"I am inclined to believe so, sire—nay, I am certain—yet give me till Thursday."
"I have said it," rejoined Charles. "I now leave you in General Massey's hands."
With a grave bow to the judge, who had rushed forward as if to throw himself at his majesty's feet, but stopped suddenly, he quitted the room, followed by Massey.
As he crossed the hall he laughed heartily.
"Your judge will turn Royalist on Thursday, if nothing happens to-morrow," he said.
On quitting Severn End, Charles accompanied General Massey to Upton.
They rode through Hanley, where a stately pile belonging to the Earls of Gloucester once stood, and where Massey's troops were now encamped.
The general had with him a detachment of five hundred horse and a regiment of dragoons, and he assured the king that he felt confident of preventing the enemy's passage at Upton Bridge, come in what force he might.
Together they carefully examined the fine old bridge, which, like the bridges of Worcester and Powick, was somewhat narrow, but had deep angular recesses. It was strongly built of stone, and had several arches.
Charles advised its total destruction, but Massey was of opinion that it would suffice to break down the central arch; and the king giving his assent, a large body of men was at once set to work upon the task.