I Would Do Anything to Protect the People I Love

We've just had a prowler.
Our 22 acre smallholding is in the middle of nowhere in West Wales, UK - but it does, regrettably, have a bridle path right through the middle of it.
A short while ago, mother in law, 81, was taking her little dog for a final constitutional before bedtime when she started barking at something behind one of the barns. MIL caught up with her in time to see the play of torchlight up the track.
Sensibly, she came straight back in and told yours truly, who went out looking with a bright torch and a big stick. Had a good look around but nothing to be seen or heard.
Fed the pony, got some logs in and unloaded the horse feed from the back of my car. Another look around. Still nothing.
Tonight, and for the foreseeable future, the cars will be locked up. Doesn't often happen.
I shall be going out again later, very quietly (which I am good at) under cover of total darkness,with torch switched off but at the ready - and the same big stick. I know the land. The intruder doesn't. If he's around, he'll be getting more than he bargained for.
Pity my big old farm dog died in the summer. It may be time to find a replacement 🤨