rainsford is an experienced hunter does he recognize the sound of the animal? what makes the noise stop?

Rainsford did not recognize the sound of the animal. The cries are cut short by the shot of a pistol.

He did not recognize the animal that made the sound; he did not try to; with fresh vitality he swam toward the sound. He heard it again; then it was cut short by another noise, crisp, staccato.

"Pistol shot," muttered Rainsford, swimming on.