Here's why:
* The vowel sound in "pail" is a short "a" sound. This is generally considered a short vowel sound.
* However, the length of the vowel sound can vary depending on the speaker and the context. For example, if you are emphasizing the word "pail," you might stretch out the vowel sound, making it longer.
In conclusion, the sound of "pail" is not objectively short or long. It depends on the individual speaker and the context of the utterance.