Once at sea her course was again turned north, and picking up some prizes on the way she took up her station off the mouth of the Humber.
Several ships were captured as they sailed out from the river.

After the spoil on board was taken out, these, instead of being burnt, as had always been the case before, were allowed to proceed on their way, since had they been destroyed the crews must either have been slain or landed.

The first course was repugnant to Edmund, the second could not be adopted, because they would have carried the news to the Danes, that the Dragon was off the river and no more ships would have put to sea; and indeed, so large was the number of Danish vessels always up the Humber that a fleet could easily have been equipped and sent out, before which the Dragon must have taken flight.
One day a large sailing ship was seen coming out.

The Dragon remained with lowered sail until she had passed; then started in pursuit, and speedily came up with the Danish vessel.

Edmund summoned her to surrender, and was answered by a Norseman of great stature and noble appearance, who from the poop hurled a javelin, which would have pierced Edmund had he not leapt quickly aside.