The reason was evident: the animal was so near the house that he could not be observed without raising the sash and thrusting out the head.

It was well the lad was too prudent to do that.
Afraid that their voices might rouse his anger, the mother stepped to the foot of the stairs and called to her boy,-- "Keep quiet, Tom! He is somewhere near, but we can't see him any more than you.

If we remain still, perhaps he will go away." Jim Travers, having fanned the pieces of wood on the hearth into a crackling blaze, stepped softly to the window against which the tiger had flung himself, and bent his head in close attention.
"Mercy!" exclaimed Aunt Cynthia in an undertone, "come away; if he jumps through, he will land on top of your head." "_Sh!_" whispered the boy, holding up one hand as a warning for them to keep silent; "_I hear him!_" So he did.

The tiger was trotting back and forth and round the building, evidently seeking some mode of entrance.

Clearly he was resolved to punish the inmates for firing at him.
All stood still and listened.