They've blocked it with stones and posted three-four men there, threatening sudden death.

By their own account they're armed.

Major Dilke's holding them to parley, and wants the loan of a lantern while you, sir, march your men round and take the gang in the rear.

They reckon they've none but us to deal with." The infantry officer grunted that he understood, sent the trooper back with a lantern, and quietly formed up and marched off his company.

From my hiding-place I caught scraps of the parley at the lower end of the beach--or rather of Major Dilke's share in it; for the smugglers answered him through a tunnel, and I could only hear their voices mumbling in response to the threats which he flung forth on the wide night.