Publisher's Synopsis
At one time the Danes drove King Alfred from his kingdom, and he had to lie hidden for a longtime on a little is-land in a river.One day, all who were on the is-land, except the king and queen and one servant, went out to fish. Itwas a very lonely place, and no one could get to it except by a boat. About noon a ragged beggarcame to the king's door, and asked for food.The king called the servant, and asked, "How much food have we in the house?""My lord," said the servant, "we have only one loaf and a little wine."Then the king gave thanks to God, and said, "Give half of the loaf and half of the wine to this poorman."The servant did as he was bidden. The beggar thanked the king for his kindness, and went on hisway.In the after-noon the men who had gone out to fish came back. They had three boats full of fish, and they said, "We have caught more fish to-day than in all the other days that we have been on thisisland."The king was glad, and he and his people were more hopeful than they had ever been before.When night came, the king lay awake for a long time, and thought about the things that hadhappened that day. At last he fancied that he saw a great light like the sun; and in the midst of thelight there stood an old man with black hair, holding an open book in his hand.It may all have been a dream, and yet to the king it seemed very real indeed. He looked andwondered, but was not afraid."Who are you?" he asked of the old man."Alfred, my son, be brave," said the man; "for I am the one to whom you gave this day the half of allthe food that you had. Be strong and joyful of heart, and listen to what I say. Rise up early in themorning and blow your horn three times, so loudly that the Danes may hear it. By nine o'clock, fivehundred men will be around you ready to be led into battle. Go forth bravely, and within seven daysyour en-e-mies shall be beaten, and you shall go back to your kingdom to reign in peace.
