of firm
ground in the center of a bog. It was surrounded by almost impassable
forests, and Alfred fortified the place so that it could not well be
taken. Then he made frequent sudden and successful attacks on the enemy
until his troops and the people became encouraged.

8. One victory in particular, when they captured a banner which the Danes
thought enchanted, led Alfred to take bolder steps. He wished to find out
the exact condition of the enemy, and, for this purpose, disguised himself
as a harper and entered their camp. He was so successful in his disguise
that he remained there some days, even being admitted to the tent of the
Danish leader Guthrum.

9. He found their entire army living in careless security, and so he
determined to make a sudden and bold attack on them, to try and rid his
country once more of these cruel invaders. He summoned his people about
him from far and wide. Many of them had long thought their beloved king
dead, but now all eagerly obeyed his call.

10. He at once led them against that part of the camp which he had seen to
be most unguarded. The attack was entirely unexpected; and, although the
Danes were greater in numbers, they were defeated with great slaughter.
Some of them, with their leader, fled to a fortified place, but were soon
obliged to surrender.

11. Alfred granted them their lives, and settled them in a part of his
kingdom where nearly all his own people had been destroyed. He hoped by
this to change obstinate enemies into useful friends who would protect
England from further attacks of their own countrymen. However, some years
later, when the Danes made another invasion, these people joined them in
fighting against Alfred, but he soon succeeded in driving them all out of
the country.

12. Much as Alfred did for his people in war, he did more in time of
peace. Above all else he gave careful attention to their education. He
rebuilt the monasteries and aided the young University of Oxford. He also
founded many schools, to which every owner of a certain portion of land
was compelled to send his children.

13. But he did as much good by the example that he set as by these acts.
His time was divided into three parts. One was given to business, one to
refreshment by sleep and food, and the third to study and devotion. Clocks
and watches, and probably even sundials, were then unknown, so these
divisions were marked by burning candles of equal lengths.

14. Alfred did not stud