But despite this incontestable statement , something nearby was still gnawing . Gnawing on the berry - red root of that tree , far from in the valley . My ear reacting to this sound of impeccable gnawing , with my breath and eye held above , I 'd ask another question .

Question: What was it that the narrator heard gnawing ?
Answer: The narrator heard the sounds of a beaver gnawing on the tree as it was trying to fell it .None of the above choices .The narrator heard a small bug chewing on the tree close to where his head was leaning .The narrator heard his dog gnawing on a bone as they relaxed in the valley .