They had been interlocked for some time in terrific combat.

They had gnashed upon and torn each other until there was getting to be a great scarcity of ears, and eyes and tails.
Nick's head was up, but I advised him that he had better keep out of that canine misunderstanding.

But he gave one look, as much as to say, "Here at last is an occasion worthy of me," and at that dashed into the fray.

There had been no order in the fight before, but as Nick entered they all pitched at him.

They took him fore, and aft, and midships.