No doubt but the English suspected some scheme, for they withdrew only parts of their garrisons along the coast, depending on the natural strength of Dunluce and the other castles to hold off any attack till succour should arrive.

But since the old fox never showed front till he was ready to spring, no one knew exactly where to expect Sorley Boy; whereby the enemy was forced to remain scattered, in little companies, all along the coast, from Larne to the Bann Mouth.

At any rate, said the man, after the signals with Cantire last night, no one would expect the blow to fall till the Scottish clansmen were landed, which might be this time to-morrow.
Ludar bade the man remain in their company, and then called me and two others of his chief men aside.
"'Tis plain," said he, "our chance is now or never.

Give the men time to sup, and then take forward your guns and have at them in front.

You two," said he, addressing the two Scots, "with the main body are to carry the outworks, and pounding at the enemy's gate, keep him busy to landward.