A combined attack might indeed be dangerous, though it had the excellent feature that if it failed the Dyaks would certainly leave the island.

But his sky-sign destroyed! That was bad.
Had a vessel chanced to pass, the swinging letters would surely have attracted attention.

Now, even that faint hope was dispelled.
"Sahib, there is a worse thing to tell," said Mir Jan.
"Say on, then." "Before they place the ladders against the cliff they will build a fire of green wood so that the smoke will be blown by the wind into your eyes.

This will help to blind your aim.

Otherwise, you never miss." "That will assuredly be awkward, Mir Jan." "It will, sahib.