The Dragon had run high on the low muddy bank of the river.

The tide was falling; and although for a few minutes the crew tried desperately to push her off they soon found that their efforts were in vain, and it was not until the tide again rose high nine hours later that the Dragon floated.

Until morning broke nothing could be done, and even when it did so matters were not mended, for the fog was still dense.
The disappointment of Edmund and Siegbert at the escape of the Danes was extreme.

Their plans had been so well laid that when it was found that the Dragon had arrived in time no doubts were entertained of the success of the enterprise, and to be foiled just when Freda seemed within reach was a terrible disappointment.
"My only consolation is," Edmund said as he paced the deck impatiently side by side with Egbert, "that this fog which delays us will also hinder the Danes." "That may be so or it may not," Egbert answered.

"It is evident that some on board the Danish ships must have recognized us, and that they were anxious to escape rather than fight.