And the only explanation he can think of for his brother’s lengthy residence above is that he has found something exceptionally good. “Terror’s” large, wondering eyes sparkle with anticipation and excitement ... at the worst he is sure to get a few bones or feathers!
He keeps scratching his claws impatiently on the tree-trunk; attempts also to clamber up, but soon gives it up as hopeless.
Suddenly his spine tingles with fear; he hears the old crow’s hateful, angry shout—he scurries away and hides in the cornfield.
Black, also, jumps up hurriedly. He leaps out of the nest and clings to the trunk beneath, while with flattened ears he peers scowlingly into the air....
Yes, there is the beast, hanging above him with its black wings outstretched. It opens its beak and shrieks mockingly down at him. It’s black, glittering eyes follow him viciously, totally unabashed by his own raging, murderous glare.
“Madness” reaches a difficult fork in the tree and hesitates....
The crow instantly seizes the opportunity!
Conscious of its superiority in the air, it hurtles down upon him. The cunning bird has long ago noticed that Black is an earthbound animal—and now he has been so foolhardy as to leave the ground and venture up into his opponent’s hunting-ground—yes, into its very nest—he should soon be made to regret his insolence!
The old crow is also strongly influenced by the prospect of an easy victory and a good feast afterwards. With all its might it fastens its claws in the black cat’s shoulder.
The shock shakes Black from the fork, but he does not lose his balance; he just slides down backwards until he reaches an out-jutting branch. Clinging to this with his forepaws, he uses his back legs to such good effect, that the crow is forced to let go his hold.