The Danes possessed a large number of these boats at Yarmouth, and in these they navigated the inland waters far into the interior.

The wind had shifted until it was blowing nearly due east, and Edmund and Egbert had agreed upon the best course to be pursued.

In case of attack they could hardly hope finally to beat off the assault of a large fleet of galleys, and would besides be exposed to attack by boats laden with combustibles.

Therefore as soon as the galleys were seen approaching the oars were unlashed, the great sail hoisted, and at her best speed the Dragon advanced up the river to meet her foes.

The Danes gave a shout of alarm as the vessel advanced to meet them with the water surging in a white wave from her bows, and the greater part of them hurried towards one bank or the other to escape the shock.