And through the archway came two servitors in black habits, carrying between them on a huge platter of silver a black bull's head, ghastly and ominous even in death, with staring eyeballs and matted frontlet of ensanguined hair.
"Treachery!" instantly cried Sholto, and ere the men could approach he had drawn his sword and stood ready to do battle for his lord.

For throughout all Scotland a bull's head served at table is the symbol of death.
The Earl did not move or speak.

He watched the progress of the men in black, who staggered under their heavy burden.

David also had risen to his feet with his hand on his sword, but William Douglas sat still.
Alarm, wonder, and anxiety chased each other across the face of the young King.
"What is this, Chancellor--why is the room filled with armed men ?" he cried.
But Crichton had withdrawn himself behind the partisans of his soldiers, and down the long table there was not a man but had risen and bared his sword.

Every eye was turned upon the young Earl.