William Merriam Rouse, “The Rough-Neck,” Munsey’s Magazine (Oct., 1921):

“Brumley was built like a chopping-block, and they said his voice had turned milk sour in his own pantry. He swung over the rail of the Mary Ann and spoke out loud.
         “‘Shoot the cat!’ says he. ‘Shoot the cat comin' home from the wake!’
        “The words didn't mean anything particular, but when Hen Brumley advised folks to shoot the cat it was a sign that he intended to bust up all the civilization in his neighborhood within a reasonable time.”