They raged back and forth across the deck, and the wolf pack drew close, cursing beneath their breath.

They had looked for a quick end to the struggle, but now they saw that the fighters were mated.

The greater strength was McTee's; the greater purpose was Harrigan's.

McTee fought to crush and conquer; Harrigan fought to kill.
The blows of the captain flung Harrigan here and there, yet he came back to meet the attack, slinking with sure, catlike steps.

The heel and pitch of the deck sometimes staggered the captain, but Harrigan seemed to know beforehand what would happen, and he leaped in at every opening with blows that cut the skin.
His own flesh was bruised.