said that your voice was last heard in this place. I have been sent to
look here for the last time. Are you much hurt?”
     “A nasty knock on the head, I think,” said Bilbo. “But I have a helm
and a hard skull. All the same I feel sick and my legs are like
straws.” “I will carry you down to the camp in the valley,” said the
man, and picked him lightly up.
     The man was swift and sure-footed. It was not long before Bilbo was
set down before a tent in Dale; and
     Even the wizard had not escaped without a wound; and there were few
unharmed in all the host.
     When Gandalf saw Bilbo, he was delighted. “Baggins!” he exclaimed.
“Well I never! Alive after all - 1 am glad! I began to wonder if even
your luck would see you through! A terrible business, and it nearly
was disastrous. But other news can wait. Come!” he said more gravely.
“You are called for;” and leading the hobbit he took him within the
tent.
     “Hail! Thorin,” he said as he entered. “I have brought him.” There
indeed lay Thorin Oakenshield, wounded with many wounds, and his rent
armour and notched axe were cast upon the floor. He looked up as Bilbo
came beside him.