CHAPTER X.
THE VICTORY OVER THE DANES.
Encouraged by his dream, and animated by the number and the elation of his followers, Alfred led his army onward toward the part of the country where the camp of the enemy lay.

He intended to surprise them; and, although Guthrum had heard vague rumors that some great Saxon movement was in train, he viewed the sudden appearance of this large and well-organized army with amazement.
He had possession of the hill near Edendune, which has been already described.

He had established his head-quarters here, and made his strongest fortifications on the summit of the eminence.

The main body of his forces were, however, encamped upon the plain, over which they extended, in vast numbers, far and wide.

Alfred halted his men to change the order of march into the order of battle.