As they float down the river, Bilbo sees the Lonely Mountain far off. From the raftmen's talk, he understands that the landscape had changed a lot since Gandalf last saw it, and that the dwarves had gotten out of Mirkwood the only way they could. Unknown to Bilbo, Gandalf has heard of his trouble and is on his way to help.
The barrels float to Lake-town, a town of Men that is also called Esgaroth, located on Long Lake. Bilbo helps the dwarves out of the barrels. Thorin, with Fili, Kili, and Bilbo, confronts the town guards and announces that he, the King under the Mountain, has returned and wishes to be taken to their Master. They discover the Master feasting with elves, who recognize their former prisoners. The Master of Lake-town does not want to oppose the elves, but the townspeople insist that Thorin be welcomed. After a couple of weeks, the dwarves know they must go on to the Mountain and they leave, well-provisioned. Bilbo is very unhappy about leaving Lake-town and heading to the Lonely Mountain.
