Possible Clues:

• Ratty needing river? Yes, initially
• Seems this is trying to make one so cross
• Having little patience
• Ticked off
• Quick to anger if not allowed to speak in court
• 'Trying, perhaps, to cross this (5)'
• Like a match, perhaps, likely to flare up?
• Inclined to strike out
• Unpleasant to be around
• Easily made irritable