It would seem that our modern-day politicians have absolutely nothing on the Master of Lake-town when it comes to corruption and the capacity to talk out of both sides of one's mouth simultaneously. Thorin & Co.'s sojourn in Lake-town certainly draws and refines a number of very interesting character portraits.

The further illumination of Thorin's personality is particularly interesting. He is the first of the dwarves to be "de-embarrelled" by Bilbo, and of course, he is thoroughly bedraggled, sore and stiff, in an exceptionally foul mood, and not feeling especially grateful to the little hobbit who secured the dwarves' release from the Elvenking's fortress, despite the extraordinary odds against him achieving such a feat.

Bilbo, bless him, isn't about to take any guff off Thorin, "Well, are you alive or are you dead? . . . Are you still in prison, or are you free? If you want food, and if you want to go on with this silly adventure - it's yours after all and not mine - you had better slap your arms and rub your legs and try and help me get the others out while there is a chance!" Our little hobbit has certainly learned to speak up for himself, hasn't he?

After a good bit of struggle, they manage to "de-embarrel" the rest of the dwarves. How does Thorin exert his authority once his team has been reassembled? He asks Bilbo, "In the meanwhile what next?" The dwarves - including the great Thorin Oakenshield - are increasingly relying on Bilbo, not for burgling, but for ideas and LEADERSHIP!

We should note, however, that Thorin only does so within the privacy of their little company. Once they reach Lake-town, Thorin steps to the fore and loudly proclaims himself, "Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror King under the Mountain!" The force of his personality must have been absolutely tremendous, otherwise surely such a pompous declaration made by a dirty, sopping wet, bedraggled dwarf would only result in general hilarity.

What follows is certainly a masterful description of the political intrigue one is bound to encounter in any sizeable village. Although the Master of Lake-town doesn't believe Thorin's claim one bit and is concerned about incurring the wrath of the Elvenking, the townpeople become so immediately carried away by the thought of the old legends coming true that the Master plays along and hosts Thorin and Co. most handsomely to please the populace. He figures they'll be quickly revealed as frauds, at which time he can turn them over to the Elvenking, thereby retaining both his local popularity and his lucrative business alliance with the Mirkwood kingdom. A clear example of government policy based on popular opinion polls!

The dwarves themselves become more than a little carried away by the general excitement, parading about as though the gold had already been won and seeming to forget about the small complication known as Smaug the Dragon. Who hasn't forgotten about this most important detail? Bilbo Baggins, who got a good look at the Lonely Mountain during his hazardous trip down the river. Plus, the Professor informs us that Bilbo has also contracted a "shocking cold," which turns him into a sneezing, coughing bundle of misery who can only choke out, "Thag you very buch," for his banquet speeches.

At length, Thorin has the sense to realize that he will need the assistance of the Master and the people of Lake-town to outfit his company for the final leg of their Quest and that it would be best to ask for that help while they are still so wildly popular. This gives the Master pause, but he is more than happy to be rid of his expensive guests, saying, "Certainly, O Thorin Thrain's son Thror's son!" while at the same time thinking, "Let them go and bother Smaug, and see how he welcomes them!"

So, on this day, Thorin & Co. at last departed Lake-town in three large, well-provisioned boats. The dwarves were excited, the people were singing. "The only person thoroughly unhappy was Bilbo."