But, in that same second, as luck would have it, IT caught the one he was pursuing, nipped his tail, and doubled back like lightning to escape getting nipped in return.

So, you see, Dagger Bill missed his aim.

That javelin of his beak just grazed the brown tip of IT'S nose, scaring him to death, but nothing more." "Ah-h!' breathed the Babe, relieved in his feelings.
"In a wink, of course," went on Uncle Andy, "all the Water Babies, with a wild slapping of tails on the water to warn each other, were scurrying desperately for the nest.

Some dived as deep as possible; but others lost their wits and swam on the surface.

A moment more, and Dagger Bill, who had sunk at once, darted up again, and this time his terrible beak pierced right through a little swimmer's body, severing the backbone." "Oh-h-h!" murmured the Babe, drawing in his breath sharply.
"I can't help it," said Uncle Andy.