The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER XVI: A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
Overview
As Thorin obsessively seeks the Arkenstone, Bilbo resolves to prevent bloodshed. He slips from the Mountain, delivers the Arkenstone to Bard and the Elvenking as leverage, and refuses their offer to stay. Bilbo unexpectedly meets Gandalf, learns trouble is near, and returns before his absence is discovered.
Summary
While the besieged days drag on, Thorin fixates on the Arkenstone and warns the dwarves he will avenge any who withhold it. Bilbo, secretly sleeping on the stone, fears Thorin’s wrath and forms a plan to avert the looming conflict. News arrives from Roäc that Dain approaches with five hundred dwarves, which hardens Thorin’s resolve despite warnings about winter and supplies.
That night, Bilbo volunteers to relieve Bombur at the wall, then uses his ring and a rope to slip out unseen. He fords the stream in darkness, is discovered by elven sentries after a splash and sneeze, and asks to be taken to their leaders. He is brought to the campfire before Bard and the Elvenking.
Speaking as a shareholder, Bilbo warns of Dain’s imminent arrival and the peril of battle, then offers a solution: he produces the Arkenstone—the Heart of the Mountain—and gives it to Bard to use in bargaining with Thorin. Bilbo admits it is not his by right but sets it against his own claim, choosing peace over treasure.
The Elvenking honors Bilbo and urges him to remain, but Bilbo refuses to abandon his companions or his promise to relieve Bombur. As he departs under escort, Gandalf appears, praises Bilbo’s courage, and hints that grim news approaches. Bilbo is guided to a safe ford, climbs back to the wall before midnight, wakes Bombur as promised, and falls asleep, unaware of the confrontation his gift will soon provoke.
Who Appears
- Bilbo BagginsSecretly takes the Arkenstone to Bard and the Elvenking to force negotiation, meets Gandalf, and returns unseen.
- Thorin OakenshieldObsesses over the Arkenstone, claims it as his own, and refuses counsel despite Dain’s approach and winter’s threat.
- BardReceives the Arkenstone from Bilbo to use as leverage against Thorin; leads men besieging the Mountain.
- The ElvenkingAmazed by Bilbo’s gift, honors him, and advises him to stay; co-leads the host besieging Erebor.
- GandalfUnexpectedly greets Bilbo in the camp, praises him, and hints of imminent troubling news.
- BomburOn watch at the wall; trades shifts with Bilbo, enabling Bilbo’s secret departure.
- RoäcRaven messenger who reports Dain’s nearness and warns against battle and winter hardship.
- DainApproaches with over five hundred dwarves from the Iron Hills, raising the stakes of impending conflict.