er. Therefore this must needs be the most
handsomely-wrought fort in all Wessex."

There came to us at this fort many faithful workmen, sent from the
towns and countryside, until we had a camp there. But every night,
after working with us and cheering all with his voice and example,
Alfred went back to Athelney with us; and none would seek to
disturb him there, so that for long none quite knew, among the
lesser folk, where he bided. Presently the queen and athelings came
there to him, and were safe.

That time in the fens was not altogether unpleasant, though the
life was hard. Ever was Alfred most cheerful, singing and laughing
as we wrought, and a word of praise from him was worth more than
gold to every man. And then there were the hunting, the fishing,
and the snaring of wild fowl, that were always on hand to supply
our wants, though now we had plenty of food from the Quantock side.
I know this, that many a man who was in Athelney with Alfred was
the better therefor all the days of his after life. Men say that
there is a steadfast look in the faces of the Athelney thanes, by
which they can be well known by those who note the ways of men.

The frost lasted till February went out in rain and south winds.
And then the Danes began to gather along the southern hills,
watching us. By that time we had made causeways to other islets
from the fort, and the best of these was to Othery, a long, flat
island that lay to the east, nearer to the Polden Hills and
Edington.

So one day the king sent for me as we wrought at the fort, and both
he and I were horny handed and clay stained from the work. I came
with spade in hand, and he leaned on a pick. Whereat he laughed.

"Faith, brother king, now can I speak in comrade's wise to my
churls as you speak to your seamen. Nor do I think that I shall be
the worse ruler for that."

Then he took my arm, and pointed to Edington hill.

"For many nights past I have seen watch fires yonder," he said;
"and that is a place where I might strike the Danes well. So I
would draw them thither in force. Do you feel as if a fight would
be cheerful after this spade work?"

Now I could wish for nothing better, and I said so.

"Well, then," he went on, laughing at my eagerness, "go to
Ethelnoth, and take twenty men, and do you and he fall on that post
from Othery by night; and when you have scattered it, come back
into the fen. I would have you lose no men, but I would make the
Danes mass toge