silent he crept back to his lair and half closed his eyes.
     When morning came the terror of the dwarves grew less. They realized
that dangers of this kind were inevitable in dealing with such a
guardian, and that it was no good giving up their quest yet. Nor could
they get away just now, as Thorin had pointed out. Their ponies were
lost or killed, and they would have to wait some time before Smaug
relaxed his watch sufficiently for them to dare the long way on foot.
Luckily they had saved enough of their stores to last them still for
some time.
     They debated long on what was to be done, but they could think of no
way of getting rid of Smaug - which had always been a weak point in
their plans, as Bilbo felt inclined to point out. Then as is the
nature of folk that are thoroughly perplexed, they began to grumble at
the hobbit, blaming him for what had at first so pleased them: for
bringing away a cup and stirring up Smaug’s wrath so soon.
     “What else do you suppose a burglar is to do?” asked Bilbo angrily. “I
was not engaged to kill dragons, that is warrior’s work, but to steal
treasure. I made the best beginning I could. Did you expect me to trot
back with the whole hoard of Thror on my back? If there is any
grumbling to be done, I think I might have a say. You ought to have