That night Bilbo made up his mind. The sky was black and moonless. As soon as it was full dark, he went to a corner of an inner chamber 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, for it was his turn to watch, and the dwarves kept only one watchman at a time.
“It is mighty cold!” said Bombur. “I wish we could have a fire up here as they

have in the camp!”
“It is warm enough inside,” said Bilbo.
“I daresay; but I am bound here till midnight,” grumbled the fat dwarf. “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.”
“You are a good fellow, Mr. Baggins, and I will take your offer kindly. 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.

Chapter 16 A Thief in the Night