#3t '#o, *e to loo' at. B$t
Ba%! ,ill %e*e*be% *e& a#! it is Ba%! I +a%ti)$la%l( ,a#t to see.C
BI#!ee!WC sai! the(& Ba#! ,hat *a( be (o$% b$si#essVC
B4hate"e% it is& it3s *( o,#& *( oo! el"es. B$t if (o$ ,ish e"e% to et ba)' to (o$%
o,# ,oo!s f%o* this )ol! )hee%less +la)e&C he a#s,e%e! shi"e%i#& B(o$ ,ill ta'e
*e alo# .$i)' to a fi%e& ,he%e I )a# !%(Ua#! the# (o$ ,ill let *e s+ea' to (o$%
)hiefs as .$i)' as *a( be. I ha"e o#l( a# ho$% o% t,o to s+a%e.C
That is ho, it )a*e abo$t that so*e t,o ho$%s afte% his es)a+e f%o* the Gate& Bilbo ,as sitti#
besi!e a ,a%* fi%e i# f%o#t of a la%e te#t& a#! the%e sat too& aHi# )$%io$sl( at hi*& both the
El"e#'i# a#! Ba%!. A hobbit i# el"ish a%*o$%& +a%tl( ,%a++e! i# a# ol! bla#'et& ,as
so*ethi# #e, to the*.
BReall( (o$ '#o,&C Bilbo ,as sa(i# i# his best b$si#ess *a##e%& Bthi#s a%e
i*+ossible. 5e%so#all( I a* ti%e! of the ,hole affai%. I ,ish I ,as ba)' i# the 4est i#
*( o,# ho*e& ,he%e fol' a%e *o%e %easo#able. B$t I ha"e a# i#te%est i# this
*atte%Uo#e fo$%tee#th sha%e& to be +%e)ise& a))o%!i# to a lette%& ,hi)h
fo%t$#atel( I belie"e I ha"e 'e+t.C He !%e, f%o* a +o)'et i# his ol! Pa)'et @,hi)h he
still ,o%e o"e% his *ailA& )%$*+le! a#! *$)h fol!e!& Tho%i#3s lette% that ha! bee# +$t
$#!e% the )lo)' o# his *a#tel+ie)e i# 0a(W
BA sha%e i# the +%ofits& *i#! (o$&C he ,e#t o#. BI a* a,a%e of that. 5e%so#all( I a*
o#l( too %ea!( to )o#si!e% all (o$% )lai*s )a%ef$ll(& a#! !e!$)t ,hat is %iht f%o*
the total befo%e +$tti# i# *( o,# )lai*. Ho,e"e% (o$ !o#3t '#o, Tho%i#
Oa'e#shiel! as ,ell as I !o #o,. I ass$%e (o$& he is .$ite %ea!( to sit o# a hea+ of
ol! a#! sta%"e& as lo# as (o$ sit he%e.C
B4ell& let hi*WC sai! Ba%!. B/$)h a fool !ese%"es to sta%"e.C
B:$ite so&C sai! Bilbo. BI see (o$% +oi#t of "ie,. At the sa*e ti*e ,i#te% is )o*i#
o# fast. Befo%e lo# (o$ ,ill be ha"i# s#o, a#! ,hat #ot& a#! s$++lies ,ill be
!iffi)$ltUe"e# fo% el"es I i*ai#e. Also the%e ,ill be othe% !iffi)$lties. Yo$ ha"e #ot
hea%! of Dai# a#! the !,a%"es of the I%o# HillsVC
B4e ha"e& a lo# ti*e aoS b$t ,hat has he ot to !o ,ith $sVC as'e! the 'i#.
BI tho$ht as *$)h. I see I ha"e so*e i#fo%*atio# (o$ ha"e #ot ot. Dai#& I *a( tell
(o$& is #o, less tha# t,o !a(s3 *a%)h off& a#! has at least fi"e h$#!%e! %i*
!,a%"es ,ith hi*Ua oo! *a#( of the* ha"e ha! eF+e%ie#)e i# the !%ea!f$l !,a%f
a#! obli# ,a%s& of ,hi)h (o$ ha"e #o !o$bt hea%!. 4he# the( a%%i"e the%e *a( be
se%io$s t%o$ble.C
B4h( !o (o$ tell $s thisV A%e (o$ bet%a(i# (o$% f%ie#!s& o% a%e (o$ th%eate#i# $sVC
as'e! Ba%! %i*l(.
B0( !ea% Ba%!WC s.$ea'e! Bilbo. BDo#3t be so hast(W I #e"e% *et s$)h s$s+i)io$s
fol'W I a* *e%el( t%(i# to a"oi! t%o$ble fo% all )o#)e%#e!. No, I ,ill *a'e (o$ a#
offe%W WC
BLet $s hea% itWC the( sai!.
BYo$ *a( see itWC sai! he. BIt is thisWC a#! he !%e, fo%th the A%'e#sto#e& a#! th%e,
a,a( the ,%a++i#.
The El"e#'i# hi*self& ,hose e(es ,e%e $se! to thi#s of ,o#!e% a#! bea$t(& stoo!
$+ i# a*aHe*e#t. E"e# Ba%! aHe! *a%"elli# at it i# sile#)e. It ,as as if a lobe ha!
bee# fille! ,ith *oo#liht a#! h$# befo%e the* i# a #et ,o"e# of the li#t of
f%ost( sta%s.
BThis is the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#&C sai! Bilbo& Bthe Hea%t of the 0o$#tai#S a#! it is
also the hea%t of Tho%i#. He "al$es it abo"e a %i"e% of ol!. I i"e it to (o$. It ,ill ai!
(o$ i# (o$% ba%ai#i#.C The# Bilbo& #ot ,itho$t a sh$!!e%& #ot ,itho$t a la#)e of
lo#i#& ha#!e! the *a%"ello$s sto#e to Ba%!& a#! he hel! it i# his ha#!& as tho$h
!aHe!.
BB$t ho, is it (o$%s to i"eVC he as'e! at last ,ith a# effo%t.
BO ,ellWC sai! the hobbit $#)o*fo%tabl(. BIt is#3t eFa)tl(S b$t& ,ell& I a* ,illi# to let
it sta#! aai#st all *( )lai*& !o#3t (o$ '#o,. I *a( be a b$%la%Uo% so the( sa(2
+e%so#all( I #e"e% %eall( felt li'e o#eUb$t I a* a# ho#est o#e& I ho+e& *o%e o% less.
A#(,a( I a* oi# ba)' #o,& a#! the !,a%"es )a# !o ,hat the( li'e to *e. I ho+e
(o$ ,ill fi#! it $sef$l.C
The El"e#'i# loo'e! at Bilbo ,ith a #e, ,o#!e%. BBilbo Bai#sWC he sai!. BYo$ a%e
*o%e ,o%th( to ,ea% the a%*o$% of elf-+%i#)es tha# *a#( that ha"e loo'e! *o%e
)o*el( i# it. B$t I ,o#!e% if Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel! ,ill see it so. I ha"e *o%e '#o,le!e
of !,a%"es i# e#e%al tha# (o$ ha"e +e%ha+s. I a!"ise (o$ to %e*ai# ,ith $s& a#!
he%e (o$ shall be ho#o$%e! a#! th%i)e ,el)o*e.C
BTha#' (o$ "e%( *$)h I a* s$%e&C sai! Bilbo ,ith a bo,. BB$t I !o#3t thi#' I o$ht to
lea"e *( f%ie#!s li'e this& afte% all ,e ha"e o#e th%o$h toethe%. A#! I +%o*ise!
to ,a'e ol! Bo*b$% at *i!#iht& tooW Reall( I *$st be oi#& a#! .$i)'l(.C
Nothi# the( )o$l! sa( ,o$l! sto+ hi*S so a# es)o%t ,as +%o"i!e! fo% hi*& a#! as he
,e#t both the 'i# a#! Ba%! sal$te! hi* ,ith ho#o$%. As the( +asse! th%o$h the
)a*+ a# ol! *a#& ,%a++e! i# a !a%' )loa'& %ose f%o* a te#t !oo% ,he%e he ,as
sitti# a#! )a*e to,a%!s the*.
B4ell !o#eW 0%. Bai#sWC he sai!& )la++i# Bilbo o# the ba)'. BThe%e is al,a(s *o%e
abo$t (o$ tha# a#(o#e eF+e)tsWC It ,as Ga#!alf.
1o% the fi%st ti*e fo% *a#( a !a( Bilbo ,as %eall( !elihte!. B$t the%e ,as #o ti*e fo%
all the .$estio#s that he i**e!iatel( ,ishe! to as'.
BAll i# oo! ti*eWC sai! Ga#!alf. BThi#s a%e !%a,i# to,a%!s the e#! #o,& $#less I
a* *ista'e#. The%e is a# $#+leasa#t ti*e P$st i# f%o#t of (o$S b$t 'ee+ (o$% hea%t
$+W Yo$ *a( )o*e th%o$h all %iht. The%e is #e,s b%e,i# that e"e# the %a"e#s
ha"e #ot hea%!. Goo! #ihtWC
5$HHle! b$t )hee%e!& Bilbo h$%%ie! o#. He ,as $i!e! to a safe fo%! a#! set a)%oss
!%(& a#! the# he sai! fa%e,ell to the el"es a#! )li*be! )a%ef$ll( ba)' to,a%!s the
Gate. G%eat ,ea%i#ess bea# to )o*e o"e% hi*S b$t it ,as ,ell befo%e *i!#iht
,he# he )la*be%e! $+ the %o+e aai#Uit ,as still ,he%e he ha! left it. He $#tie! it
a#! hi! it& a#! the# he sat !o,# o# the ,all a#! ,o#!e%e! a#Fio$sl( ,hat ,o$l!
ha++e# #eFt.
At *i!#iht he ,o'e $+ Bo*b$%S a#! the# i# t$%# %olle! hi*self $+ i# his )o%#e%&
,itho$t liste#i# to the ol! !,a%f3s tha#'s @,hi)h he felt he ha! ha%!l( ea%#e!A. He
,as soo# fast aslee+ fo%etti# all his ,o%%ies till the *o%#i#. As a *atte% of fa)t he
,as !%ea*i# of es a#! ba)o#.
Cha+te% 97II
THE CLO8D/ B8R/T
NeFt !a( the t%$*+ets %a# ea%l( i# the )a*+. /oo# a si#le %$##e% ,as see# h$%%(i# alo# the
#a%%o, +ath. At a !ista#)e he stoo! a#! haile! the*& as'i# ,hethe% Tho%i# ,o$l! #o, liste#
to a#othe% e*bass(& si#)e #e, ti!i#s ha! )o*e to ha#!& a#! *atte%s ,e%e )ha#e!.
BThat ,ill be Dai#WC sai! Tho%i# ,he# he hea%!. BThe( ,ill ha"e ot ,i#! of his
)o*i#. I tho$ht that ,o$l! alte% thei% *oo!W Bi! the* )o*e fe, i# #$*be% a#!
,ea+o#less& a#! I ,ill hea%&C he )alle! to the *esse#e%.
Abo$t *i!!a( the ba##e%s of the 1o%est a#! the La'e ,e%e see# to be bo%#e fo%th
aai#. A )o*+a#( of t,e#t( ,as a++%oa)hi#. At the bei##i# of the #a%%o, ,a(
the( lai! asi!e s,o%! a#! s+ea%& a#! )a*e o# to,a%!s the Gate. 4o#!e%i#& the
!,a%"es sa, that a*o# the* ,e%e both Ba%! a#! the El"e#'i#& befo%e ,ho* a#
ol! *a# ,%a++e! i# )loa' a#! hoo! bo%e a st%o# )as'et of i%o#-bo$#! ,oo!.
BHail Tho%i#WC sai! Ba%!. BA%e (o$ still of the sa*e *i#!VC
B0( *i#! !oes #ot )ha#e ,ith the %isi# a#! setti# of a fe, s$#s&C a#s,e%e!
Tho%i#. BDi! (o$ )o*e to as' *e i!le .$estio#sV /till the elf-host has #ot !e+a%te!
as I ba!eW Till the# (o$ )o*e i# "ai# to ba%ai# ,ith *e.C
BIs the%e the# #othi# fo% ,hi)h (o$ ,o$l! (iel! a#( of (o$% ol!VC
BNothi# that (o$ o% (o$% f%ie#!s ha"e to offe%.C
B4hat of the A%'e#sto#e of Th%ai#VC sai! he& a#! at the sa*e *o*e#t the ol! *a#
o+e#e! the )as'et a#! hel! aloft the Pe,el. The liht lea+t f%o* his ha#!& b%iht a#!
,hite i# the *o%#i#.
The# Tho%i# ,as st%i)'e# !$*b ,ith a*aHe*e#t a#! )o#f$sio#. No o#e s+o'e fo% a
lo# ,hile.
Tho%i# at le#th b%o'e the sile#)e& a#! his "oi)e ,as thi)' ,ith ,%ath. BThat sto#e
,as *( fathe%3s& a#! is *i#e&C he sai!. B4h( sho$l! I +$%)hase *( o,#VC B$t
,o#!e% o"e%)a*e hi* a#! he a!!e!2 BB$t ho, )a*e (o$ b( the hei%loo* of *(
ho$seUif the%e is #ee! to as' s$)h a .$estio# of thie"esVC
B4e a%e #ot thie"es&C Ba%! a#s,e%e!. BYo$% o,# ,e ,ill i"e ba)' i# %et$%# fo% o$%
o,#.C
BHo, )a*e (o$ b( itVC sho$te! Tho%i# i# athe%i# %ae.
BI a"e it to the*WC s.$ea'e! Bilbo& ,ho ,as +ee%i# o"e% the ,all& b( #o, i# a
!%ea!f$l f%iht.
BYo$W Yo$WC )%ie! Tho%i#& t$%#i# $+o# hi* a#! %as+i# hi* ,ith both ha#!s. BYo$
*ise%able hobbitW Yo$ $#!e%siHe!Ub$%la%WC he sho$te! at a loss fo% ,o%!s& a#! he
shoo' +oo% Bilbo li'e a %abbit.
BB( the bea%! of D$%i#W I ,ish I ha! Ga#!alf he%eW C$%se hi* fo% his )hoi)e of (o$W
0a( his bea%! ,ithe%W As fo% (o$ I ,ill th%o, (o$ to the %o)'sWC he )%ie! a#! lifte!
Bilbo i# his a%*s.
B/ta(W Yo$% ,ish is %a#te!WC sai! a "oi)e. The ol! *a# ,ith the )as'et th%e, asi!e
his hoo! a#! )loa'. BHe%e is Ga#!alfW A#! #o#e too soo# it see*s. If (o$ !o#3t li'e
*( B$%la%& +lease !o#3t !a*ae hi*.
5$t hi* !o,#& a#! liste# fi%st to ,hat he has to sa(WC
BYo$ all see* i# lea$eWC sai! Tho%i# !%o++i# Bilbo o# the to+ of the ,all. BNe"e%
aai# ,ill I ha"e !eali#s ,ith a#( ,iHa%! o% his f%ie#!s. 4hat ha"e (o$ to sa(& (o$
!es)e#!a#t of %atsVC
BDea% *eW Dea% *eWC sai! Bilbo. BI a* s$%e this is all "e%( $#)o*fo%table. Yo$ *a(
%e*e*be% sa(i# that I *iht )hoose *( o,# fo$%tee#th sha%eV 5e%ha+s I too' it
too lite%all(UI ha"e bee# tol! that !,a%"es a%e so*eti*es +olite% i# ,o%! tha# i#
!ee!. The ti*e ,as& all the sa*e& ,he# (o$ see*e! to thi#' that I ha! bee# of so*e
se%"i)e. Des)e#!a#t of %ats& i#!ee!W Is this all the se%"i)e of (o$ a#! (o$% fa*il( that
I ,as +%o*ise!& Tho%i#V Ta'e it that I ha"e !is+ose! of *( sha%e as I ,ishe!& a#! let
it o at thatWC
BI ,ill&C sai! Tho%i# %i*l(. BA#! I ,ill let (o$ o at thatUa#! *a( ,e #e"e% *eet
aai#WC The# he t$%#e! a#! s+o'e o"e% the ,all. BI a* bet%a(e!&C he sai!. BIt ,as
%ihtl( $esse! that I )o$l! #ot fo%bea% to %e!ee* the A%'e#sto#e& the t%eas$%e of
*( ho$se. 1o% it I ,ill i"e o#e fo$%tee#th sha%e of the hoa%! i# sil"e% a#! ol!&
setti# asi!e the e*sS b$t that shall be a))o$#te! the +%o*ise! sha%e of this
t%aito%& a#! ,ith that %e,a%! he shall !e+a%t& a#! (o$ )a# !i"i!e it as (o$ ,ill. He
,ill et little e#o$h& I !o$bt #ot. Ta'e hi*& if (o$ ,ish hi* to li"eS a#! #o f%ie#!shi+
of *i#e oes ,ith hi*.
BGet !o,# #o, to (o$% f%ie#!sWC he sai! to Bilbo& Bo% I ,ill th%o, (o$ !o,#.C
B4hat abo$t the ol! a#! sil"e%VC as'e! Bilbo. BThat shall follo, afte%& as )a# be
a%%a#e!&C sai! he. BGet !o,#WC
B8#til the# ,e 'ee+ the sto#e&C )%ie! Ba%!.
BYo$ a%e #ot *a'i# a "e%( s+le#!i! fi$%e as Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#&C sai!
Ga#!alf. BB$t thi#s *a( )ha#e (et.C
BThe( *a( i#!ee!&C sai! Tho%i#. A#! al%ea!(& so st%o# ,as the be,il!e%*e#t of the
t%eas$%e $+o# hi*& he ,as +o#!e%i# ,hethe% b( the hel+ of Dai# he *iht #ot
%e)a+t$%e the A%'e#sto#e a#! ,ithhol! the sha%e of the %e,a%!.
A#! so Bilbo ,as s,$# !o,# f%o* the ,all& a#! !e+a%te! ,ith #othi# fo% all his
t%o$ble& eF)e+t the a%*o$% ,hi)h Tho%i# ha! i"e# hi* al%ea!(. 0o%e tha# o#e of
the !,a%"es i# thei% hea%ts felt sha*e a#! +it( at his oi#.
B1a%e,ellWC he )%ie! to the*. B4e *a( *eet aai# as f%ie#!s.C
BBe offWC )alle! Tho%i#. BYo$ ha"e *ail $+o# (o$& ,hi)h ,as *a!e b( *( fol'& a#! is
too oo! fo% (o$. It )a##ot be +ie%)e! b( a%%o,sS b$t if (o$ !o #ot haste#& I ,ill
sti# (o$% *ise%able feet. /o be s,iftWC
BNot so hast(WC sai! Ba%!. B4e ,ill i"e (o$ $#til to*o%%o,. At #oo# ,e ,ill %et$%#&
a#! see if (o$ ha"e b%o$ht f%o* the hoa%! the +o%tio# that is to be set aai#st the
sto#e. If that is !o#e ,itho$t !e)eit& the# ,e ,ill !e+a%t& a#! the elf-host ,ill o
ba)' to the 1o%est. I# the *ea#,hile fa%e,ellWC
4ith that the( ,e#t ba)' to the )a*+S b$t Tho%i# se#t *esse#e%s b( RoZ) telli#
Dai# of ,hat ha! +asse!& a#! bi!!i# hi* )o*e ,ith ,a%( s+ee!.
That !a( +asse! a#! the #iht. The #eFt !a( the ,i#! shifte! ,est& a#! the ai% ,as !a%' a#!
loo*(. The *o%#i# ,as still ea%l( ,he# a )%( ,as hea%! i# the )a*+. R$##e%s )a*e i# to
%e+o%t that a host of !,a%"es ha! a++ea%e! %o$#! the easte%# s+$% of the 0o$#tai# a#! ,as
#o, haste#i# to Dale. Dai# ha! )o*e. He ha! h$%%ie! o# th%o$h the #iht& a#! so ha! )o*e
$+o# the* soo#e% tha# the( ha! eF+e)te!. Ea)h o#e of his fol' ,as )la! i# a ha$be%' of steel
*ail that h$# to his '#ees& a#! his les ,e%e )o"e%e! ,ith hose of a fi#e a#! fleFible *etal
*esh& the se)%et of ,hose *a'i# ,as +ossesse! b( Dai#3s +eo+le. The !,a%"es a%e
eF)ee!i#l( st%o# fo% thei% heiht& b$t *ost of these ,e%e st%o# e"e# fo% !,a%"es. I# battle
the( ,iel!e! hea"( t,o-ha#!e! *atto)'sS b$t ea)h of the* ha! also a sho%t b%oa! s,o%! at
his si!e a#! a %o$#!shiel! sl$# at his ba)'. Thei% bea%!s ,e%e fo%'e! a#! +laite! a#! th%$st
i#to thei% belts. Thei% )a+s ,e%e of i%o# a#! the( ,e%e sho! ,ith i%o#& a#! thei% fa)es ,e%e
%i*.
T%$*+ets )alle! *e# a#! el"es to a%*s. Befo%e lo# the !,a%"es )o$l! be see#
)o*i# $+ the "alle( at a %eat +a)e. The( halte! bet,ee# the %i"e% a#! the easte%#
s+$%S b$t a fe, hel! o# thei% ,a(& a#! )%ossi# the %i"e% !%e, #ea% the )a*+S a#!
the%e the( lai! !o,# thei% ,ea+o#s a#! hel! $+ thei% ha#!s i# si# of +ea)e. Ba%!
,e#t o$t to *eet the*& a#! ,ith hi* ,e#t Bilbo.
B4e a%e se#t f%o* Dai# so# of Nai#&C the( sai! ,he# .$estio#e!. B4e a%e haste#i#
to o$% 'i#s*e# i# the 0o$#tai#& si#)e ,e lea%# that the 'i#!o* of ol! is %e#e,e!.
B$t ,ho a%e (o$ that sit i# the +lai# as foes befo%e !efe#!e! ,allsVC This& of )o$%se&
i# the +olite a#! %athe% ol!-fashio#e! la#$ae of s$)h o))asio#s& *ea#t si*+l(2
BYo$ ha"e #o b$si#ess he%e. 4e a%e oi# o#& so *a'e ,a( o% ,e shall fiht (o$WC
The( *ea#t to +$sh o# bet,ee# the 0o$#tai# a#! the loo+ of the %i"e%S fo% the
#a%%o, la#! the%e !i! #ot see* to be st%o#l( $a%!e!.
Ba%!& of )o$%se& %ef$se! to allo, the !,a%"es to o st%aiht o# to the 0o$#tai#. He
,as !ete%*i#e! to ,ait $#til the ol! a#! sil"e% ha! bee# b%o$ht o$t i# eF)ha#e
fo% the A%'e#sto#eS fo% he !i! #ot belie"e that this ,o$l! be !o#e& if o#)e the
fo%t%ess ,as *a##e! ,ith so la%e a#! ,a%li'e a )o*+a#(. The( ha! b%o$ht ,ith
the* a %eat sto%e of s$++liesS fo% the !,a%"es )a# )a%%( "e%( hea"( b$%!e#s& a#!
#ea%l( all of Dai#3s fol'& i# s+ite of thei% %a+i! *a%)h& bo%e h$e +a)'s o# thei% ba)'s
i# a!!itio# to thei% ,ea+o#s. The( ,o$l! sta#! a siee fo% ,ee's& a#! b( that ti*e
(et *o%e !,a%"es *iht )o*e& a#! (et *o%e& fo% Tho%i# ha! *a#( %elati"es. Also
the( ,o$l! be able to %eo+e# a#! $a%! so*e othe% ate& so that the besiee%s
,o$l! ha"e to e#)i%)le the ,hole *o$#tai#S a#! fo% that the( ha! #ot s$ffi)ie#t
#$*be%s.
These ,e%e& i# fa)t& +%e)isel( thei% +la#s @fo% the %a"e#-*esse#e%s ha! bee# b$s(
bet,ee# Tho%i# a#! Dai#AS b$t fo% the *o*e#t the ,a( ,as ba%%e!& so afte% a#%(
,o%!s the !,a%f-*esse#e%s %eti%e! *$tte%i# i# thei% bea%!s. Ba%! the# se#t
*esse#e%s at o#)e to the GateS b$t the( fo$#! #o ol! o% +a(*e#t. A%%o,s )a*e
fo%th as soo# as the( ,e%e ,ithi# shot& a#! the( haste#e! ba)' i# !is*a(. I# the
)a*+ all ,as #o, asti%& as if fo% battleS fo% the !,a%"es of Dai# ,e%e a!"a#)i# alo#
the easte%# ba#'.
B1oolsWC la$he! Ba%!& Bto )o*e th$s be#eath the 0o$#tai#3s a%*W The( !o #ot
$#!e%sta#! ,a% abo"e %o$#!& ,hate"e% the( *a( '#o, of battle i# the *i#es.
The%e a%e *a#( of o$% a%)he%s a#! s+ea%*e# #o, hi!!e# i# the %o)'s $+o# thei%
%iht fla#'. D,a%f-*ail *a( be oo!& b$t the( ,ill soo# be ha%! +$t to it. Let $s set
o# the* #o, f%o* both si!es& befo%e the( a%e f$ll( %este!WC
B$t the El"e#'i# sai!2 BLo# ,ill I ta%%(& e%e I bei# this ,a% fo% ol!. The !,a%"es
)a##ot +ass $s& $#less ,e ,ill& o% !o a#(thi# that ,e )a##ot *a%'. Let $s ho+e still
fo% so*ethi# that ,ill b%i# %e)o#)iliatio#. O$% a!"a#tae i# #$*be%s ,ill be
e#o$h& if i# the e#! it *$st )o*e to $#ha++( blo,s.C
B$t he %e)'o#e! ,itho$t the !,a%"es. The '#o,le!e that the A%'e#sto#e ,as i#
the ha#!s of the besiee%s b$%#e! i# thei% tho$htsS also the( $esse! the
hesitatio# of Ba%! a#! his f%ie#!s& a#! %esol"e! to st%i'e ,hile the( !ebate!.
/$!!e#l( ,itho$t a si#al the( s+%a# sile#tl( fo%,a%! to atta)'. Bo,s t,a#e! a#!
a%%o,s ,histle!S battle ,as abo$t to be Poi#e!.
/till *o%e s$!!e#l( a !a%'#ess )a*e o# ,ith !%ea!f$l s,ift#essW A bla)' )lo$!
h$%%ie! o"e% the s'(. 4i#te% th$#!e% o# a ,il! ,i#! %olle! %oa%i# $+ a#! %$*ble!
i# the 0o$#tai#& a#! liht#i# lit its +ea'. A#! be#eath the th$#!e% a#othe%
bla)'#ess )o$l! be see# ,hi%li# fo%,a%!S b$t it !i! #ot )o*e ,ith the ,i#!& it )a*e
f%o* the No%th& li'e a "ast )lo$! of bi%!s& so !e#se that #o liht )o$l! be see#
bet,ee# thei% ,i#s.
BHaltWC )%ie! Ga#!alf& ,ho a++ea%e! s$!!e#l(& a#! stoo! alo#e& ,ith a%*s $+lifte!&
bet,ee# the a!"a#)i# !,a%"es a#! the %a#'s a,aiti# the*. BHaltWC he )alle! i# a
"oi)e li'e th$#!e%& a#! his staff blaHe! fo%th ,ith a flash li'e the liht#i#. BD%ea!
has )o*e $+o# (o$ allW AlasW it has )o*e *o%e s,iftl( tha# I $esse!. The Gobli#s
a%e $+o# (o$W Bol
Q
of the No%th is )o*i#& O Dai#W ,hose fathe% (o$ sle, i# 0o%ia. Behol!W the bats
a%e abo"e his a%*( li'e a sea of lo)$sts. The( %i!e $+o# ,ol"es a#! 4a%s a%e i#
thei% t%ai#WC
A*aHe*e#t a#! )o#f$sio# fell $+o# the* all. E"e# as Ga#!alf ha! bee# s+ea'i# the
!a%'#ess %e,. The !,a%"es halte! a#! aHe! at the s'(. The el"es )%ie! o$t ,ith
*a#( "oi)es.
BCo*eWC )alle! Ga#!alf. BThe%e is (et ti*e fo% )o$#)il. Let Dai# so# of Nai# )o*e
s,iftl( to $sWC
/o bea# a battle that #o#e ha! eF+e)te!S a#! it ,as )alle! the Battle of 1i"e A%*ies& a#! it
,as "e%( te%%ible. 8+o# o#e si!e ,e%e the Gobli#s a#! the 4il! 4ol"es& a#! $+o# the othe%
,e%e El"es a#! 0e# a#! D,a%"es. This is ho, it fell o$t. E"e% si#)e the fall of the G%eat Gobli#
of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s the hat%e! of thei% %a)e fo% the !,a%"es ha! bee# %e'i#!le! to f$%(.
0esse#e%s ha! +asse! to a#! f%o bet,ee# all thei% )ities& )olo#ies a#! st%o#hol!sS fo% the(
%esol"e! #o, to ,i# the !o*i#io# of the No%th. Ti!i#s the( ha! athe%e! i# se)%et ,a(sS a#!
i# all the *o$#tai#s the%e ,as a fo%i# a#! a# a%*i#. The# the( *a%)he! a#! athe%e! b(
hill a#! "alle(& oi# e"e% b( t$##el o% $#!e% !a%'& $#til a%o$#! a#! be#eath the %eat
*o$#tai# G$#!aba! of the No%th& ,he%e ,as thei% )a+ital& a "ast host ,as asse*ble! %ea!( to
s,ee+ !o,# i# ti*e of sto%* $#a,a%es
$+o# the /o$th. The# the( lea%#e! of the !eath of /*a$& a#! Po( ,as i# thei%
hea%tsS a#! the( haste#e! #iht afte% #iht th%o$h the *o$#tai#s& a#! )a*e th$s
at last o# a s$!!e# f%o* the No%th ha%! o# the heels of Dai#. Not e"e# the %a"e#s
'#e, of thei% )o*i# $#til the( )a*e o$t i# the b%o'e# la#!s ,hi)h !i"i!e! the
Lo#el( 0o$#tai# f%o* the hills behi#!. Ho, *$)h Ga#!alf '#e, )a##ot be sai!& b$t
it is +lai# that he ha! #ot eF+e)te! this s$!!e# assa$lt.
This is the +la# that he *a!e i# )o$#)il ,ith the El"e#-'i# a#! ,ith Ba%!S a#! ,ith
Dai#& fo% the !,a%f-lo%! #o, Poi#e! the*2 the Gobli#s ,e%e the foes of all& a#! at
thei% )o*i# all othe% .$a%%els ,e%e fo%otte#. Thei% o#l( ho+e ,as to l$%e the
obli#s i#to the "alle( bet,ee# the a%*s of the 0o$#tai#S a#! the*sel"es to *a#
the %eat s+$%s that st%$)' so$th a#! east. Yet this ,o$l! be +e%ilo$s& if the obli#s
,e%e i# s$ffi)ie#t #$*be%s to o"e%%$# the 0o$#tai# itself& a#! so atta)' the* also
f%o* behi#! a#! abo"eS b$t the%e ,as #o ti*e to *a'e a#( othe% +la#& o% to
s$**o# a#( hel+.
/oo# the th$#!e% +asse!& %olli# a,a( to the /o$th-EastS b$t the bat-)lo$! )a*e&
fl(i# lo,e%& o"e% the sho$l!e% of the 0o$#tai#& a#! ,hi%le! abo"e the* sh$tti#
o$t the liht a#! filli# the* ,ith !%ea!.
BTo the 0o$#tai#WC )alle! Ba%!. BTo the 0o$#tai#W Let $s ta'e o$% +la)es ,hile the%e
is (et ti*eWC
O# the /o$the%# s+$%& i# its lo,e% slo+es a#! i# the %o)'s at its feet& the El"es ,e%e
setS o# the Easte%# s+$% ,e%e *e# a#! !,a%"es. B$t Ba%! a#! so*e of the #i*blest
of *e# a#! el"es )li*be! to the heiht of the Easte%# sho$l!e% to ai# a "ie, to the
No%th. /oo# the( )o$l! see the la#!s befo%e the 0o$#tai#3s feet bla)' ,ith a
h$%%(i# *$ltit$!e. E%e lo# the "a#$a%! s,i%le! %o$#! the s+$%3s e#! a#! )a*e
%$shi# i#to Dale. These ,e%e the s,iftest ,olf-%i!e%s& a#! al%ea!( thei% )%ies a#!
ho,ls %e#t the ai% afa%. A fe, b%a"e *e# ,e%e st%$# befo%e the* to *a'e a fei#t of
%esista#)e& a#! *a#( the%e fell befo%e the %est !%e, ba)' a#! fle! to eithe% si!e. As
Ga#!alf ha! ho+e!& the obli# a%*( ha! athe%e! behi#! the %esiste! "a#$a%!& a#!
+o$%e! #o, i# %ae i#to the "alle(& !%i"i# ,il!l( $+ bet,ee# the a%*s of the
0o$#tai#& see'i# fo% the foe. Thei% ba##e%s ,e%e )o$#tless& bla)' a#! %e!& a#! the(
)a*e o# li'e a ti!e i# f$%( a#! !iso%!e%.
It ,as a te%%ible battle. The *ost !%ea!f$l of all Bilbo3s eF+e%ie#)es& a#! the o#e
,hi)h at the ti*e he hate! *ostU,hi)h is to sa( it ,as the o#e he ,as *ost +%o$!
of& a#! *ost fo#! of %e)alli# lo# afte%,a%!s& altho$h he ,as .$ite $#i*+o%ta#t
i# it. A)t$all( I *a( sa( he +$t o# his %i# ea%l( i# the b$si#ess& a#! "a#ishe! f%o*
siht& if #ot f%o* all !a#e%. A *ai) %i# of that so%t is #ot a )o*+lete +%ote)tio# i#
a obli# )ha%e& #o% !oes it sto+ fl(i# a%%o,s a#! ,il! s+ea%sS b$t it !oes hel+ i#
etti# o$t of the ,a(& a#! it +%e"e#ts (o$% hea! f%o* bei# s+e)iall( )hose# fo% a
s,ee+i# st%o'e b( a obli# s,o%!s*a#.
The el"es ,e%e the fi%st to )ha%e. Thei% hat%e! fo% the obli#s is )ol! a#! bitte%.
Thei% s+ea%s a#! s,o%!s sho#e i# the loo* ,ith a lea* of )hill fla*e& so !ea!l(
,as the ,%ath of the ha#!s that hel! the*. As soo# as the host of thei% e#e*ies
,as !e#se i# the "alle(& the( se#t aai#st it a sho,e% of a%%o,s& a#! ea)h fli)'e%e! as
it fle! as if ,ith sti#i# fi%e. Behi#! the a%%o,s a tho$sa#! of thei% s+ea%*e# lea+t
!o,# a#! )ha%e!. The (ells ,e%e !eafe#i#. The %o)'s ,e%e stai#e! bla)' ,ith
obli# bloo!.
J$st as the obli#s ,e%e %e)o"e%i# f%o* the o#sla$ht a#! the elf-)ha%e ,as
halte!& the%e %ose f%o* a)%oss the "alle( a !ee+-th%oate! %oa%. 4ith )%ies of
B0o%iaWC a#! BDai#& Dai#WC the !,a%"es of the I%o# Hills +l$#e! i#& ,iel!i# thei%
*atto)'s& $+o# the othe% si!eS a#! besi!e the* )a*e the *e# of the La'e ,ith lo#
s,o%!s.
5a#i) )a*e $+o# the Gobli#sS a#! e"e# as the( t$%#e! to *eet this #e, atta)'& the
el"es )ha%e! aai# ,ith %e#e,e! #$*be%s. Al%ea!( *a#( of the obli#s ,e%e fl(i#
ba)' !o,# the %i"e% to es)a+e f%o* the t%a+S a#! *a#( of thei% o,# ,ol"es ,e%e
t$%#i# $+o# the* a#! %e#!i# the !ea! a#! the ,o$#!e!. 7i)to%( see*e! at ha#!&
,he# a )%( %a# o$t o# the heihts abo"e.
Gobli#s ha! s)ale! the 0o$#tai# f%o* the othe% si!e a#! al%ea!( *a#( ,e%e o# the
slo+es abo"e the Gate& a#! othe%s ,e%e st%ea*i# !o,# %e)'lessl(& hee!less of
those that fell s)%ea*i# f%o* )liff a#! +%e)i+i)e& to atta)' the s+$%s f%o* abo"e.
Ea)h of these )o$l! be %ea)he! b( +aths that %a# !o,# f%o* the *ai# *ass of the
0o$#tai# i# the )e#t%eS a#! the !efe#!e%s ha! too fe, to ba% the ,a( fo% lo#.
7i)to%( #o, "a#ishe! f%o* ho+e. The( ha! o#l( ste**e! the fi%st o#sla$ht of the
bla)' ti!e.
Da( !%e, o#. The obli#s athe%e! aai# i# the "alle(. The%e a host of 4a%s )a*e
%a"e#i# a#! ,ith the* )a*e the bo!($a%! of Bol& obli#s of h$e siHe ,ith
s)i*ita%s of steel. /oo# a)t$al !a%'#ess ,as )o*i# i#to a sto%*( s'(S ,hile still the
%eat bats s,i%le! abo$t the hea!s a#! ea%s of el"es a#! *e#& o% faste#e! "a*+i%e-
li'e o# the st%i)'e#. No, Ba%! ,as fihti# to !efe#! the Easte%# s+$%& a#! (et
i"i# slo,l( ba)'S a#! the elf-lo%!s ,e%e at ba( abo$t thei% 'i# $+o# the so$the%#
a%*& #ea% to the ,at)h-+ost o# Ra"e#hill.
/$!!e#l( the%e ,as a %eat sho$t& a#! f%o* the Gate )a*e a t%$*+et )all. The( ha!
fo%otte# Tho%i#W 5a%t of the ,all& *o"e! b( le"e%s& fell o$t,a%! ,ith a )%ash i#to
the +ool. O$t lea+t the Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#& a#! his )o*+a#io#s follo,e! hi*.
Hoo! a#! )loa' ,e%e o#eS the( ,e%e i# shi#i# a%*o$%& a#! %e! liht lea+t f%o*
thei% e(es. I# the loo* the %eat !,a%f lea*e! li'e ol! i# a !(i# fi%e.
Ro)'s ,e%e h$%le! !o,# f%o* o# hih b( the obli#s abo"eS b$t the( hel! o#& lea+t
!o,# to the falls3 foot& a#! %$she! fo%,a%! to battle. 4olf a#! %i!e% fell o% fle!
befo%e the*. Tho%i# ,iel!e! his aFe ,ith *iht( st%o'es& a#! #othi# see*e! to
ha%* hi*.
BTo *eW To *eW El"es a#! 0e#W To *eW O *( 'i#sfol'WC he )%ie!& a#! his "oi)e shoo'
li'e a ho%# i# the "alle(.
Do,#& hee!less of o%!e%& %$she! all the !,a%"es of Dai# to his hel+. Do,# too )a*e
*a#( of the La'e-*e#& fo% Ba%! )o$l! #ot %est%ai# the*S a#! o$t $+o# the othe%
si!e )a*e *a#( of the s+ea%*e# of the el"es. O#)e aai# the obli#s ,e%e st%i)'e#
i# the "alle(S a#! the( ,e%e +ile! i# hea+s till Dale ,as !a%' a#! hi!eo$s ,ith thei%
)o%+ses. The 4a%s ,e%e s)atte%e! a#! Tho%i# !%o"e %iht aai#st the bo!($a%! of
Bol. B$t he )o$l! #ot +ie%)e thei% %a#'s.
Al%ea!( behi#! hi* a*o# the obli# !ea! la( *a#( *e# a#! *a#( !,a%"es& a#!
*a#( a fai% elf that sho$l! ha"e li"e! (et lo# aes *e%%il( i# the ,oo!. A#! as the
"alle( ,i!e#e! his o#set %e, e"e% slo,e%. His #$*be%s ,e%e too fe,. His fla#'s
,e%e $#$a%!e!. /oo# the atta)'e%s ,e%e atta)'e!& a#! the( ,e%e fo%)e! i#to a
%eat %i#& fa)i# e"e%( ,a(& he**e! all abo$t ,ith obli#s a#! ,ol"es %et$%#i# to
the assa$lt. The bo!($a%! of Bol )a*e ho,li# aai#st the*& a#! !%o"e i# $+o#
thei% %a#'s li'e ,a"es $+o# )liffs of sa#!. Thei% f%ie#!s )o$l! #ot hel+ the*& fo% the
assa$lt f%o* the 0o$#tai# ,as %e#e,e! ,ith %e!o$ble! fo%)e& a#! $+o# eithe% si!e
*e# a#! el"es ,e%e bei# slo,l( beate# !o,#.
O# all this Bilbo loo'e! ,ith *ise%(. He ha! ta'e# his sta#! o# Ra"e#hill a*o# the
El"esU+a%tl( be)a$se the%e ,as *o%e )ha#)e of es)a+e f%o* that +oi#t& a#! +a%tl(
@,ith the *o%e Too'ish +a%t of his *i#!A be)a$se if he ,as oi# to be i# a last
!es+e%ate sta#!& he +%efe%%e! o# the ,hole to !efe#! the El"e#'i#. Ga#!alf& too& I
*a( sa(& ,as the%e& sitti# o# the %o$#! as if i# !ee+ tho$ht& +%e+a%i#& I s$++ose&
so*e last blast of *ai) befo%e the e#!.
That !i! #ot see* fa% off. BIt ,ill #ot be lo# #o,&C tho$ht Bilbo& Bbefo%e the
obli#s ,i# the Gate& a#! ,e a%e all sla$hte%e! o% !%i"e# !o,# a#! )a+t$%e!.
Reall( it is e#o$h to *a'e o#e ,ee+& afte% all o#e has o#e th%o$h. I ,o$l! %athe%
ol! /*a$ ha! bee# left ,ith all the ,%et)he! t%eas$%e& tha# that these "ile
)%eat$%es sho$l! et it& a#! +oo% ol! Bo*b$%& a#! Bali# a#! 1ili a#! Kili a#! all the
%est )o*e to a ba! e#!S a#! Ba%! too& a#! the La'e-*e# a#! the *e%%( el"es. 0ise%(
*eW I ha"e hea%! so#s of *a#( battles& a#! I ha"e al,a(s $#!e%stoo! that !efeat
*a( be lo%io$s. It see*s "e%( $#)o*fo%table& #ot to sa( !ist%essi#. I ,ish I ,as ,ell
o$t of it.C
The )lo$!s ,e%e to%# b( the ,i#!& a#! a %e! s$#set slashe! the 4est. /eei# the
s$!!e# lea* i# the loo* Bilbo loo'e! %o$#!. He a"e a %eat )%(2 he ha! see# a
siht that *a!e his hea%t lea+& !a%' sha+es s*all (et *aPesti) aai#st the !ista#t
lo,.
BThe EalesW The EalesWC he sho$te!. BThe Eales a%e )o*i#WC
Bilbo3s e(es ,e%e sel!o* ,%o#. The eales ,e%e )o*i# !o,# the ,i#!& li#e afte%
li#e& i# s$)h a host as *$st ha"e athe%e! f%o* all the e(%ies of the No%th.
BThe EalesW the EalesWC Bilbo )%ie!& !a#)i# a#! ,a"i# his a%*s. If the el"es )o$l!
#ot see hi* the( )o$l! hea% hi*. /oo# the( too too' $+ the )%(& a#! it e)hoe!
a)%oss the "alle(. 0a#( ,o#!e%i# e(es loo'e! $+& tho$h as (et #othi# )o$l! be
see# eF)e+t f%o* the so$the%# sho$l!e%s of the 0o$#tai#.
BThe EalesWC )%ie! Bilbo o#)e *o%e& b$t at that *o*e#t a sto#e h$%tli# f%o* abo"e
s*ote hea"il( o# his hel*& a#! he fell ,ith a )%ash a#! '#e, #o *o%e.
Cha+te% 97III
THE RET8RN JO8RNEY
4he# Bilbo )a*e to hi*self& he ,as lite%all( b( hi*self. He ,as l(i# o# the flat sto#es of
Ra"e#hill& a#! #o o#e ,as #ea%. A )lo$!less !a(& b$t )ol!& ,as b%oa! abo"e hi*. He ,as
sha'i#& a#! as )hille! as sto#e& b$t his hea! b$%#e! ,ith fi%e.
BNo, I ,o#!e% ,hat has ha++e#e!VC he sai! to hi*self. BAt a#( %ate I a* #ot (et
o#e of the falle# he%oesS b$t I s$++ose the%e is still ti*e e#o$h fo% thatWC
He sat $+ +ai#f$ll(. Loo'i# i#to the "alle( he )o$l! see #o li"i# obli#s. Afte% a
,hile as his hea! )lea%e! a little& he tho$ht he )o$l! see el"es *o"i# i# the %o)'s
belo,. He %$bbe! his e(es. /$%el( the%e ,as a )a*+ still i# the +lai# so*e !ista#)e
offS a#! the%e ,as a )o*i# a#! oi# abo$t the GateV D,a%"es see*e! to be b$s(
%e*o"i# the ,all. B$t all ,as !ea!l( still. The%e ,as #o )all a#! #o e)ho of a so#.
/o%%o, see*e! to be i# the ai%.
B7i)to%( afte% all& I s$++oseWC he sai!& feeli# his a)hi# hea!. B4ell& it see*s a "e%(
loo*( b$si#ess.C
/$!!e#l( he ,as a,a%e of a *a# )li*bi# $+ a#! )o*i# to,a%!s hi*.
BH$llo the%eWC he )alle! ,ith a sha'( "oi)e. BH$llo the%eW 4hat #e,sVC
B4hat "oi)e is it that s+ea's a*o# the sto#esVC sai! the *a# halti# a#! +ee%i#
abo$t hi* #ot fa% f%o* ,he%e Bilbo sat.
The# Bilbo %e*e*be%e! his %i#W B4ell I3* blesse!WC sai! he. BThis i#"isibilit( has its
!%a,ba)'s afte% all. Othe%,ise I s$++ose I *iht ha"e s+e#t a ,a%* a#!
)o*fo%table #iht i# be!WC
BIt3s *e& Bilbo Bai#s& )o*+a#io# of Tho%i#WC he )%ie!& h$%%ie!l( ta'i# off the %i#.
BIt is ,ell that I ha"e fo$#! (o$WC sai! the *a# st%i!i# fo%,a%!. BYo$ a%e #ee!e!
a#! ,e ha"e loo'e! fo% (o$ lo#. Yo$ ,o$l! ha"e bee# #$*be%e! a*o# the !ea!&
,ho a%e *a#(& if Ga#!alf the ,iHa%! ha! #ot sai! that (o$% "oi)e ,as last hea%! i#
this +la)e. I ha"e bee# se#t to loo' he%e fo% the last ti*e. A%e (o$ *$)h h$%tVC
BA #ast( '#o)' o# the hea!& I thi#'&C sai! Bilbo. BB$t I ha"e a hel* a#! a ha%! s'$ll.
All the sa*e I feel si)' a#! *( les a%e li'e st%a,s.C
BI ,ill )a%%( (o$ !o,# to the )a*+ i# the "alle(&C sai! the *a#& a#! +i)'e! hi* lihtl(
$+.
The *a# ,as s,ift a#! s$%e-foote!. It ,as #ot lo# befo%e Bilbo ,as set !o,#
befo%e a te#t i# DaleS a#! the%e stoo! Ga#!alf& ,ith his a%* i# a sli#. E"e# the
,iHa%! ha! #ot es)a+e! ,itho$t a ,o$#!S a#! the%e ,e%e fe, $#ha%*e! i# all the
host.
4he# Ga#!alf sa, Bilbo& he ,as !elihte!. BBai#sWC he eF)lai*e!. B4ell I #e"e%W
Ali"e afte% allUI a* la!W I bea# to ,o#!e% if e"e# (o$% l$)' ,o$l! see (o$
th%o$hW A te%%ible b$si#ess& a#! it #ea%l( ,as !isast%o$s. B$t othe% #e,s )a# ,ait.
Co*eWC he sai! *o%e %a"el(. BYo$ a%e )alle! fo%SC a#! lea!i# the hobbit he too'
hi* ,ithi# the te#t.
BHailW Tho%i#&C he sai! as he e#te%e!. BI ha"e b%o$ht hi*.C
The%e i#!ee! la( Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!& ,o$#!e! ,ith *a#( ,o$#!s& a#! his %e#t
a%*o$% a#! #ot)he! aFe ,e%e )ast $+o# the floo%. He loo'e! $+ as Bilbo )a*e
besi!e hi*.
B1a%e,ell& oo! thief&C he sai!. BI o #o, to the halls of ,aiti# to sit besi!e *(
fathe%s& $#til the ,o%l! is %e#e,e!. /i#)e I lea"e #o, all ol! a#! sil"e%& a#! o
,he%e it is of little ,o%th& I ,ish to +a%t i# f%ie#!shi+ f%o* (o$& a#! I ,o$l! ta'e
ba)' *( ,o%!s a#! !ee!s at the Gate.C
Bilbo '#elt o# o#e '#ee fille! ,ith so%%o,. B1a%e,ell& Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#WC he
sai!. BThis is a bitte% a!"e#t$%e& if it *$st e#! soS a#! #ot a *o$#tai# of ol! )a#
a*e#! it. Yet I a* la! that I ha"e sha%e! i# (o$% +e%ilsUthat has bee# *o%e tha#
a#( Bai#s !ese%"es.C
BNoWC sai! Tho%i#. BThe%e is *o%e i# (o$ of oo! tha# (o$ '#o,& )hil! of the 'i#!l(
4est. /o*e )o$%ae a#! so*e ,is!o*& ble#!e! i# *eas$%e. If *o%e of $s "al$e!
foo! a#! )hee% a#! so# abo"e hoa%!e! ol!& it ,o$l! be a *e%%ie% ,o%l!. B$t sa! o%
*e%%(& I *$st lea"e it #o,. 1a%e,ellWC
The# Bilbo t$%#e! a,a(& a#! he ,e#t b( hi*self& a#! sat alo#e ,%a++e! i# a bla#'et&
a#!& ,hethe% (o$ belie"e it o% #ot& he ,e+t $#til his e(es ,e%e %e! a#! his "oi)e ,as
hoa%se. He ,as a 'i#!l( little so$l. I#!ee! it ,as lo# befo%e he ha! the hea%t to
*a'e a Po'e aai#. BA *e%)( it is&C he sai! at last to hi*self& Bthat I ,o'e $+ ,he# I
!i!. I ,ish Tho%i# ,e%e li"i#& b$t I a* la! that ,e +a%te! i# 'i#!#ess. Yo$ a%e a
fool& Bilbo Bai#s& a#! (o$ *a!e a %eat *ess of that b$si#ess ,ith the sto#eS a#!
the%e ,as a battle& i# s+ite of all (o$% effo%ts to b$( +ea)e a#! .$iet& b$t I s$++ose
(o$ )a# ha%!l( be bla*e! fo% that.C
All that ha! ha++e#e! afte% he ,as st$##e!& Bilbo lea%#e! late%S b$t it a"e hi* *o%e so%%o,
tha# Po(& a#! he ,as #o, ,ea%( of his a!"e#t$%e. He ,as a)hi# i# his bo#es fo% the
ho*e,a%! Po$%#e(. That& ho,e"e%& ,as a little !ela(e!& so i# the *ea#ti*e I ,ill tell
so*ethi# of e"e#ts. The Eales ha! lo# ha! s$s+i)io# of the obli#s3 *$ste%i#S f%o* thei%
,at)hf$l#ess the *o"e*e#ts i# the *o$#tai#s )o$l! #ot be altoethe% hi!. /o the( too ha!
athe%e! i# %eat #$*be%s& $#!e% the %eat Eale of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#sS a#! at le#th
s*elli# battle f%o* afa% the( ha! )o*e s+ee!i# !o,# the ale i# the #i)' of ti*e. The( it
,as ,ho !islo!e! the obli#s f%o* the *o$#tai#-slo+es& )asti# the* o"e% +%e)i+i)es& o%
!%i"i# the* !o,# sh%ie'i# a#! be,il!e%e! a*o# thei% foes. It ,as #ot lo# befo%e the( ha!
f%ee! the Lo#el( 0o$#tai#& a#! el"es a#! *e# o# eithe% si!e of the "alle( )o$l! )o*e at last to
the hel+ of the battle belo,.
B$t e"e# ,ith the Eales the( ,e%e still o$t#$*be%e!. I# that last ho$% Beo%#
hi*self ha! a++ea%e!U#o o#e '#e, ho, o% f%o* ,he%e. He )a*e alo#e& a#! i#
bea%3s sha+eS a#! he see*e! to ha"e %o,# al*ost to ia#t-siHe i# his ,%ath.
The %oa% of his "oi)e ,as li'e !%$*s a#! $#sS a#! he tosse! ,ol"es a#! obli#s
f%o* his +ath li'e st%a,s a#! feathe%s. He fell $+o# thei% %ea%& a#! b%o'e li'e a )la+
of th$#!e% th%o$h the %i#. The !,a%"es ,e%e *a'i# a sta#! still abo$t thei% lo%!s
$+o# a lo, %o$#!e! hill. The# Beo%# stoo+e! a#! lifte! Tho%i#& ,ho ha! falle#
+ie%)e! ,ith s+ea%s& a#! bo%e hi* o$t of the f%a(.
/,iftl( he %et$%#e! a#! his ,%ath ,as %e!o$ble!& so that #othi# )o$l! ,ithsta#!
hi*& a#! #o ,ea+o# see*e! to bite $+o# hi*. He s)atte%e! the bo!($a%!& a#!
+$lle! !o,# Bol hi*self a#! )%$she! hi*. The# !is*a( fell o# the Gobli#s a#! the(
fle! i# all !i%e)tio#s. B$t ,ea%i#ess left thei% e#e*ies ,ith the )o*i# of #e, ho+e&
a#! the( +$%s$e! the* )losel(& a#! +%e"e#te! *ost of the* f%o* es)a+i# ,he%e
the( )o$l!. The( !%o"e *a#( of the* i#to the R$##i# Ri"e%& a#! s$)h as fle! so$th
o% ,est the( h$#te! i#to the *a%shes abo$t the 1o%est Ri"e%S a#! the%e the %eate%
+a%t of the last f$iti"es +e%ishe!& ,hile those that )a*e ha%!l( to the 4oo!-el"es3
%eal* ,e%e the%e slai#& o% !%a,# i# to !ie !ee+ i# the t%a)'less !a%' of 0i%',oo!.
/o#s ha"e sai! that th%ee +a%ts of the obli# ,a%%io%s of the No%th +e%ishe! o# that
!a(& a#! the *o$#tai#s ha! +ea)e fo% *a#( a (ea%.
7i)to%( ha! bee# ass$%e! befo%e the fall of #ihtS b$t the +$%s$it ,as still o# foot&
,he# Bilbo %et$%#e! to the )a*+S a#! #ot *a#( ,e%e i# the "alle( sa"e the *o%e
%ie"o$sl( ,o$#!e!.
B4he%e a%e the EalesVC he as'e! Ga#!alf that e"e#i#& as he la( ,%a++e! i# *a#(
,a%* bla#'ets.
B/o*e a%e i# the h$#t&C sai! the ,iHa%!& Bb$t *ost ha"e o#e ba)' to thei% e(%ies.
The( ,o$l! #ot sta( he%e& a#! !e+a%te! ,ith the fi%st liht of *o%#i#. Dai# has
)%o,#e! thei% )hief ,ith ol!& a#! s,o%# f%ie#!shi+ ,ith the* fo%e"e%.C
BI a* so%%(. I *ea#& I sho$l! ha"e li'e! to see the* aai#&C sai! Bilbo slee+il(S
B+e%ha+s I shall see the* o# the ,a( ho*e. I s$++ose I shall be oi# ho*e soo#VC
BAs soo# as (o$ li'e&C sai! the ,iHa%!.
A)t$all( it ,as so*e !a(s befo%e Bilbo %eall( set o$t. The( b$%ie! Tho%i# !ee+
be#eath the 0o$#tai#& a#! Ba%! lai! the A%'e#sto#e $+o# his b%east.
BThe%e let it lie till the 0o$#tai# fallsWC he sai!. B0a( it b%i# oo! fo%t$#e to all his
fol' that !,ell he%e afte%WC
8+o# his to*b the El"e#'i# the# lai! O%)%ist& the el"ish s,o%! that ha! bee# ta'e#
f%o* Tho%i# i# )a+ti"it(. It is sai! i# so#s that it lea*e! e"e% i# the !a%' if foes
a++%oa)he!& a#! the fo%t%ess of the !,a%"es )o$l! #ot be ta'e# b( s$%+%ise. The%e
#o, Dai# so# of Nai# too' $+ his abo!e& a#! he be)a*e Ki# $#!e% the 0o$#tai#&
a#! i# ti*e *a#( othe% !,a%"es athe%e! to his th%o#e i# the a#)ie#t halls. Of the
t,el"e )o*+a#io#s of Tho%i#& te# %e*ai#e!. 1ili a#! Kili ha! falle# !efe#!i# hi*
,ith shiel! a#! bo!(& fo% he ,as thei% *othe%3s el!e% b%othe%. The othe%s %e*ai#e!
,ith Dai#S fo% Dai# !ealt his t%eas$%e ,ell.
The%e ,as& of )o$%se& #o lo#e% a#( .$estio# of !i"i!i# the hoa%! i# s$)h sha%es as
ha! bee# +la##e!& to Bali# a#! D,ali#& a#! Do%i a#! No%i a#! O%i& a#! Oi# a#!
Gloi#& a#! Bif$% a#! Bof$% a#! Bo*b$%Uo% to Bilbo. Yet a fo$%tee#th sha%e of all the
sil"e% a#! ol!& ,%o$ht a#! $#,%o$ht& ,as i"e# $+ to Ba%!S fo% Dai# sai!2 B4e
,ill ho#o$% the a%ee*e#t of the !ea!& a#! he has #o, the A%'e#sto#e i# his
'ee+i#.C
E"e# a fo$%tee#th sha%e ,as ,ealth eF)ee!i#l( %eat& %eate% tha# that of *a#(
*o%tal 'i#s. 1%o* that t%eas$%e Ba%! se#t *$)h ol! to the 0aste% of La'e-to,#S
a#! he %e,a%!e! his follo,e%s a#! f%ie#!s f%eel(. To the El"e#'i# he a"e the
e*e%al!s of Gi%io#& s$)h Pe,els as he *ost lo"e!& ,hi)h Dai# ha! %esto%e! to hi*.
To Bilbo he sai!2 BThis t%eas$%e is as *$)h (o$%s as it is *i#eS tho$h ol! a%ee*e#ts
)a##ot sta#!& si#)e so *a#( ha"e a )lai* i# its ,i##i# a#! !efe#)e. Yet e"e#
tho$h (o$ ,e%e ,illi# to la( asi!e all (o$% )lai*& I sho$l! ,ish that the ,o%!s of
Tho%i#& of ,hi)h he %e+e#te!& sho$l! #ot +%o"e t%$e2 that ,e sho$l! i"e (o$ little. I
,o$l! %e,a%! (o$ *ost %i)hl( of all.C
B7e%( 'i#! of (o$&C sai! Bilbo. BB$t %eall( it is a %elief to *e. Ho, o# ea%th sho$l! I
ha"e ot all that t%eas$%e ho*e ,itho$t ,a% a#! *$%!e% all alo# the ,a(& I !o#3t
'#o,. A#! I !o#3t '#o, ,hat I sho$l! ha"e !o#e ,ith it ,he# I ot ho*e. I a* s$%e
it is bette% i# (o$% ha#!s.C
I# the e#! he ,o$l! o#l( ta'e t,o s*all )hests& o#e fille! ,ith sil"e%& a#! the othe%
,ith ol!& s$)h as o#e st%o# +o#( )o$l! )a%%(. BThat ,ill be .$ite as *$)h as I )a#
*a#ae&C sai! he.
At last the ti*e )a*e fo% hi* to sa( oo!-b(e to his f%ie#!s. B1a%e,ell& Bali#WC he
sai!S Ba#! fa%e,ell& D,ali#S a#! fa%e,ell Do%i& No%i& O%i& Oi#& Gloi#& Bif$%& Bof$%& a#!
Bo*b$%W 0a( (o$% bea%!s #e"e% %o, thi#WC A#! t$%#i# to,a%!s the 0o$#tai# he
a!!e!2 B1a%e,ell Tho%i# Oa'e#shiel!W A#! 1ili a#! KiliW 0a( (o$% *e*o%( #e"e%
fa!eWC
The# the !,a%"es bo,e! lo, befo%e thei% Gate& b$t ,o%!s st$)' i# thei% th%oats.
BGoo!-b(e a#! oo! l$)'& ,he%e"e% (o$ fa%eWC sai! Bali# at last. BIf e"e% (o$ "isit $s
aai#& ,he# o$% halls a%e *a!e fai% o#)e *o%e& the# the feast shall i#!ee! be
s+le#!i!WC
BIf e"e% (o$ a%e +assi# *( ,a(&C sai! Bilbo& B!o#3t ,ait to '#o)'W Tea is at fo$%S b$t
a#( of (o$ a%e ,el)o*e at a#( ti*eWC
The# he t$%#e! a,a(.
The elf-host ,as o# the *a%)hS a#! if it ,as sa!l( lesse#e!& (et *a#( ,e%e la!& fo% #o, the
#o%the%# ,o%l! ,o$l! be *e%%ie% fo% *a#( a lo# !a(. The !%ao# ,as !ea!& a#! the obli#s
o"e%th%o,#& a#! thei% hea%ts loo'e! fo%,a%! afte% ,i#te% to a s+%i# of Po(.
Ga#!alf a#! Bilbo %o!e behi#! the El"e#'i#& a#! besi!e the* st%o!e Beo%#& o#)e
aai# i# *a#3s sha+e& a#! he la$he! a#! sa# i# a lo$! "oi)e $+o# the %oa!. /o
the( ,e#t o# $#til the( !%e, #ea% to the bo%!e%s of 0i%',oo!& to the #o%th of the
+la)e ,he%e the 1o%est Ri"e% %a# o$t. The# the( halte!& fo% the ,iHa%! a#! Bilbo
,o$l! #ot e#te% the ,oo!& e"e# tho$h the 'i# ba!e the* sta( a ,hile i# his halls.
The( i#te#!e! to o alo# the e!e of the fo%est& a#! %o$#! its #o%the%# e#! i# the
,aste that la( bet,ee# it a#! the bei##i# of the G%e( 0o$#tai#s. It ,as a lo#
a#! )hee%less %oa!& b$t #o, that the obli#s ,e%e )%$she!& it see*e! safe% to the*
tha# the !%ea!f$l +ath,a(s $#!e% the t%ees. 0o%eo"e% Beo%# ,as oi# that ,a(
too.
B1a%e,ellW O El"e#'i#WC sai! Ga#!alf. B0e%%( be the %ee#,oo!& ,hile the ,o%l! is
(et (o$#W A#! *e%%( be all (o$% fol'WC
B1a%e,ellW O Ga#!alfWC sai! the 'i#. B0a( (o$ e"e% a++ea% ,he%e (o$ a%e *ost
#ee!e! a#! least eF+e)te!W The ofte#e% (o$ a++ea% i# *( halls the bette% shall I be
+lease!WC
BI be of (o$&C sai! Bilbo sta**e%i# a#! sta#!i# o# o#e foot& Bto a))e+t this iftWC
a#! he b%o$ht o$t a #e)'la)e of sil"e% a#! +ea%ls that Dai# ha! i"e# hi* at thei%
+a%ti#.
BI# ,hat ,a( ha"e I ea%#e! s$)h a ift& O hobbitVC sai! the 'i#.
B4ell& e%& I tho$ht& !o#3t (o$ '#o,&C sai! Bilbo %athe% )o#f$se!& Bthat& e%& so*e
little %et$%# sho$l! be *a!e fo% (o$%& e%& hos+italit(. I *ea# e"e# a b$%la% has his
feeli#s. I ha"e !%$#' *$)h of (o$% ,i#e a#! eate# *$)h of (o$% b%ea!.C
BI ,ill ta'e (o$% ift& O Bilbo the 0a#ifi)e#tWC sai! the 'i# %a"el(. BA#! I #a*e (o$
elf-f%ie#! a#! blesse!. 0a( (o$% sha!o, #e"e% %o, less @o% steali# ,o$l! be too
eas(AW 1a%e,ellWC
The# the el"es t$%#e! to,a%!s the 1o%est& a#! Bilbo sta%te! o# his lo# %oa! ho*e.
He ha! *a#( ha%!shi+s a#! a!"e#t$%es befo%e he ot ba)'. The 4il! ,as still the 4il!& a#!
the%e ,e%e *a#( othe% thi#s i# it i# those !a(s besi!e obli#sS b$t he ,as ,ell $i!e! a#!
,ell $a%!e!Uthe ,iHa%! ,as ,ith hi*& a#! Beo%# fo% *$)h of the ,a(Ua#! he ,as #e"e% i#
%eat !a#e% aai#. A#(,a( b( *i!,i#te% Ga#!alf a#! Bilbo ha! )o*e all the ,a( ba)'& alo#
both e!es of the 1o%est& to the !oo%s of Beo%#3s ho$seS a#! the%e fo% a ,hile the( both
sta(e!. Y$le-ti!e ,as ,a%* a#! *e%%( the%eS a#! *e# )a*e f%o* fa% a#! ,i!e to feast at
Beo%#3s bi!!i#. The obli#s of the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s ,e%e #o, fe, a#! te%%ifie!& a#! hi!!e# i#
the !ee+est holes the( )o$l! fi#!S a#! the 4a%s ha! "a#ishe! f%o* the ,oo!s& so that *e#
,e#t ab%oa! ,itho$t fea%. Beo%# i#!ee! be)a*e a %eat )hief afte%,a%!s i# those %eio#s a#!
%$le! a ,i!e la#! bet,ee# the *o$#tai#s a#! the ,oo!S a#! it is sai! that fo% *a#(
e#e%atio#s the *e# of his li#e ha! the +o,e% of ta'i# bea%3s sha+e& a#! so*e ,e%e %i* *e#
a#! ba!& b$t *ost ,e%e i# hea%t li'e Beo%#& if less i# siHe a#! st%e#th. I# thei% !a( the last
obli#s ,e%e h$#te! f%o* the 0ist( 0o$#tai#s a#! a #e, +ea)e )a*e o"e% the e!e of the
4il!.
It ,as s+%i#& a#! a fai% o#e ,ith *il! ,eathe%s a#! a b%iht s$#& befo%e Bilbo a#!
Ga#!alf too' thei% lea"e at last of Beo%#& a#! tho$h he lo#e! fo% ho*e& Bilbo left
,ith %e%et& fo% the flo,e%s of the a%!e#s of Beo%# ,e%e i# s+%i#ti*e #o less
*a%"ello$s tha# i# hih s$**e%.
At last the( )a*e $+ the lo# %oa!& a#! %ea)he! the "e%( +ass ,he%e the obli#s ha!
)a+t$%e! the* befo%e. B$t the( )a*e to that hih +oi#t at *o%#i#& a#! loo'i#
ba)',a%! the( sa, a ,hite s$# shi#i# o"e% the o$tst%et)he! la#!s. The%e behi#! la(
0i%',oo!& bl$e i# the !ista#)e& a#! !a%'l( %ee# at the #ea%e% e!e e"e# i# the
s+%i#. The%e fa% a,a( ,as the Lo#el( 0o$#tai# o# the e!e of e(esiht. O# its
hihest +ea' s#o, (et $#*elte! ,as lea*i# +ale.
B/o )o*es s#o, afte% fi%e& a#! e"e# !%ao#s ha"e thei% e#!i#WC sai! Bilbo& a#! he
t$%#e! his ba)' o# his a!"e#t$%e. The Too'ish +a%t ,as etti# "e%( ti%e!& a#! the
Bai#s ,as !ail( etti# st%o#e%. BI ,ish #o, o#l( to be i# *( o,# a%*)hai%WC he
sai!.
Cha+te% 9I9
THE LA/T /TAGE
It ,as o# 0a( the 1i%st that the t,o )a*e ba)' at last to the b%i#' of the "alle( of Ri"e#!ell&
,he%e stoo! the Last @o% the 1i%stA Ho*el( Ho$se. Aai# it ,as e"e#i#& thei% +o#ies ,e%e
ti%e!& es+e)iall( the o#e that )a%%ie! the baaeS a#! the( all felt i# #ee! of %est. As the( %o!e
!o,# the stee+ +ath& Bilbo hea%! the el"es still si#i# i# the t%ees& as if the( ha! #ot sto++e!
si#)e he leftS a#! as soo# as the %i!e%s )a*e !o,# i#to the lo,e% la!es of the ,oo! the( b$%st
i#to a so# of *$)h the sa*e 'i#! as befo%e. This is so*ethi# li'e it2
The !%ao# is ,ithe%e!&
His bo#es a%e #o, )%$*ble!S
His a%*o$% is shi"e%e!&
His s+le#!o$% is h$*ble!W
Tho$h s,o%! shall be %$ste!&
A#! th%o#e a#! )%o,# +e%ish
4ith st%e#th that *e# t%$ste!
A#! ,ealth that the( )he%ish&
He%e %ass is still %o,i#&
A#! lea"es a%e (et s,i#i#&
The ,hite ,ate% flo,i#&
A#! el"es a%e (et si#i#
Co*eW T%a-la-la-lall(W
Co*e ba)' to the "alle(W
The sta%s a%e fa% b%ihte%
Tha# e*s ,itho$t *eas$%e&
The *oo# is fa% ,hite%
Tha# sil"e% i# t%eas$%eS
The fi%e is *o%e shi#i#
O# hea%th i# the loa*i#
Tha# ol! ,o# b( *i#i#&
/o ,h( o a-%oa*i#V
OW T%a-la-la-lall(
Co*e ba)' to the 7alle(.
OW 4he%e a%e (o$ oi#&
/o late i# %et$%#i#V
The %i"e% is flo,i#&
The sta%s a%e all b$%#i#W
OW 4hithe% so la!e#&
/o sa! a#! so !%ea%(V
He%e elf a#! elf-*ai!e#
No, ,el)o*e the ,ea%(
4ith T%a-la-la-lall(
Co*e ba)' to the 7alle(&
T%a-la-la-lall(
1a-la-la-lall(
1a-laW
The# the el"es of the "alle( )a*e o$t a#! %eete! the* a#! le! the* a)%oss the
,ate% to the ho$se of El%o#!. The%e a ,a%* ,el)o*e ,as *a!e the*& a#! the%e
,e%e *a#( eae% ea%s that e"e#i# to hea% the tale of thei% a!"e#t$%es. Ga#!alf it
,as ,ho s+o'e& fo% Bilbo ,as falle# .$iet a#! !%o,s(. 0ost of the tale he '#e,& fo%
he ha! bee# i# it& a#! ha! hi*self tol! *$)h of it to the ,iHa%! o# thei% ho*e,a%!
,a( o% i# the ho$se of Beo%#S b$t e"e%( #o, a#! aai# he ,o$l! o+e# o#e e(e& a#!
liste#& ,he# a +a%t of the sto%( ,hi)h he !i! #ot (et '#o, )a*e i#.
It ,as i# this ,a( that he lea%#e! ,he%e Ga#!alf ha! bee# toS fo% he o"e%hea%! the
,o%!s of the ,iHa%! to El%o#!. It a++ea%e! that Ga#!alf ha! bee# to a %eat )o$#)il
of the ,hite ,iHa%!s& *aste%s of lo%e a#! oo! *ai)S a#! that the( ha! at last
!%i"e# the Ne)%o*a#)e% f%o* his !a%' hol! i# the so$th of 0i%',oo!.
BE%e lo# #o,&C Ga#!alf ,as sa(i#& Bthe 1o%est ,ill %o, so*e,hat *o%e
,holeso*e. The No%th ,ill be f%ee! f%o* that ho%%o% fo% *a#( lo# (ea%s& I ho+e.
Yet I ,ish he ,e%e ba#ishe! f%o* the ,o%l!WC
BIt ,o$l! be ,ell i#!ee!&C sai! El%o#!S Bb$t I fea% that ,ill #ot )o*e abo$t i# this ae
of the ,o%l!& o% fo% *a#( afte%.C
4he# the tale of thei% Po$%#e(i#s ,as tol!& the%e ,e%e othe% tales& a#! (et *o%e
tales& tales of lo# ao& a#! tales of #e, thi#s& a#! tales of #o ti*e at all& till Bilbo3s
hea! fell fo%,a%! o# his )hest& a#! he s#o%e! )o*fo%tabl( i# a )o%#e%.
He ,o'e to fi#! hi*self i# a ,hite be!& a#! the *oo# shi#i# th%o$h a# o+e#
,i#!o,. Belo, it *a#( el"es ,e%e si#i# lo$! a#! )lea% o# the ba#'s of the
st%ea*.
/i# all (e Po(f$l& #o, si# all toethe%W
The ,i#!3s i# the t%ee-to+& the ,i#!3s i# the heathe%S
The sta%s a%e i# blosso*& the *oo# is i# flo,e%&
A#! b%iht a%e the ,i#!o,s of Niht i# he% to,e%.
Da#)e all (e Po(f$l& #o, !a#)e all toethe%W
/oft is the %ass& a#! let foot be li'e feathe%W
The %i"e% is sil"e%& the sha!o,s a%e fleeti#S
0e%%( is 0a(-ti*e& a#! *e%%( o$% *eeti#.
/i# ,e #o, softl(& a#! !%ea*s let $s ,ea"e hi*W
4i#! hi* i# sl$*be% a#! the%e let $s lea"e hi*W
The ,a#!e%e% slee+eth. No, soft be his +illo,W L$llab(W
L$llab(W Al!e% a#! 4illo,W
/ih #o *o%e 5i#e& till the ,i#! of the *o%#W
1all 0oo#W Da%' be the la#!W
H$shW H$shW Oa'& Ash& a#! Tho%#W
H$she! be all ,ate%& till !a,# is at ha#!W
B4ell& 0e%%( 5eo+leWC sai! Bilbo loo'i# o$t. B4hat ti*e b( the *oo# is thisV Yo$%
l$llab( ,o$l! ,a'e# a !%$#'e# obli#W Yet I tha#' (o$.C
BA#! (o$% s#o%es ,o$l! ,a'e# a sto#e !%ao#U(et ,e tha#' (o$&C the( a#s,e%e!
,ith la$hte%. BIt is !%a,i# to,a%!s !a,#& a#! (o$ ha"e sle+t #o, si#)e the #iht3s
bei##i#. To*o%%o,& +e%ha+s& (o$ ,ill be )$%e! of ,ea%i#ess.C
BA little slee+ !oes a %eat )$%e i# the ho$se of El%o#!&C sai! heS Bb$t I ,ill ta'e all
the )$%e I )a# et. A se)o#! oo! #iht& fai% f%ie#!sWC A#! ,ith that he ,e#t ba)' to
be! a#! sle+t till late *o%#i#.
4ea%i#ess fell f%o* hi* soo# i# that ho$se& a#! he ha! *a#( a *e%%( Pest a#!
!a#)e& ea%l( a#! late& ,ith the el"es of the "alle(. Yet e"e# that +la)e )o$l! #ot lo#
!ela( hi* #o,& a#! he tho$ht al,a(s of his o,# ho*e. Afte% a ,ee'& the%efo%e& he
sai! fa%e,ell to El%o#!& a#! i"i# hi* s$)h s*all ifts as he ,o$l! a))e+t& he %o!e
a,a( ,ith Ga#!alf.
E"e# as the( left the "alle( the s'( !a%'e#e! i# the 4est befo%e the*& a#! ,i#! a#!
%ai# )a*e $+ to *eet the*.
B0e%%( is 0a(-ti*eWC sai! Bilbo& as the %ai# beat i#to his fa)e. BB$t o$% ba)' is to
lee#!s a#! ,e a%e )o*i# ho*e. I s$++ose this is the fi%st taste of it.C
BThe%e is a lo# %oa! (et&C sai! Ga#!alf.
BB$t it is the last %oa!&C sai! Bilbo.
The( )a*e to the %i"e% that *a%'e! the "e%( e!e of the bo%!e%la#! of the 4il!& a#!
to the fo%! be#eath the stee+ ba#'& ,hi)h (o$ *a( %e*e*be%. The ,ate% ,as
s,olle# both ,ith the *elti# of the s#o,s at the a++%oa)h of s$**e%& a#! ,ith the
!a(lo# %ai#S b$t the( )%osse! ,ith so*e !iffi)$lt(& a#! +%esse! fo%,a%!& as e"e#i#
fell& o# the last stae of thei% Po$%#e(.
This ,as *$)h as it ha! bee# befo%e& eF)e+t that the )o*+a#( ,as s*alle%& a#!
*o%e sile#tS also this ti*e the%e ,e%e #o t%olls. At ea)h +oi#t o# the %oa! Bilbo
%e)alle! the ha++e#i#s a#! the ,o%!s of a (ea% aoUit see*e! to hi* *o%e li'e
te#Uso that& of )o$%se& he .$i)'l( #ote! the +la)e ,he%e the +o#( ha! falle# i# the
%i"e%& a#! the( ha! t$%#e! asi!e fo% thei% #ast( a!"e#t$%e ,ith To* a#! Be%t a#!
Bill.
Not fa% f%o* the %oa! the( fo$#! the ol! of the t%olls& ,hi)h the( ha! b$%ie!& still
hi!!e# a#! $#to$)he!. BI ha"e e#o$h to last *e *( ti*e&C sai! Bilbo& ,he# the(
ha! !$ it $+. BYo$ ha! bette% ta'e this& Ga#!alf. I !a%esa( (o$ )a# fi#! a $se fo% it.C
BI#!ee! I )a#WC sai! the ,iHa%!. BB$t sha%e a#! sha%e ali'eW Yo$ *a( fi#! (o$ ha"e
*o%e #ee!s tha# (o$ eF+e)t.C
/o the( +$t the ol! i# bas a#! sl$# the* o# the +o#ies& ,ho ,e%e #ot at all
+lease! abo$t it. Afte% that thei% oi# ,as slo,e%& fo% *ost of the ti*e the(
,al'e!. B$t the la#! ,as %ee# a#! the%e ,as *$)h %ass th%o$h ,hi)h the hobbit
st%olle! alo# )o#te#te!l(. He *o++e! his fa)e ,ith a %e! sil' ha#!'e%)hiefU#oW
#ot a si#le o#e of his o,# ha! s$%"i"e!& he ha! bo%%o,e! this o#e f%o* El%o#!Ufo%
#o, J$#e ha! b%o$ht s$**e%& a#! the ,eathe% ,as b%iht a#! hot aai#.
As all thi#s )o*e to a# e#!& e"e# this sto%(& a !a( )a*e at last ,he# the( ,e%e i#
siht of the )o$#t%( ,he%e Bilbo ha! bee# bo%# a#! b%e!& ,he%e the sha+es of the
la#! a#! of the t%ees ,e%e as ,ell '#o,# to hi* as his ha#!s a#! toes. Co*i# to a
%ise he )o$l! see his o,# Hill i# the !ista#)e& a#! he sto++e! s$!!e#l( a#! sai!2
Roa!s o e"e% e"e% o#&
O"e% %o)' a#! $#!e% t%ee&
B( )a"es ,he%e #e"e% s$# has sho#e&
B( st%ea*s that #e"e% fi#! the seaS
O"e% s#o, b( ,i#te% so,#&
A#! th%o$h the *e%%( flo,e%s of J$#e&
O"e% %ass a#! o"e% sto#e&
A#! $#!e% *o$#tai#s i# the *oo#.
Roa!s o e"e% e"e% o#
8#!e% )lo$! a#! $#!e% sta%&
Yet feet that ,a#!e%i# ha"e o#e
T$%# at last to ho*e afa%.
E(es that fi%e a#! s,o%! ha"e see#
A#! ho%%o% i# the halls of sto#e
Loo' at last o# *ea!o,s %ee#
A#! t%ees a#! hills the( lo# ha"e '#o,#.
Ga#!alf loo'e! at hi*. B0( !ea% BilboWC he sai!. B/o*ethi# is the *atte% ,ith (o$W
Yo$ a%e #ot the hobbit that (o$ ,e%e.C
A#! so the( )%osse! the b%i!e a#! +asse! the *ill b( the %i"e% a#! )a*e %iht ba)'
to Bilbo3s o,# !oo%.
BBless *eW 4hat3s oi# o#VC he )%ie!. The%e ,as a %eat )o**otio#& a#! +eo+le of
all so%ts& %es+e)table a#! $#%es+e)table& ,e%e thi)' %o$#! the !oo%& a#! *a#( ,e%e
oi# i# a#! o$tU#ot e"e# ,i+i# thei% feet o# the *at& as Bilbo #oti)e! ,ith
a##o(a#)e.
If he ,as s$%+%ise!& the( ,e%e *o%e s$%+%ise! still. He ha! a%%i"e! ba)' i# the *i!!le
of a# a$)tio#W The%e ,as a la%e #oti)e i# bla)' a#! %e! h$# o# the ate& stati#
that o# J$#e the T,e#t(-se)o#! 0ess%s G%$bb& G%$bb& a#! B$%%o,es ,o$l! sell b(
a$)tio# the effe)ts of the late Bilbo Bai#s Es.$i%e& of Ba-E#!& 8#!e%hill& Hobbito#.
/ale to )o**e#)e at te# o3)lo)' sha%+. It ,as #o, #ea%l( l$#)hti*e& a#! *ost of
the thi#s ha! al%ea!( bee# sol!& fo% "a%io$s +%i)es f%o* #eFt to #othi# to ol!
so#s @as is #ot $#$s$al at a$)tio#sA. Bilbo3s )o$si#s the /a)'"ille-Bai#ses ,e%e& i#
fa)t& b$s( *eas$%i# his %oo*s to see if thei% o,# f$%#it$%e ,o$l! fit. I# sho%t Bilbo
,as B5%es$*e! Dea!C& a#! #ot e"e%(bo!( that sai! so ,as so%%( to fi#! the
+%es$*+tio# ,%o#.
The %et$%# of 0%. Bilbo Bai#s )%eate! .$ite a !ist$%ba#)e& both $#!e% the Hill a#!
o"e% the Hill& a#! a)%oss the 4ate%S it ,as a %eat !eal *o%e tha# a #i#e !a(s3
,o#!e%. The leal bothe%& i#!ee!& laste! fo% (ea%s. It ,as .$ite a lo# ti*e befo%e
0%. Bai#s ,as i# fa)t a!*itte! to be ali"e aai#. The +eo+le ,ho ha! ot s+e)iall(
oo! ba%ai#s at the /ale too' a !eal of )o#"i#)i#S a#! i# the e#! to sa"e ti*e
Bilbo ha! to b$( ba)' .$ite a lot of his o,# f$%#it$%e. 0a#( of his sil"e% s+oo#s
*(ste%io$sl( !isa++ea%e! a#! ,e%e #e"e% a))o$#te! fo%. 5e%so#all( he s$s+e)te!
the /a)'"ille-Bai#ses. O# thei% si!e the( #e"e% a!*itte! that the %et$%#e! Bai#s
,as e#$i#e& a#! the( ,e%e #ot o# f%ie#!l( te%*s ,ith Bilbo e"e% afte%. The( %eall(
ha! ,a#te! to li"e i# his #i)e hobbit-hole so "e%( *$)h.
I#!ee! Bilbo fo$#! he ha! lost *o%e tha# s+oo#sUhe ha! lost his %e+$tatio#. It is
t%$e that fo% e"e% afte% he %e*ai#e! a# elf-f%ie#!& a#! ha! the ho#o$% of !,a%"es&
,iHa%!s& a#! all s$)h fol' as e"e% +asse! that ,a(S b$t he ,as #o lo#e% .$ite
%es+e)table. He ,as i# fa)t hel! b( all the hobbits of the #eihbo$%hoo! to be
6.$ee%3UeF)e+t b( his #e+he,s a#! #ie)es o# the Too' si!e& b$t e"e# the( ,e%e
#ot e#)o$%ae! i# thei% f%ie#!shi+ b( thei% el!e%s.
I a* so%%( to sa( he !i! #ot *i#!. He ,as .$ite )o#te#tS a#! the so$#! of the 'ettle
o# his hea%th ,as e"e% afte% *o%e *$si)al tha# it ha! bee# e"e# i# the .$iet !a(s
befo%e the 8#eF+e)te! 5a%t(. His s,o%! he h$# o"e% the *a#tel+ie)e. His )oat of
*ail ,as a%%a#e! o# a sta#! i# the hall @$#til he le#t it to a 0$se$*A. His ol! a#!
sil"e% ,as la%el( s+e#t i# +%ese#ts& both $sef$l a#! eFt%a"aa#tU,hi)h to a )e%tai#
eFte#t a))o$#ts fo% the affe)tio# of his #e+he,s a#! his #ie)es. His *ai) %i# he
'e+t a %eat se)%et& fo% he )hiefl( $se! it ,he# $#+leasa#t )alle%s )a*e.
He too' to ,%iti# +oet%( a#! "isiti# the el"esS a#! tho$h *a#( shoo' thei% hea!s
a#! to$)he! thei% fo%ehea!s a#! sai! B5oo% ol! Bai#sWC a#! tho$h fe, belie"e!
a#( of his tales& he %e*ai#e! "e%( ha++( to the e#! of his !a(s& a#! those ,e%e
eFt%ao%!i#a%il( lo#.
O#e a$t$*# e"e#i# so*e (ea%s afte%,a%!s Bilbo ,as sitti# i# his st$!( ,%iti# his
*e*oi%sUhe tho$ht of )alli# the* BThe%e a#! Ba)' Aai#& a Hobbit3s Holi!a(CU,he# the%e
,as a %i# at the !oo%. It ,as Ga#!alf a#! a !,a%fS a#! the !,a%f ,as a)t$all( Bali#.
BCo*e i#W Co*e i#WC sai! Bilbo& a#! soo# the( ,e%e settle! i# )hai%s b( the fi%e. If
Bali# #oti)e! that 0%. Bai#s3 ,aist)oat ,as *o%e eFte#si"e @a#! ha! %eal ol!
b$tto#sA& Bilbo also #oti)e! that Bali#3s bea%! ,as se"e%al i#)hes lo#e%& a#! his
Pe,elle! belt ,as of %eat *a#ifi)e#)e.
The( fell to tal'i# of thei% ti*es toethe%& of )o$%se& a#! Bilbo as'e! ho, thi#s
,e%e oi# i# the la#!s of the 0o$#tai#. It see*e! the( ,e%e oi# "e%( ,ell. Ba%!
ha! %eb$ilt the to,# i# Dale a#! *e# ha! athe%e! to hi* f%o* the La'e a#! f%o*
/o$th a#! 4est& a#! all the "alle( ha! be)o*e tille! aai# a#! %i)h& a#! the
!esolatio# ,as #o, fille! ,ith bi%!s a#! blosso*s i# s+%i# a#! f%$it a#! feasti# i#
a$t$*#. A#! La'e-to,# ,as %efo$#!e! a#! ,as *o%e +%os+e%o$s tha# e"e%& a#!
*$)h ,ealth ,e#t $+ a#! !o,# the R$##i# Ri"e%S a#! the%e ,as f%ie#!shi+ i#
those +a%ts bet,ee# el"es a#! !,a%"es a#! *e#.
The Hall at Ba-E#! Resi!e#)e of [Link]#s Es.$i%e
The ol! 0aste% ha! )o*e to a ba! e#!. Ba%! ha! i"e# hi* *$)h ol! fo% the hel+ of
the La'e-+eo+le& b$t bei# of the 'i#! that easil( )at)hes s$)h !isease he fell $#!e%
the !%ao#-si)'#ess& a#! too' *ost of the ol! a#! fle! ,ith it& a#! !ie! of
sta%"atio# i# the 4aste& !ese%te! b( his )o*+a#io#s.
BThe #e, 0aste% is of ,ise% 'i#!&C sai! Bali#& Ba#! "e%( +o+$la%& fo%& of )o$%se& he
ets *ost of the )%e!it fo% the +%ese#t +%os+e%it(. The( a%e *a'i# so#s ,hi)h sa(
that i# his !a( the %i"e%s %$# ,ith ol!.C
BThe# the +%o+he)ies of the ol! so#s ha"e t$%#e! o$t to be t%$e& afte% a fashio#WC
sai! Bilbo.
BOf )o$%seWC sai! Ga#!alf. BA#! ,h( sho$l! #ot the( +%o"e t%$eV /$%el( (o$ !o#3t
!isbelie"e the +%o+he)ies& be)a$se (o$ ha! a ha#! i# b%i#i# the* abo$t (o$%selfV
Yo$ !o#3t %eall( s$++ose& !o (o$& that all (o$% a!"e#t$%es a#! es)a+es ,e%e
*a#ae! b( *e%e l$)'& P$st fo% (o$% sole be#e-fitV Yo$ a%e a "e%( fi#e +e%so#& 0%.
Bai#s& a#! I a* "e%( fo#! of (o$S b$t (o$ a%e o#l( .$ite a little fello, i# a ,i!e
,o%l! afte% allWC
BTha#' oo!#essWC sai! Bilbo la$hi#& a#! ha#!e! hi* the toba))o-Pa%.
4ORK/ BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN
The Hobbit
Leaf b( Nile
O# 1ai%(-/to%ies
1a%*e% Giles of Ha*
The Ho*e)o*i# of Beo%ht#oth
The Lo%! of the Ri#s
The A!"e#t$%es of To* Bo*ba!il
The Roa! Goes E"e% O# @,ith Do#al! /,a##A
/*ith of 4ootto# 0aPo%
4ORK/ 58BLI/HED 5O/TH80O8/LY
/i% Ga,ai# a#! the G%ee# K#iht& 5ea%l a#! /i% O%feo
The 1athe% Ch%ist*as Lette%s
The /il*a%illio#
5i)t$%es b( J.R.R. Tol'ie#
8#fi#ishe! Tales
The Lette%s of J.R.R. Tol'ie#
1i## a#! He#est
0% Bliss
The 0o#ste%s a#! the C%iti)s G Othe% Essa(s
Ro"e%a#!o*
The Chil!%e# of H[%i#
The Lee#! of /i$%! a#! G$!%[#
THE HI/TORY O1 0IDDLE-EARTH X BY CHRI/TO5HER TOLKIEN
I The Boo' of Lost Tales& 5a%t O#e
II The Boo' of Lost Tales& 5a%t T,o
III The La(s of Bele%ia#!
I7 The /ha+i# of 0i!!le-ea%th
7 The Lost Roa! a#! Othe% 4%iti#s
7I The Ret$%# of the /ha!o,
7II The T%easo# of Ise#a%!
7III The 4a% of the Ri#
I9 /a$%o# Defeate!
9 0o%oth3s Ri#
9I The 4a% of the Je,els
9II The 5eo+les of 0i!!le-ea%th
CO5YRIGHT
Ha%+e%Colli#s 5$blishe%s
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Ha**e%s*ith& Lo#!o# 4D IJB
,,,.tol'ie#.)o.$'
; = ? > < I D Y L
This #e, %eset e!itio# is base! o# the e!itio#
fi%st +$blishe! i# ;<<?
1i%st +$blishe! b( Ha%+e%Colli#s 5$blishe%s ;<<;
1ifth e!itio# @%esetA ;<<?
1i%st +$blishe! i# G%eat B%itai# b(
Geo%e Alle# G 8#,i# ;<=>
/e)o#! e!itio# ;<?;
Thi%! e!itio# ;<DD
1o$%th e!itio# ;<>I
Co+(%iht \ The J. R. R. Tol'ie# Co+(%iht T%$st
;<=>& ;<?;& ;<DD& ;<>I& ;<<?
] a#! 6Tol'ie#3]a%e %eiste%e! t%a!e*a%'s of
The J. R. R. Tol'ie# Estate Li*ite!
E5$b E!itio# 0ARCH LMM< I/BN2 <>I-M-MM>-=LLDM-L
All %ihts %ese%"e! $#!e% I#te%#atio#al a#! 5a#-A*e%i)a# Co+(%iht Co#"e#tio#s. B( +a(*e#t of the %e.$i%e! fees& (o$ ha"e
bee# %a#te! the #o#-eF)l$si"e& #o#-t%a#sfe%able %iht to a))ess a#! %ea! the teFt of this e-boo' o#-s)%ee#. No +a%t of this teFt
*a( be %e+%o!$)e!& t%a#s*itte!& !o,#-loa!e!& !e)o*+ile!& %e"e%se e#i#ee%e!& o% sto%e! i# o% i#t%o!$)e! i#to a#(
i#fo%*atio# sto%ae a#! %et%ie"al s(ste*& i# a#( fo%* o% b( a#( *ea#s& ,hethe% ele)t%o#i) o% *e)ha#i)al& #o, '#o,# o%
he%ei#afte% i#"e#te!& ,itho$t the eF+%ess ,%itte# +e%*issio# of Ha%+e%Colli#s e-boo's.
ABO8T THE 58BLI/HER
A$st%alia
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