Let's see." He thrust his right hand into the niche, and snatched it back, for the young ravens were big enough to use their beaks fiercely, and set up a loud, hoarse series of cries, as soon as they found that an enemy was at the gate.
"You vicious little wretches!" he cried.

"My word, they can bite.

Ah, would you!" This was to one of the ravens, which rendered frantic by the cries of the young, swooped at him, and struck him with a wing in passing.
"Declaration of war, eh!" he said.

"Well, it's your doing, you murderous creatures, you lamb-slayers.

I did not know you could be so fierce." The raven had sailed off to a distance now, croaking loudly, and joined its mate; and as at the next movement of Mark, seated on his perilous perch, the young ravens screeched hoarsely again, it was evident that there was to be a fresh attack, this time united.
But the lad reached down his right arm, got hold of the hilt of his thin rapier, and pressing closely to the niche, drew the weapon from its sheath.
"Now then!" he cried, as the blade flashed in the sunshine, "I'm ready for you.