A score of men-at-arms came forward to seize him.
"Stand back on your lives!" cried Sholto, sweeping his blade about him to keep a space clear about his youthful master.
But still the Earl William sat calm and unmoved, though all others had risen to their feet and held arms in their hands.
"What means this mumming ?" he said, high and clear.

"If a mystery is to be played, surely it were better to put it off till after dinner." Then through the open doorway came a voice piercing and reedy.
"The play is played indeed, William of Douglas, and the lion is now safe in the power of the dogs.

How like you our kennel, most mighty lion ?" It was the voice of the Chancellor Crichton.
The young King came running from his place and threw his arms about the Earl's neck.
"I am the King," he cried; "not one of you shall touch or hurt my cousin Douglas!" "Stand back, James," said the tutor Livingston; "the Douglas is a traitor, and you shall never reign while he rules.

He and his brother must be tried for treason.

They have claimed the King's throne, and usurped his authority." Sholto MacKim turned about.