Quotation from: Elsinore

Written by: Jack London

Scarcely had he departed on the errand when Bill Quigley, who lay at
my feet, created a diversion. I jumped--yes, and I freely confess
that I yelled--with startle and surprise, when I felt his paws clutch
my ankles and his teeth shut down on the calf of my leg.

It was Mr. Pike to the rescue. I understand now the Western
hyperbole of "hitting the high places." The mate did not seem in
contact with the deck. My impression was that he soared through the
air to me, landing beside me, and, in the instant of landing, kicking
out with one of those big feet of his. Bill Quigley was kicked clear
away from me, and the next moment he was flying overboard. It was a
clean throw. He never touched the rail.