As they march into battle Gandalf stops them, and warns them that an army of Goblins are at that point pouring over the plains to claim the gold for themselves. The three armies then realise that their civil conflict was childish compared with defending against the orc swarm about to descend on them.
The men, elves and dwarves agreed immediately to end their pointless feuding.
(That's how I remember the story going. I was only 8 or 9 when I read The Hobbit, and my memories keep getting mixed up together with the cartoon version that I so loved to grok, back in the day.)
I smell Goblins.
I invite all REGULARS here (plus Silence, if he likes) to PM me for details. I will discuss it with you all individually, BCC-ing Earl the whole time. Unless you have posted at least 100 times, I won't discuss the situation with you, even if you are trustworthy, because I have to draw the line somewhere. Earl can fill you in on the details if he deems it advisable.
Cheers,
RF

I will be waiting...