Fair Geraldine screamed loudly, and Will Sommers began to think the
jest had been carried too far.

"What is to be done?" he cried. "If the king hears of this quarrel, he will
assuredly place the Earl of Surrey in arrest. I now repent having
brought the duke here."

You acted most maliciously," cried the Fair Geraldine; "but fly, and
prevent further mischief."

Thus urged, the jester ran towards the lower ward, and finding an
officer of the guard and a couple of halberdiers near the entrance of St.
George's Chapel, told them what was taking place, and they
immediately hastened with him to the scene of the conflict.

"My lords!" cried the officer to the combatants, "I command you to lay
down your weapons."

But finding no respect paid to his injunctions, he rushed between them,
and with the aid of the halberdiers, forcibly separated them.

"My lord of Surrey," said the officer, "you are my prisoner. I demand
your sword."

On what plea, sir? "rejoined the other.

"You have drawn it against the king's son--and the act is treason,"
replied the officer. "I shall take you to the guard house until the king's
pleasure is known."