"And I should have both my boats ready for my men to jump in, and cut her off as soon as she gets close in to the beach.

She'll come on just as the tide's turning, so as to have no fear of being left aground." "You seem to know a good deal about it, my lad ?" said the little lieutenant.
"Good job for you," was the reply, as the sails were lowered, and the cutter lay close in under the cliff waiting.

The boats were down, the men armed, and the guns loaded, ready in case the smuggler vessel should attempt to escape.
Then followed a long and patient watch, in the most utter silence; for, in the stillness of such a calm night a voice travels far, and the lieutenant knew that a strange sound would be sufficient to alarm those for whom he was waiting, and send the boat away again to sea.

He might overtake her, but would more probably lose her in the darkness, and see her at daybreak perhaps well within reach of a port where he dare not follow.
It was darker now, for clouds had come like a veil over the bright stars, but the night was singularly clear and transparent, as soon after eight bells the informer crept silently up to where the lieutenant was trying to make out the approach of the expected vessel.
The little officer started as the man touched his elbow, so silently had he approached, and on looking down, he dimly made out that the man had divested himself of his heavy boots.
"Do be quiet, master," whispered the great fellow.

"Can't 'ford to lose fifty pounds for fear o' getting one's feet cold.