Chapter 23

"Well," said Sir Balin, "be it as thou wilt. I am ready and quite willing, and though my horse and my body be full weary, yet is my heart not weary, save of life. And truly I were glad if I might meet my death." "Sir," said one standing by, "methinketh your shield is not good; I will lend you a bigger." "I thank thee, sir," said Balin, and took the unknown shield and left his own, and so rode forth, and put himself and horse into a boat and came to the island. As soon as he had landed, he saw come riding towards hi…