There was a rough-wattled stockade round the place, and quick-set fences within which to pen the cattle and swine outside that, and all around were the thickets.

None could have known that such an island was here, for not even the house overtopped the low trees; and though all the higher ground was cleared, there were barely two acres above the watery level--a long, narrow patch of land that lay southeast and northwest, with its southerly end close to the banks of the river Tone.

Men call the place Athelney now, since the king and his nobles lay there.

It had no name until he came, but I think that it will bear ever hereafter that which it earned thus.
Two shaggy grey sheepdogs came out to meet us, changing their angry bark for welcome when they saw Ethelnoth; and a man came to the door to see what roused them, and he had a hunting spear in his hand.

I took him for some thane, as he spoke to us in courtly wise; but he was only Denewulf the herdsman himself.
"How fares the king ?" asked Ethelnoth.
"His dark hour came on him after you went," Denewulf answered; "and then the pain passed, and he slept well, and now has just wakened wonderfully cheerful.