Professional Treasure-seekers?

[Sardy]

Originally Posted by Raynor

The way I interpret the different versions from the Quest of Erebor is that Gandalf told the dwarves about the hobbit before they actually met with him (although the story is detailed only in the earlier version, while the later one only mentions the discussion in which he convinced Thorin "to put aside his lofty designs and go secretly - and take Bilbo with him"). Thorin & co's behaviour from the Hobbit, at the unexpected party, is also consistent with this interpretation.

Yes, I agree with the above.

I am only speaking of Gandalf's initial conversation with the Dwarves, when, yes, he is trying to convince them to go secretly and take Bilbo. It's quite obvious in the text that the Dwarves are remaining (intentionally?) stubbornly ignorant of the Gandalf's advice (to the wizard's growing frustration) and are at least momentarily unsure whether Gandalf's "Hobbit", "Thief", "treasure-seeker", and "unfamiliar (to Smaug) scent" are indeed one entity...

My only point was that, in their initial confusion regarding Gandalf's plans and intent, at the mention of a "treasure-seeker" they may have (erringly?) called to mind their own prejudiced memories and legends surrounding the rangers and Dunadain... and not necessarily need to have had those legends tied to the stature of a Hobbit...

Just an amusing thought. Speculation with little else to go on...