fathers, and animated their hearers to fresh fire and energy by
relating legends of the cruelty of the merciless Danes. Other
groups there were surrounding the priests, who were appealing
to their religious feelings as well as to their patriotism.

Men sat about sharpening their weapons, fixing on more
firmly the handles of their shields, adjusting arrows to
bowstrings, and preparing in other ways for the coming fight.
From some of the fires, round which the marsh men were
sitting, came snatches of boisterous song, while here and there,
apart from the crowd, priests were hearing confessions, and
shriving penitents.

The next morning early, one of the scouts, who had
been sent to observe the movements of the Danes, reported
that these were issuing from their camp, and advancing into
the country.

Algar marshalled his host, each part under its leaders,
and moved to meet them. Near Kesteven the armies came in
sight of each other, and after advancing until but a short
distance apart both halted to marshal their ranks anew. Eldred,
with the men of the marshes near Croyland and the contingent
from the abbey, had their post in the central division,
which was commanded by Algar himself, Edmund took post
by his father, and Egbert stood beside him.

Edmund had never before seen the Danes, and he could
not but admit that their appearance was enough to shake the
stoutest heart. All carried great shields covering them from