They were now approaching Dorsetshire, and saw before them a rising ground, with a large stone set in a conspicuous position.
"What stone is that?" inquired Edmund of a thane, whose habitation was hard by, and who had joined him with his whole household.
"It is called the county stone. It marks the place where three counties meet--Somerset, Wilts, and Dorset; it is in the village of Penn."
At this moment a horseman was seen riding wildly after them from the country in the rear.
"See that man; he brings news," said Edmund, and the whole party paused.
"Alfgar," whispered Edmund to his confidential attendant, "there is hot work coming; I have long since scented the foe behind."
The messenger arrived, bowed low to the king, and waited permission to speak, while his panting breath betrayed his haste and his excitement.
"Well, your message?" said Edmund; "you have ridden fast to bring it."
"My lord, Canute, with an army of fifty thousand men, is following behind with all his speed."
Edmund looked proudly around upon his host; it was almost equal in number. Then he looked with a soldier's eye on the ground before him, and saw that it was the very place where a stand could be made with every advantage of ground.