it came rushing across the stream. Help! he shouted, and Balin was
just in time to seize the boat before it floated off down the current.
It was tied after all, said he, looking at the snapped painter that
was still dangling from it. That was a good pull, my lads; and a good
job that our rope was the stronger.
Wholl cross first? asked Bilbo.
I shall, said Thorin, and you will come with me, and Fili and
Balin. Thats as many as the boat will hold at a time. After that Kili
and Oin and Gloin and Don; next On and Nori, Bifur and Bofur; and last
Dwalin and Bombur. Im always last and I dont like it, said Bombur.
Its somebody elses turn today.
You should not be so fat. As you are, you must be with the last and
lightest boatload. Dont start grumbling against orders, or something
bad will happen to you.
There arent any oars. How are you going to push the boat back to
the far bank? asked the hobbit.