So well was the secret kept that no rumour of the storm about to burst upon them reached the Danes.

The people, rejoicing and eager as they were, suffered no evidence of their feelings to be apparent to their cruel masters, who, believing the Saxons to be finally crushed, were lulled into a false security.

The king's treasure had been brought from its hiding-place to Athelney, and Edmund and Egbert had also handed over their own share of the booty to the king.

The golden cups and goblets he had refused to take, but had gladly accepted the silver.
Edmund and Egbert had left Athelney for a few days on a mission.

The king had described to them minutely where he had hidden the sacred standard with the Golden Dragon.