At nightfall, however, the Danes lit cressets of tar and hemp, which enabled them not only to keep close together, but sent out a wide circle of light, so that they could perceive the Dragon should she venture to approach.
For two days and nights the Dragon followed patiently.
"The weather is about to change," Egbert said on the third morning.
"Methinks that there is a storm brewing, and if this be so the Northmen may well get separated, and we may pick up one away from her fellows." Darker and darker grew the sky, and the wind soon blew in furious gusts, raising a sea so heavy that the Saxons were obliged to lay in their oars.

By nightfall it was blowing a furious gale.

In the gathering darkness and the flying scud the ships of the Danes were lost sight of; but this was of little consequence now, for the attention of the Saxons was directed to their own safety.
For the next three days their position was one of the greatest danger.
With only a rag of sail set they ran before the gale from the south-west.

Every wave as it overtook them threatened the destruction of the ship; but the Dragon, light and buoyant, and ably handled, rode safely over the waves.

On the fourth morning the wind was still blowing fiercely, although its force had in some degree moderated.