But the hours slipped away , and little by little he grew less uneasy . He began to hope that that day would prove as peaceful as the previous day had been . Then suddenly there was a sharp report from the farther end of Paddy 's pond . It was almost like a pistol shot . However , it was n't a pistol shot . It was n't a shot at all . It was the slap of Paddy 's broad tail on the surface of the water . Instantly Lightfoot was on his feet . He knew just what that meant . He knew that Paddy had seen or heard or smelled a hunter . It was even so . Paddy had heard a dry stick snap . It was a very tiny snap , but it was enough to warn Paddy . With only his head above water he had watched in the direction from which that sound had come . Presently , stealing quietly along towards the pond , a hunter had come in view . Instantly Paddy had brought his broad tail down on the water with all his force . He knew that Lightfoot would know that that meant danger . Then Paddy had dived , and swimming under water , had sought the safety of his house . He had done his part , and there was nothing more he could do . CHAPTER XV : The Three Watchers When Paddy the Beaver slapped the water with his broad tail , making a noise like a pistol shot , Lightfoot understood that this was meant as a warning of danger .
He was on his feet instantly , with eyes , ears and nose seeking the cause of XXXXX 's warning .
Beaver Lightfoot Paddy XV day feet hours pond slap stealing