Then the awful war cry of the Danes arose from earth to heaven, chilling the very blood and, disdaining all further concealment, the murderous warriors rushed forward, doubtless expecting to find the place almost undefended, and to carry the defences at a rush.

But they were soon fatally undeceived, for so perfect had been Edmund’s arrangements, that a storm of arrows burst from all parts of the building and embankment, laying nearly half the assailants dying or wounded on the ground.

Still the survivors threw themselves into the ditch, and strove in vain to pass the palisades, which projected over their heads, and which were vigorously defended by spear and battle-axe.

But in one place a gigantic warrior succeeded in hewing an aperture with his axe, wielded by giant strength, and all might have been lost had not Edmund perceived it, and rushed to its defence, collecting by his shout half-a-dozen followers.  Several Danes strove to pass the breach; one was already through, and Edmund attacked him; meanwhile two others had crept through, but were cut off from their fellows, for the English rallied in front and presented an impenetrable barrier with their spears, while from the windows above the arrows rained upon the assailants.

Edmund’s axe had found its victim; Herstan, who was by his side, had engaged and wounded the second; and, meanwhile, Alfgar, who was glaring about him for a foe, discovered the third, whose aspects and form were at once recognised by him.

“What! you, Higbald!” he cried.

“You shall escape no more,” cried his late gaoler, and brought his axe down with a mighty rush.  Alfgar leapt nimbly aside, and before his bulky but clumsy antagonist could recover his guard, passed his keen sword beneath the left arm, through the body, and the giant staggered and fell, a bloody foam rising to his lips, as he quivered in the agonies of death.

All was again silent.  The Danes, discomfited for the moment, having lost half their number, had retired, probably waiting for reinforcements, and the victor addressed Edmund.

“Look,” he cried; “this man is a servant of Edric Streorn.”

“Is it true, fellow?” said Edmund sternly.

“What if it is?  I am dying now, and it cannot matter to me.”

The last words were interrupted by a convulsive struggle.

“Art thou an Englishman or a Dane?” said the Etheling, bending over the dying ruffian in his anxiety to learn the whole truth.

“What is that to thee?”

“Much, if thou wouldst escape death.”

“Escape death!  I cannot.  Neither wilt thou escape Edric Streorn, and I shall not die unavenged.  Ah! young springal, thou wilt not escape again.  To think that thy puny hand should give Higbald his death blow!  Ah, I am choked!”

Alfgar’s sword had pierced his lungs, and a gush of blood rushing to the mouth stopped the breath of Higbald for ever.