It's quite likely that the signals I saw last night may mean business for to-night.

If so, we shall be on the spot." "Won't you go at once ?" Archy ventured to observe.
"No, certainly not; what would be the good?
We would be watched, of course, and the scoundrels would signal from hill to hill, and our every step would be known.

This evening, my lad, at dusk.

Now, my lads, give way." The boat was rowed rapidly from under the shadow of the mighty cliff, and the midshipman could not repress a shudder as he noticed how swiftly the current ran right out to sea, and fully realised what would have been the consequences to any one who had tried to swim along the coast if he had managed to descend in safety to the cliff foot.
Back on board the cutter there was a fair amount of bustle and excitement among the men, for, after months of unfruitful hanging about the coast, chasing luggers which proved to be empty, following false leads to get them off the scent or out of the way when contraband goods were to be landed, here was genuine information at last, the smugglers having, after such long immunity, placed themselves in the hands of the King's men.
Consequently cutlasses were being filed up, pistols carefully examined as to their flints and nicked off to see that they threw a good shower of sparks into the pans, and the men sat and talked together as eagerly as if they were about proceeding upon a pleasant jaunt, instead of upon a risky expedition which might result in death to several, and certainly would in serious injury.
"Yes," the lieutenant said, "rats will run away as long as they can, but when driven to the end of their holes they will fight." "But will they dare, do you think, sir ?" said Archy.
"Dare! Yes, my lad.

You had a bit of a taste of it the other night when they were surprised in the lane.