at he would tell us that
victory is before us."

Now the other sleepers woke, and listened wondering. The light was
strong, and I looked away towards the Danes between us and the
river. Their fires were burning up one by one as they roused also;
but I thought there was some bustle down at the shore of the river,
where the ships were now afloat on the rising tide.

Then Etheldreda spoke to us in words that were brave and good to
hear--words to make a man long to give his life for country and for
friends--telling us that, since we must needs die, it was well that
we should fall sword in hand, ridding England of her foes man to
man, rather than perish in this place for nought.

And when she ended the chiefs were silent, looking on the Danes
with eyes that gleamed; and Kolgrim put the thoughts of all into
words when he said:

"Once or twice has the Berserker fury come on me when my master has
been in peril. Berserker again will you drive me, lady, so that I
care not for six foemen against me or sixty."

Then Odda cried:

"What goes on yonder? Do they leave us?" and he shaded his eyes
against the rising sun, and pointed. Certainly the Danes were
drawing towards the ships in parties of twenty and thirty at a
time, but their sentries went on their beats without heeding them.
There was no movement, either, among those on the other hill, and
the Raven banner that told of Hubba's presence was not borne away.

Now we forgot all but that here was a new hope for us, and we
watched for half an hour. Then it was plain that full half the
force was drawn off, and that the Danes were crossing the river in
the ships. We saw them land on the opposite shore, where the road
comes down to the Combwich crossing, that can only be used at
lowest tides; and they marched eastward, doubtless in search of
cattle and plunder.

Then Heregar's eyes shone, and he said:

"Now has our time come, even as Eahlstan foretold to me. In two
hours or three none of that force can return, and we have but half
as many again as ourselves left here for us to deal with."

"Let me lead you on them," said Etheldreda.

Then with one voice we prayed her to bide in the fort, and for long
she would not be persuaded. But we told her that the men would
fight as well under her eye as if they were led by her--if, indeed,
her presence did not weaken them, in fear for her safety--and so at
last she gave way.

After that there was no more doubt as to what should b