I could not have thought it possible." Whereat Alfred rose up and stared, crossing himself.
"Deo gratias," he said under his breath, and then said aloud, "Lo, this is the sign of which I spoke even now--that my fishers should return laden with spoil, even for an army, although frost and snow have prevented them from taking fish for many days, and today was less likelihood of their doing so than ever." "Ranald knew well how this would cheer you, King Alfred," said Ethered, thinking that I had spoken of this as a proof that all was not lost, in some way.
"Ranald said nought; but the sign came from above, thus," the king said gravely.

"In my dream the holy Saint Cuthberht stood by my side, and reproved me sharply for my downheartedness and despair, and for my doubt of help against the heathen; and when he knew that I was sorry, he foretold to me that all would yet be well, and that I should obtain the kingdom once more with even greater honour than I have had--with many more wondrous promises.

And then he gave me this sign, as I have told you and, behold, it has come, and my heart is full of thankfulness.

Now I know that all will be well with England." Then said Denewulf, who it was plain took no mean place with the king and thanes: "Say how this miracle was wrought, I pray you, for it is surely such." "Hither came King Ranald and his two friends and bade us make holes in the ice and fish through them.

So we did, and this is what came thereof," said Ethered.
"Therefore King Ranald and his coming are by the hand of God," said Denewulf.