In all that threatening array of armed men no friendly eye met his, and none of all he had trusted drew a blade for the Douglas.

Sholto stood calculating the chances.

To die like a man was easy, but how to die to some purpose seemed more difficult.
He saw the King with his arm about the neck of William Douglas, who remained quietly in his place with a pale but assured countenance.
It was Sholto's only chance.

With his left hand he seized the young King by the collar of his doublet, and set the point of his sword to his back between the shoulder-blades.
"Now," he cried, "let a man lay hand on my Lord Douglas and I will slay the King!" At this there was great consternation, and but for fear of Sholto's keeping his word half a score would have rushed forward to the assistance of the boy.

The scream of a woman from some concealed portal showed that the Queen Mother was waiting to witness the downfall of the mighty house which, as she had been taught, alone threatened her boy's throne.
Sholto's arm was already drawn back for the thrust, when the voice of the Earl of Douglas was heard.