had appointed, and found that a large number of the people
of the marshes had gathered round his banner.

The Danes had not moved as yet from Bardenay, and
Algar determined to wait for another day or two before
advancing, in order to give time to others farther from
the scene of action to arrive.

The next day came the contingents from several other
priories and abbeys, and the sight of the considerable force
gathered together gave heart and confidence to all. Algar,
Eldred, and the other leaders, Morcar, Osgot, and Harding,
moved about among the host, encouraging them with cheering
words, warning them to be in no way intimidated by the
fierce appearance of the Danes, but to hold steadfast and
firm in the ranks, and to yield no foot of ground to the
onslaught of the enemy. Many priests had accompanied the
contingents from the religious houses, and these added their
exhortations to those of the leaders, telling the men that God
would assuredly fight on their side against the heathen, and
bidding each man remember that defeat meant the destruction
of their churches and altars, the overthrow of their whole
religion, and the restored worship of the pagan gods.

Edmund went about among the gathering taking great
interest in the wild scene, for these marsh men differed much
in their appearance from the settled inhabitants of his father's
lands. The scenes in the camp were indeed varied in their
character. Here and there were harpers with groups of
listeners gathered round, as they sung the exploits of their