These were soon removed and a passage three feet deep, and wide enough for the ship to pass through, was dug from the deep hole in which she was lying to the river.
When the last barrier was cut the water poured in, and the Saxons had the satisfaction of seeing the vessel rise gradually until the water in the dock was level with that in the river.

Then she was taken out into the stream, the stores and fittings placed aboard, and she was poled down to the mouth of the river.

Egbert had gone before and had already engaged fifteen sturdy sailors to go with them.

The Danes had not yet reached the sea-coast from the interior, and there was therefore no difficulty in obtaining the various equipments necessary.

In a week her masts were up and her sails in position.
The Dragon, as she was called, excited great admiration at the port, all saying that she was the finest and largest ship that had ever been seen there.