The word was therefore given, and all made for the bank.

The stream had already drifted them in that direction, and they soon reached the shore.

Here the skins which had proved so useful were left behind, and putting on their dry clothes, they felt comparatively comfortable.

Edmund ordered them to lay down their spears and swords by their sides, and to swing their arms violently.

This they continued to do until they were nearly breathless, by which time the blood was coursing warmly in their veins.
They were now in December, and the water was extremely cold, and Egbert congratulated Edmund upon having made the men strip, for had they been compelled to remain in their wet garments while waiting for the Danish fires to die down, they would scarce have been in a fit state to fight when the moment for so doing had arrived.
Three hours elapsed before the glare of the distant fires began to subside, another half hour passed, and then the band were formed up and moved along on the bank of the river..