"That we will do," replied Mrs. Starling. "Here, you beggars, you: out of that house! You've no business there. Be off!"
"What's all that?" piped Mrs. Sparrow, looking out of her little round doorway. "Go away, you impudent tramp! Don't come near our house."
"It is not your house!" said Mr. Starling, springing nimbly to a bough, and confronting Mrs. Sparrow.
"It is ours!" cried Mr. Sparrow, looking down from the roof of the house. "I have the title-deeds. Stand up for your rights, my love!"
"Yes, stand up for your rights. I'll back you," said Mrs. Sparrow's brother-in-law, taking position on a branch just at the foot of the house.
"We'll see about that, you thieves!" cried Mrs. Starling, in a rage, making a dash at Mrs. Sparrow's brother-in-law.
But two of Mrs. Sparrow's cousins came to the rescue just then, and attacked Mrs. Starling in the rear.
Thereupon Mr. Starling flew at Mrs. Sparrow. Mr. Sparrow, without more delay, went at Mr. Starling. Mrs. Sparrow's brother-in-law paid his respects to Mrs. Starling. There was a lively fight.
It ended in the defeat of the sparrows. The starlings were too big for them. The sparrows retreated in good order, and left the starlings to enjoy their triumph.
