But they gathered in fierce excitement about the entrance, scolding the audacious thief at the top of their voices, and threatening him with every kind of vengeance when he should dare to come out.

And from time to time one or another of the boldest would alight on the very edge of the hole, cock his head, and peer in, to bounce away again instantly with a startled squawk as the squirrel would jump up at him, chattering with rage.
"In the midst of all this excitement the careless mother came hurrying back.

She had heard the row, of course.

One could hear it all over the parish.

Unobserved, she flew straight to the nest.