The morn was lovely, and gave promise of a splendid day. At that early hour, the view from the heights of the old and picturesque city, with the broad river flowing past it, was enchanting, and delighted even the rough soldiers who gazed at it. The fair Malvern Hills, however, chiefly called forth their admiration as reminding them of their native mountains, though they admitted that few of the Scottish valleys could compare with the fertile vale of the Severn. While many a greedy eye was fixed on Worcester, and many a cunning tongue was talking of its wealth, and the plunder it would yield, if they were only allowed to pillage it, the attention of the soldiers was attracted to the walls, which had now become thronged with the citizens and their wives and daughters, while all the church bells--and no church in the old city lacked its proper complement of bells--began to ring forth joyous peals. It was clear that the city was now awake and astir, and the half-famished soldiers hoped that immediate preparations would be made for their refreshment, and on an extraordinary scale. It was about this time that Major Careless, who had attired himself rather hurriedly, being excited by the prodigious clangour of the bells, entered the king's tent, and found the young monarch fast asleep--fast as a top. "Zounds!" mentally ejaculated the aide-de-camp; "his majesty must sleep soundly, since this din does not disturb him--but no wonder. I'll give him another hour." And he turned to depart, when Charles suddenly ceased breathing hard, and opened his eyes. "What sound is that?" he cried, raising himself on his elbow and listening. "The bells of Worcester ringing for your majesty's glorious victory--that's all," replied Careless. "And enough too," cried the king, looking well pleased. "What has happened to the garrison?" "Evacuated the fortifications--taken to flight." "Just what I expected--just what I desired." "But your majesty did not expect--nor, I presume, desire--that Colonel James would take the mayor of Worcester and the sheriff with him." "'Sdeath!" exclaimed the king. "Has he had the audacity to do so?" "Even so, my liege. No doubt they were specially obnoxious to him on account of their loyalty, and he might wish to hold them for ransom. 'Tis lucky he didn't carry off others. There are several prisoners of note in Worcester--Lord Talbot, Sir John Pakington, and Colonel Mervin Touchet. But the rascal contented himself with the mayor and the sheriff. At what hour will it please your majesty to enter the city?" "At noon," replied Charles. "Not till noon! why, we have no rations," cried Careless, in dismay. "Your army has nothing to eat. Will your majesty keep the men fasting till noon? If you could only see how hungry they look, you would feel some pity for them." "They shall all have a good breakfast in Worcester--that I promise them." "There will be plenty of grumbling at the delay."