傑克·倫敦/Jack London
傑克·倫敦（1876—1916），美國最著名的作家之一，批判現實主義者。他出身貧困，童年就以從事繁重勞動謀生，先後做過工人、水手、司爐、淘金者，甚至流浪漢。艱苦的生活使他深切體會到損貧利富的社會弊端。他對社會問題非常感興趣，自稱是社會學者，從事過工人運動。他的短篇小說獨樹一幟，情節緊湊，人物栩栩如生，深受讀者喜愛。代表作有《狼的兒子》《荒野的呼喚》《鐵蹄》等。
"Carmen won't last more than a couple of days." Mason spat out a chunk of ice and surveyed the poor animal ruefully, then put her foot in his mouth and proceeded to bite out the ice which clustered cruelly between the toes.
"I never saw a dog with a highfalutin name that ever was worth a rap," he said, as he concluded his task and shoved her aside. "They just fade away and die under the responsibility. Did ye ever see one go wrong with a sensible name like Cassiar, Siwash, or Husky? No, sir! Take a look at Shookum here, he's—" Snap! The lean brute flashed up, the white teeth just missing Mason's throat.
"Ye will, will ye?" A shrewd clout behind the ear with the butt of the dog whip stretched the animal in the snow, quivering softly, a yellow slaver dripping from its fangs.
"As I was saying, just look at Shookum here—he's got the spirit. Bet ye he eats Carmen before the week's out." "I'll bank another proposition against that," replied Malemute Kid, reversing the frozen bread placed before the fire to thaw. "We'll eat Shookum before the trip is over. What d'ye say, Ruth?" The Indian woman settled the coffee with a piece of ice, glanced from Malemute Kid to her husband, then at the dogs, but vouchsafed no reply. It was such a palpable truism that none was necessary. Two hundred miles of unbroken trail in prospect, with a scant six days' grub for themselves and none for the dogs, could admit no other alternative. The two men and the woman grouped about the fire and began their meager meal. The dogs lay in their harnesses for it was a midday halt, and watched each mouthful enviously.