The Hobbit / Хоббит. 10 класс Толкин Джон

Chapter 13

Not at Home

Meanwhile, the dwarves silently sat in darkness. They ate and spoke little. At last after days and days of waiting, as it seemed, Thorin spoke:

“Let us try the door!” he said. “I must feel the wind on my face soon or die.”

So several of the dwarves got up and walked back to where the door had been. But they found that broken rock had blocked the upper end of the tunnel.

“We are trapped!” they cried. “This is the end. We will die here.”

“Come, come!”[92] Bilbo said. “Don’t despair! I am going down the tunnel once again. The only way out is down. And I think that you all should come with me.” The dwarves agreed.

“Now please be careful!” whispered the hobbit, “and quiet! Don’t let us take any unnecessary risks!”

Down, down they went. Near the bottom Bilbo slipped on his ring and went ahead. But he did not need it: the darkness was complete, and they were all invisible, anyway. The hobbit came to the opening unexpectedly, put his hand on air, stumbled forward, and rolled into the hall! There he lay on the floor and was afraid to get up. But nothing moved. There was not a gleam of light. When at last he slowly raised his head, there was a pale white shine, above him and far off in the gloom. But certainly it was not a spark of dragon-fire.

Bilbo got up, and found that he did not know in what direction to turn. “I am sure Smaug is not at home today. Perhaps we can make a little light, and have a look round,” he thought.

“Light!” he cried. “Can anybody make a light?”

After a while the dwarves brought the torch. But they decided to wait in the tunnel for Bilbo’s report. So they sat near the door and watched.

Bilbo was climbing the great mound of treasure. Soon he stood upon the top, and still went on. Then they saw him stop for a moment; but they did not know the reason. It was the Arkenstone, the Heart of the Mountain. So Bilbo guessed from Thorin’s description. All the time as he climbed, the same white gleam had shone before him. Now the great jewel shone with magnificent light right before his feet.

Suddenly Bilbo lifted it, shut his eyes, and put it in his deepest pocket.

“Now I am a burglar indeed!” thought he. “But I suppose I must tell the dwarves about it – some time.” Down the other side of the great mound he climbed, and the spark of his torch vanished from the sight of the watching dwarves. But soon they saw it far away in the distance again. Bilbo was crossing the floor of the hall.

He went on, until he came to the great doors at the further side, and there a draught of air refreshed him, but it almost put out his light. He peeped carefully through and saw wide stairs going up into the gloom. And still there was no sound of Smaug. He was just going to turn and go back, when a black shape swooped at him. He fell. His torch dropped and went out! “It’s only a bat, I hope!” he thought.

“Thorin! Balin! Oin! Gloin! Fili! Kili!” he cried as loudly as he could. “The light’s gone out! Someone come and find and help me!”

The dwarves waited a moment or two, and then Thorin said, “We have to go and help our burglar.”

“It is our turn to help,” said Balin, “and I am ready to go.”

Gloin lit several more torches, and then they all crept out, one by one, and went along the wall. Soon they met Bilbo.

“It was only a bat and a dropped torch, nothing worse!” he said in answer to their questions. Now the dwarves wanted to explore the hall, and they were sure that Smaug was away from home. They forgot fear and gathered gems and stuffed their pockets. Thorin searched from side to side for something which he could not find. It was the Arkenstone; but he spoke of it yet to no one.

The dwarves took down weapons from the walls, and armed themselves.

Thorin put on Bilbo a small coat of mail,[93] made for some young elf-prince long ago. It was of silver-steel, and with it went a belt of pearls and crystals. A beautiful light helmet decorated with white gems was set upon the hobbit’s head.

“Thorin!” Bilbo cried aloud suddenly. “What next? We are armed but it won’t help us kill the dragon. We are not looking for gold yet, but for a way of escape!”

“You speak the truth!” answered Thorin. “Let us go! I will guide you. I still remember the ways of this palace.” Then they gathered together, and passed through the gaping doors.

They had covered their bright mail again with their old cloaks and their helmets with their hoods, and one by one they walked behind Thorin. Up, up, the dwarves went, and they met no sign of life. Suddenly they saw an opening far above, and the air smelt sweeter.

“This is the great chamber of Thror,” said Thorin; “the hall of feasting and of council. Not far off now is the Front Gate.”

They passed through the ruined chamber. Tables, chairs and benches were overturned. Skulls and bones were on the floor among bowls and broken drinking-horns and dust. Soon they heard a sound of water. “There is the birth of the Running River,” said Thorin. “From here it runs to the Gate. Let us follow it!”

Beside the stream there was a stone-paved road. The friends ran along the road, and soon they saw the broad light of day coming through the huge arch. They were dazzled. They came to the Front Gate, and were looking out upon Dale.

Suddenly Bilbo realized that he was not only tired but also very hungry indeed.

“I suppose it is breakfast-time,” he said. “But I don’t think this is the safest place for a meal. Let’s go somewhere where we can sit quietly!”

“Quite right!” said Balin. “And I think we should go to the old look-out post[94] at the Southwest corner of the Mountain.”

“How far is that?” asked the hobbit.

“Five hours march,” I think.

“Oh!” grumbled the hobbit. “Again we have to walk and climb somewhere without breakfast!”

“We must move away from here,” said Don. “I feel as if Smaug’s eyes were on the back of my head.”

“Come on! Come on!” cried the others. “Let us go!”

Soon they came to a deep valley among the rocks; there they rested for a while and had some biscuits and water.

After that they went on again. At last they reached the hill path. Finally in the late afternoon they came to the top of the ridge and saw the sun going downwards to the West.

Here on the rock they found a flat place open to East and South and West. “Here,” said Balin, “in the old days we always kept watchmen and that door in the rock behind leads into a guardroom. There we can stay until tomorrow.”

So they went inside. Some of them fell asleep at once, while others discussed their plans. Still they didn’t know where Smaug was.

Chapter 14

Fire and Water

Now if you wish, like the dwarves, to hear news of Smaug, you must go back again to the evening when he smashed the door and flew off in rage, two days before.

The men of the lake-town Esgaroth were mostly at home, because the wind was cold, but a few were walking and watching the stars.

Then suddenly a great light appeared in the hills and the northern end of the lake became golden.

“The King beneath the Mountain!” they shouted. “His wealth is like the Sun, his silver like a fountain, his rivers golden run! The river is running gold from the Mountain!” they cried, and everywhere windows were opening and feet were hurrying.

There was once more a great excitement. But one man cried: “The dragon is coming or I am a fool! Cut the bridges! To arms![95] To arms!”

Then the joy was turned to fear. Soon they could see the dragon rushing towards them. Still they had a little time. Every vessel in the town was filled with water, every warrior was armed, and the bridge to the land was destroyed.

Amid shrieks and wailing and the shouts of men he came over them, swept towards the bridges and stopped! The bridge was gone, and his enemies were on an island in deep water.

Roaring the dragon swept back over the town. Men shot arrows. No one had dared to give battle to him for many years, so he was furious now.

Fire leaped from the dragon’s jaws. Then down he swooped straight through the arrow-storm; he wanted to set their town on fire.

Flames sprang high into the night. Already men were jumping into the water on every side. Women and children ran to the boats in the market-pool. Now men dropped their weapons. But there was still a company of archers among the burning houses. Their captain was Bard. He was a descendant in long line[96] of Girion, Lord of Dale, whose wife and child had escaped down the Running River from the ruin long ago. Now he shot with a great bow, till he spent all his arrows but one.[97] The flames were near him. His companions were leaving him. He bent his bow for the last time. Suddenly a bird sat down on his shoulder. It was an old thrush. It brought him news. Bard understood its language, because he was of the race of Dale.

“Wait! Wait!” the bird said to him. “The moon is rising. Look for the hollow of the left breast as he flies above you!” And then it told him of all that it had heard. Bard drew his bow-string to his ear. The dragon was flying low, and as he came the moon rose and silvered his great wings.

“Arrow!” said the bowman. “Black arrow! I have saved you to the last. You have never failed me. I had you from my father and he – from of old.[98] So go now and speed well!”

The black arrow sped straight from the string, straight for the hollow by the left breast. With a shriek Smaug turned over and crashed down.

He fell on the town. The lake roared in. A vast steam leaped up, white in the sudden dark under the moon. There was a hiss, and then silence. And that was the end of Smaug and Esgaroth, but not of Bard. And three quarters of the people of the town had escaped alive; their woods and fields and pastures and cattle and most of their boats remained undamaged; and the dragon was dead. So they praised the courage of Bard and his last mighty shot.

Bard wanted to rebuild Dale. And he said: “This is no time for words. There is work to do.”

Then he went to help the sick and the wounded. Not all the people could get shelters and there was little food. Bard had a hard task to direct the preparations for people’s protection and housing. But help came quickly; Bard had sent speedy messengers up the river to the Forest to ask the aid of the King of the Elves of the Wood. The Elvenking had received news from his own messengers, and already knew of what had happened. Far over Mirkwood news spread: “Smaug is dead!” Beorn had heard it in his wooden house, and the goblins were at council[99] in their caves.

The king of the Elves hastened now down the river to the Long Lake. He sent ahead great store of goods by water. Five days after the death of the dragon the elves came to the shores and looked on the ruins of the town. Their welcome was good,[100] and the men and their Master were ready to do anything in return for the Elvenking’s aid.

Their plans were soon made. With the women and the children, the Master remained behind; and with him were some men and many skilled elves; and they started building many huts by the shore; and also they began the planning of a new town, but not in the same place. They removed northward higher up the shore because they had fear of the water where the dragon lay.

All the other men and most of the Elvenking’s warriors went to the Mountain. So in eleven days from the ruin of the town they came into the desolate lands.

Chapter 15

The Gathering of the Clouds

Now we will return to Bilbo and the dwarves. All night one of them had watched, but when morning came they had not heard or seen any sign of danger.

Suddenly Bilbo cried: “There is that old thrush again!”

Sure enough the old thrush was there. He sang; then he stopped singing and listened to something; and again he sang, and again he listened.

“I think he is trying to tell us something,” said Balin, “but I don’t understand his speech.”

Then the old thrush flew away but soon he came back; and with him came a very old bird. He was almost blind, he could hardly fly, and the top of his head was bald. He was an old raven of great size. He got down on the ground before them and bobbed towards Thorin.

“O Thorin son of Thrain, and Balin son of Fundin,” he croaked (he used ordinary language and not bird-speech). “I am Rac son of Carc. Carc is dead, but he was well known to you once. Now I am the chief of the great ravens of the Mountain. I want to tell you some great news. The birds are gathering back again to the Mountain and to Dale from South and East and West, because Smaug is dead!”

“Dead! Dead!” shouted the dwarves. “Dead! Then the treasure is ours!”

“Yes, dead,” said Rac. “The thrush saw him fall in battle[101] with the men of Esgaroth three nights ago.” The dwarves started shouting with joy, but Rac went on:

“You may go back to your halls in safety; all the treasure is yours – for the moment. But already a host of the elves is on the way. By the lake men say that their sorrows are due to the dwarves.[102] They want to get compensation from your treasure.

“So don’t trust the Master of the Lake-men. But you should trust the man who shot the dragon with his bow. His name is Bard, he is of the race of Dale, of the line of Girion. We would like to see peace once more among dwarves and men and elves after the long desolation; but it may cost you a lot of gold.”

Then Thorin answered: “Thank you, Rac Carc’s son. We will not forget you and your people. But thieves will never take our gold while we are alive. Please bring us news about anyone who comes near. Also I beg you, send your messengers to our relatives and tell them of our troubles. But go especially to my cousin Dain in the Iron Hills, for he has many well-armed people, and he lives nearest to this place. Tell him to hurry!”

“I will do as you ask,” croaked Rac. Then off he slowly flew.

“Back now to the Mountain!” cried Thorin. “We have little time to lose.”

So the dwarves and Bilbo returned to the Mountain.

They explored the caverns once more, and found that only the Front Gate remained open; all the other gates (except the small secret door) had long ago been broken by Smaug. So now they began to fortify the main entrance, and remake the road that led from it.

As they worked the ravens brought them news. The dwarves learnt that three of the elves’ ponies had escaped and were wandering near the Running River, not far from where they had left their stores. So Fili and Kili found the ponies and brought back all they could.

Four days later they knew that the joined armies of the Lake-men and the Elves were hurrying towards the Mountain. But now they had food for some weeks, and already the gate was blocked with a wall of stones. There were holes in the wall through which they could see (or shoot) but no entrance. They climbed in or out with ladders, and pulled things up with ropes. They had made a small low arch under the new wall for the stream. It was now only possible to approach the Gate along a narrow ledge of the cliff. The dwarves had brought the ponies only to the head of the steps above the old bridge, and then unloaded them and sent them back to the South.

There came a night when suddenly they saw many lights away south in Dale before them.

That night the dwarves slept little. In the early morning they saw a company approaching. The warriors came up to the valley’s head and climbed slowly up. Soon they were greatly surprised to see the pool before them and the Gate blocked with a wall of stone.

And then Thorin called in a very loud voice:

“Who are you? Why have you come to the gates of Thorin son of Thrain, King under the Mountain, and what do you want?”

But they answered nothing. Some turned swiftly back, and the others soon followed them. That day the camp was moved and was brought between the arms of the Mountain.[103] The elves started playing their sweet music.

Then the dwarves themselves made music to soften Thorin’s mood; their song was like the song they had sung long before in Bilbo’s little hobbit-hole.

This song pleased Thorin, and he smiled again.

The next morning a company of spearmen crossed the river, and marched up the valley. They bore with them the green banner of the Elvenking and the blue banner of the Lake, and they stood before the wall at the Gate. Again Thorin said in a loud voice:

“Who are you and why have you come to the gates of Thorin son of Thrain, King under the Mountain?”

A tall man cried:

“Hail Thorin! We are not yet foes, and we are glad that you are alive. We have come to talk.”

“Who are you, and what would you like to talk about?”

“I am Bard, I killed the dragon and so you could get your treasures. I am by right descent the heir of Girion of Dale,[104] and in your hall there is wealth which Smaug stole from the town. Is not that a matter of which we can talk? Also, in his last battle, Smaug destroyed the houses of the men of Esgaroth, and I am yet the servant of their Master. I would like to ask you for recompense.” It was true and fair. And Bilbo thought that Thorin would show generosity and help those in need. But Thorin didn’t want to think about poor people.

“You put your worst cause last and in the chief place,” Thorin answered. “To the treasure of my people no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed us of life or home. The treasure was not his. The price of the goods and the assistance that we received of the Lake-men we will fairly pay. But we will give nothing under threat of force. While an army lies before our doors, we look on you as foes and thieves.”

“But still my other claims remain unanswered,” replied Bard.

“I will not discuss any questions, as I have said, with armed men at my gate. And if you would like to speak with me again, first send the elves away to the woods where they belong, and then return, laying down your arms before you approach the threshold.”

“The Elvenking is my friend, and he has helped the people of the Lake,” answered Bard. “We will give you time to change your mind. Gather your wisdom before we return!” Then he went back to the camp.

In a few hours the banner-bearers returned and cried:

“In the name of Esgaroth and the Forest,[105] we speak to Thorin Thrain’s son Oakenshield, calling himself the King under the Mountain, and we ask him to consider well our claims, or be declared our foe. He should give one twelfth portion[106] of the treasure to Bard, as the dragon-slayer, and as the heir of Girion.[107] From that portion Bard will himself contribute to the aid of Esgaroth; but if Thorin would like to have the friendship and respect of the lands about, then he will give also some gold for the comfort of the men of the Lake.” Then Thorin shot an arrow at the speaker. It got into his shield.

“Since such is your answer,” the speaker called in return, “I declare the Mountain besieged.[108] We will bear no weapons against you, but we leave you to your gold. You may eat that, if you want!”

So the dwarves were left to consider their situation. Most of them agreed with Thorin except perhaps old fat Bombur and Fili and Kili. Bilbo, of course, didn’t like what had happened.

“The whole place still stinks of dragon,” he said to himself, “and it makes me sick.”

Chapter 16

A Thief in the Night

Now the days passed slowly. Many of the dwarves spent their time piling and ordering the treasure; and now Thorin spoke of the Arkenstone of Thrain, and told them to look for it in every corner. “The Arkenstone of my father,” he said, “is worth more than a river of gold, and to me it is beyond price. I will revenge anyone who will find it and hide it.”

Bilbo heard these words and he got frightened. The stone was wrapped in an old bundle that he used as a pillow. But he did not speak of it, because he started thinking of a plan.

Soon the ravens brought news that Dain and more than five hundred dwarves, hurrying from the Iron Hills, were now within about two days’ march of Dale, coming from the North-East. “But they cannot reach the Mountain safely,” said Rac, “and I fear there will be battle in the valley. I do not think that the dwarves will overcome your foes. Anyway, winter is coming. How will you live without the friendship of the lands about you? The treasure can become your death, though the dragon is no more!”

But Thorin was not moved. “Winter and snow will bite both men and elves,” he said. “With my friends behind them and winter upon them, they will perhaps talk in a different way.”

That night Bilbo made up his mind.[109] The sky was black and moonless. He went to a corner of an inner room just within the gate and drew from his bundle a rope, and also the Arkenstone wrapped in a rag. Then he climbed to the top of the wall. Only Bombur was there, because it was his turn to watch.

“It is really cold!” said Bombur.

“It is warm enough inside,” said Bilbo.

“But I have to stay here till midnight,” said the fat dwarf.

“I will take your turn for you,[110] if you like. I don’t feel sleepy tonight.”

“You are a good fellow, Mr Baggins, and I will take your offer kindly. If there is anything to note, rouse me first! I will lie in the inner room 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 was sleeping; and all the others were busy with Thorin. It was very dark, and the road was strange to him. At last he came to the bend where he had to cross the water to get to the camp. He was almost across when he fell into the cold water with a splash. He had just got out on the far bank, when elves came up with bright lanterns.

“There is a spy about. Hide your lights!” said one of them.

“I am here, if you want me!” said Bilbo and he slipped off his ring.

They seized him quickly. “Who are you? Are you the dwarves’ hobbit? What are you doing? How did you get so far past our watchmen?” they asked.

“I am Mr Bilbo Baggins,” he answered, “companion of Thorin, if you want to know. I know your king well, though perhaps he doesn’t know me. But Bard will remember me, and I want to see Bard. I have only an hour or two.”

So now Bilbo was sitting beside a warm fire in front of a large tent with the Elvenking and Bard. A hobbit in elvish armour, partly wrapped in an old blanket, was something new to them.

“You know,” Bilbo said, “things are impossible. Personally I am tired of the whole affair. But I have an interest in this matter – one fourteenth share,[111] according to a letter, which I have with me.” He took out from a pocket in his old jacket Thorin’s letter that had been put under the clock on his mantelpiece in May! “Personally I am ready to consider all your claims carefully. However you don’t know Thorin Oakenshield well enough. I assure you, he is quite ready to sit on a heap of gold and starve, as long as you sit here.”

“Well, let him!” said Bard. “Such a fool deserves to starve.”

“Quite so,” said Bilbo. “I see your point of view. At the same time winter is coming on fast. Soon there will be snow, and supplies will be difficult – even for elves. Also there will be other difficulties. Have you heard of Dain and the dwarves of the Iron Hills?”

“We have, a long time ago; but what has he got to do with us?[112]” asked the king.

“I see I have some information which you have not got. Dain is now less than two days’ march off, and has at least five hundred dwarves with him – really good warriors. When they arrive there will be serious trouble.”

“Why do you tell us this? Are you betraying your friends, or are you threatening us?” asked Bard gloomily.

“My dear Bard!” said Bilbo. “Don’t hurry! I am just trying to avoid trouble for all. Now I will make you an offer!”

“Let us hear it!” they said.

“It is this!” and he showed them the Arkenstone.

The Elvenking himself stood up in amazement. Even Bard gazed at it in silence.

“This is the Arkenstone of Thrain,” said Bilbo, “the Heart of the Mountain; and it is also the heart of Thorin. He values it above a river of gold. I give it to you. It will help you in your talks with Thorin.” Then Bilbo handed the marvellous stone to Bard, and he held it in his hand.

“I am going back now, and the dwarves can do what they like to me. I hope you will find it useful,” added Bilbo. The Elvenking looked at Bilbo with a new wonder.

“Bilbo Baggins!” he said. “You are more worthy to wear the armour of elf-princes than many others. I advise you to remain with us, and here you will be honoured.”

“Thank you very much,” said Bilbo with a bow. “But I don’t think I should leave my friends, after all we have gone through together. And I promised to wake old Bombur at midnight, too! Really I must go, and quickly.”

So they provided an escort for him, and as he went both the king and Bard saluted him with honour. As they passed through the camp, an old man wrapped in a dark cloak rose from a tent door where he was sitting and came towards them.

“Well done, Mr Baggins!” he said, clapping Bilbo on the back. “There is more about you than anyone expects!”[113] It was Gandalf. For the first time for many days Bilbo was really happy. But there was no time for all the questions that he immediately wished to ask. “All in good time!”[114] said Gandalf. “Things are going to the end now, if I am not mistaken. There is an unpleasant time just in front of you; but keep your heart up![115] There is news that even the ravens have not heard. Good night!”

Puzzled but cheered Bilbo hurried on. He came back on time.

At midnight he woke up Bombur; and soon he was fast asleep forgetting all his worries till the morning. As a matter of fact he was dreaming of eggs and bacon.

Chapter 17

The Clouds Burst

Next day the trumpets rang early in the camp. Soon a single runner hurried along the narrow path. At a distance he stood and hailed them, asking Thorin to listen to another offer, because matters were changed.

“Tell them to come few in number[116] and weaponless, and I will hear,” he called to the messenger. About midday a group of twenty men approached the Gate. The dwarves saw that among them were both Bard and the Elvenking, before whom an old man wrapped in cloak and hood carried a wooden box.

“Hail Thorin!” said Bard. “Are you still of the same mind?”[117]

“Did you come to ask me idle questions? Still the elves have not gone!” answered Thorin.

“Is there then nothing for which you would give any of your gold?” asked Bard.

“Nothing that you or your friends have to offer,” said Thorin.

“What about the Arkenstone of Thrain?” said Bard, and at the same moment the old man opened the box and showed the jewel. The light leapt from his hand, bright and white in the morning.

Thorin was shocked. No one spoke for a long while. At last Thorin said: “That stone was my father’s, and is mine. Why should I purchase my own?” Then he added: “But how did you get it?”

“We are not thieves,” Bard answered. “Your own we will give back in return for our own.”

“How did you get it?” shouted Thorin in rage.

“I gave it them!” said Bilbo in a dreadful fright.

“You! You!” cried Thorin, turning upon him and grasping him with both hands. “You miserable hobbit!” he shouted, and he shook poor Bilbo like a rabbit.

“Where is Gandalf? He chose you! I will throw you to the rocks!” he cried and lifted Bilbo in his arms.

“Stay! Here is Gandalf!” said a voice. The old man with the box took off his hood and cloak. “If you don’t like my Burglar, please don’t damage him. Put him down, and listen first to him!”

So Thorin dropped Bilbo on the top of the wall.

“O!” said Bilbo. “I am sure this is all very uncomfortable. Please remember – you told me that I could choose my own fourteenth share. Perhaps I took it too literally.[118] The time was when you thought that I had helped you. So I have disposed of my share[119] as I wished!”

“So,” said Thorin gloomily, “I will let you go at that – and I hope not to meet you again!” Then he turned and spoke over the wall. “I am betrayed,” he said. “I will redeem the Arkenstone, the treasure of my house. For it I will give one fourteenth share of the treasure in silver and gold; but that will be the promised share of this traitor, and with that reward he will go away, and you can divide it. Take him, if you wish him to live.

“Get down now to your friends!” he said to Bilbo, “or I will throw you down.”

“What about the gold and silver?” asked Bilbo.

“That will follow after,” said he. “Get down!”

“Until then we keep the stone,” cried Bard.

“You don’t behave as King under the Mountain,” said Gandalf. “But things may change.”

“They may indeed,” said Thorin. He was already thinking of how to get the Arkenstone back and not to pay for it.

And so Bilbo was swung down from the wall, and left with nothing for all his trouble. The dwarves in their hearts felt shame and pity.

“Good-bye!” Bilbo cried to them. “We may meet again as friends.”