CHAPTER XII: INSIDE INFORMATION

At the newly opened secret door, Thorin designates Bilbo to scout. With Balin seeing him off, Bilbo descends the dwarf-made tunnel, overcomes fear, and beholds Smaug asleep amid an immense hoard. He snatches a great cup and escapes, earning the dwarves’ praise—until Smaug awakens, senses the theft, and bursts forth in rage to hunt.

Smaug’s fiery sweep forces the company to retreat toward the tunnel while Thorin rescues Bofur and Bombur with ropes. The ponies scatter and are lost. Through the night Smaug searches in vain, then returns to his lair. In daylight the dwarves argue next steps; Bilbo volunteers to reconnoiter again at noon.

Invisible with the Ring, Bilbo finds Smaug feigning sleep. The dragon addresses him, and they trade riddling titles. Smaug hints at dwarven treachery and the impracticality of removing the hoard, sowing doubts. Bilbo counters with talk of revenge. Prodded to boast, Smaug reveals his gem-encrusted underbelly, and Bilbo notices a bare patch in the hollow of Smaug’s left breast. Bilbo flees after a parting quip; Smaug’s flame singes him as he escapes up the tunnel.

Bilbo, scorched and shaken, reports back, withholding some regrets about his words but sharing the crucial weakness. A listening thrush lingers nearby. Fearing a renewed assault, Bilbo urges sealing the door. After debate and reminiscences of the Arkenstone, Thorin closes the door; moments later Smaug batters the mountainside, destroying their former ledge.

Finding no outlet, Smaug calms and reasons that “Barrel-rider” came with Lake-town’s aid. Vowing vengeance and to prove who is the true King under the Mountain, Smaug rises in fire and flies south along the Running River toward Lake-town, while the company remains trapped inside the Mountain.