The most savage fighting on decks, dykes, and bridges marked every step forward; the Dutch in their native element attacking with cutlass, boathook and harpoon, while the superior military discipline of the Spanish could not come in play.
"A History of Sea Power"
William Oliver Stevens and Allan Westcott
Leyden called back a clear, exultant greeting to the girl, and the next moment his launch ran alongside the Barang and her bowman made his boathook fast.
"Gold Out of Celebes"
Aylward Edward Dingle
His men alongside evinced lively signs of uneasiness in the silent, gruesome creek, and they held the launch off at the length of a boathook as if afraid of closer contact.
"Gold Out of Celebes"
Aylward Edward Dingle