“A sorry business altogether. Not that I venture to disagree with
Thorin, may his beard grow ever longer; yet he was ever a dwarf with a
stiff neck.” “Not as stiff as my legs,” said Bilbo. “I am tired of
stairs and stone passages. I would give a good deal for the feel of
grass at my toes.” “I would give a good deal for the feel of a strong
drink in my throat, and for a soft bed after a good supper!”
     “I can’t give you those, while the siege is going on. But it is long
since I watched, and I will take your turn for you, if you like. There
is no sleep in me tonight.”
     
     If there should be anything to note, rouse me first, mind you! I will
lie in the inner chamber to the left, not far away.”
     “Off you go!” said Bilbo. “I will wake you at midnight, and you can
wake the next watchman.” As soon as Bombur had gone, Bilbo put on his
ring, fastened his rope, slipped down over the wall, and was gone. He
had about five hours before him. Bombur would sleep (he could sleep at
any time, and ever since the adventure in the forest he was always
trying to recapture the beautiful dreams he had then); and all the
others were busy with Thorin. It was unlikely that any, even Fili or
Kili, would come out on the wall until it was their turn. It was very