He snatched the revolver from his belt and fired at his assailant.

This shot must have broken the beast's shoulder, but it only half arrested his spring.

His great weight was still hurled on Rupert's chest, and bore him back on his knee.

The packet that he had flung lay unheeded.
The king, wild with alarm and furious with anger at his favorite's fate, jumped up and ran past Rupert into the next room.

Herbert followed; even as they went Rupert flung the wounded, weakened beast from him and darted to the doorway.