Rupert's impatience overcame him: if there were a trap, every moment's delay doubled his danger.

With a scornful laugh he exclaimed, "Catch it, then, if you're afraid to come for it," and he flung the packet to Herbert or the king, or which of them might chance to catch it.
This insolence had a strange result.

In an instant, with a fierce growl and a mighty bound, Boris was at the stranger's throat.

Rupert had not seen or had not heeded the dog.

A startled oath rang out from him.