Quotebundles at the top of the tunnel. After a while a twinkling gleam showed
them returning, in with a small pine-torch alight in his hand, and Gloin
with a bundle of others under his arm. Quickly Bilbo trotted to the door
and took the torch; but he could not persuade the dwarves to light the
others or to come and join him yet. As Thorin carefully explained, Mr.
Baggins was still officially their expert burglar and investigator. If
he liked to risk a light, that was his affair. They would wait in the
tunnel for his report. So they sat near the door and watched.
They saw the little dark shape of the hobbit start across the floor
holding his tiny light aloft. Every now and again, while he was still
near enough, they caught a glint and a tinkle as he stumbled on some
golden thing. The light grew smaller as he wandered away into the vast
hall; then it began to rise dancing into the air. Bilbo was climbing the
great mound of treasure. Soon he stood upon the top, and still went on.
Then they saw him halt and stoop for a moment; but they did not know the
reason. It was the Arkenstone, the Heart of the Mountain. So Bilbo