East Anglia as lost so far as depends upon itself; its only hope
is in the men of Kent and Wessex, whom we must now look
upon as our champions, and who may yet stem the tide of
invasion and drive back the Danes. This abbey of yours stands
in a perilous position, being not far removed from the
Humber, where so many of the Danes find entrance to
England."

"It is not without danger, Eldred, but the men of the
fens are numerous, hardy and brave, and will offer a tough
resistance to any who may venture to march hitherward, and
if, as I hope, you will stay with us, and will undertake their
command, we may yet for a long time keep the Danes from
our doors."

For some weeks the time passed quietly. Edmund spent
most of his time in hunting, being generally accompanied by
Egbert. The Saxon was an exceedingly tall and powerful
man, slow and scanty of speech, who had earned for himself
the title of Egbert the Silent. He was devoted to his kinsmen
and regarded himself as special guardian of Edmund. He
had instructed him in the use of arms, and always accompanied
him when he went out to hunt the boar, standing ever
by his side to aid him to receive the rush of the wounded and
furious beasts; and more than once, when Edmund had been
borne down by their onslaughts, and would have been severely
wounded, if not killed, a sweeping blow of Egbert's
sword had rid him of his assailant.

Sometimes Edmund made excursions in the fens, where