The book begins with Biblo Baggins enjoying a pipe after breakfast. It is one of his favorite pleasures and he feels very happy about it. It is middle-aged and resides in a burrow dug in the ground. One morning, Gandalf, a wizard stops to speak with Biblo. He tells Biblo that he is looking for someone to go on an adventure with him. Although Biblo is tempted, he refuses, but not before inviting Gandalf to tea the next morning. The next day, Biblo hears his doorbell ring and remembers inviting Gandalf to tea, but instead of the wizard at the door, there is a group of dwarves, thirteen in all. Thorin, son of the dwarf king, begins to outline a plan to find the treasure stolen by the dragon Smaug. Biblo is shocked to realize that these plans involve him. He then realizes that Gandalf deceived him by writing on his door that he was a burglar looking for work with great enthusiasm. With all this talk about quests and glory, Biblo finally decides to join the party. Gandalf reveals a key and a map to their journey, which ends at the Lonely Mountain. This is where the treasure of Thorins' ancestors is guarded by Smaug. The quest begins and the group meets at the Green Dragon Inn. From there, they venture into the Lonelands. As heavy rain begins to fall, Biblo notices that Gandalf is missing. When it starts to rain, they stop to examine a light. Their Biblo finds three trolls complaining about the food. Biblo decides to live up to his burglary title and attempts to steal the trolls' pockets. But they quickly capture him. The dwarves see what is happening and try to save Biblo but all except Thorin are caught. Thorin formulates a plan to free them but fails. Gandalf returns and keeps the trolls busy until dawn, then they turn to stone. The group takes the two swords and a knife that the trolls carried. Travelers discover the Secret Valley. There they stop at the last warm home of Elronds. Elrond tells them that the only way to use the key that Thorin has is to wait where the thrush strikes and the setting sun will shine on the keyhole. The next morning, the group heads towards the Misty Mountains. A storm drove them to seek shelter in a cave.