Alfred, in the mean time, took possession of a gentle elevation of land, which now would give him an advantage in the conflict.

A single thorn-tree, growing there alone, marked the spot.

The Danes advanced to attack him, expecting that, as he was not sustained by Ethelred's division of the army, he would be easily overpowered and driven from his post.
Alfred himself felt an extreme and feverish anxiety at Ethelred's delay.

He fought, however, with the greatest determination and bravery.

The thorn-tree continued to be the center of the conflict for a long time, and, as the morning advanced, it became more and more doubtful how it would end.