There was no longer time for words. The advanced rank of the English was already upon them, and the young heroes stood with drawn swords ready to meet the onset.
“Sound an alarm!” shouted Arthur to the trumpeters, hoping thereby to summon the absent knights to their assistance. The call was in vain. Not a friend appeared. But hark! In the distance another trumpet blast answered his own.
“What is that?” exclaimed Arthur. But Alan was as ignorant of its meaning as himself. Suddenly a knight rode forward from the English side—a stalwart figure on a black steed, motioned his followers to halt, and pointing with his sword to Arthur, said: “Surrender, Duke of Brittany. Resistance is useless. The trumpet you have heard announces the approach of King John’s army. Your confederates are defeated. You are surrounded, and retreat is cut off.”
“Then I will fight for life and liberty like a true knight,” replied Arthur. “I will never surrender myself to John.” He rushed upon the knight, and Alan attacked another. Superior in skill and self-confidence, Arthur’s adversary acted upon the defensive until the Duke’s sword point touched his breastplate. Upon this the English knight no longer restrained himself, but returned blow for blow and thrust for thrust. During the encounter Arthur’s horse stumbled and fell, carrying his rider with him. He was on his feet in an instant, but the fastenings of his helmet were broken in the fall and the Duke’s head was unprotected. The English knight did not take advantage of this, but lowered his sword and said: “You have fought bravely and can do no more, Duke of Brittany. Surrender.”
“To whom?” said Arthur, also lowering his sword.
“To me, William Longsword, Earl of Salisbury.”
“What!” cried Arthur bitterly, “a Plantagenet! How could you have the heart, cousin, to fight against Henry’s nephew?”
He extended his sword. Salisbury took it, and, gazing at Arthur, said in a tone of utter astonishment: “By Heaven, his features prove the truth of his words. Geoffrey, as he was in life!” Then advancing, he said, “My prince and cousin, most unwillingly I take you prisoner, but you shall be a prisoner only in name.”
“But how can you satisfactorily explain this to John?” asked Arthur.
“That can be arranged. You may think evil of him, and unfortunately I cannot altogether defend his course, but he will not tarnish his knightly honor by abuse of a prisoner. Follow me, Duke Arthur, and rest assured I shall treat you with the utmost consideration.”