A hoss might go ahead into danger, but a mule is more careful of itself and never goes butting in unless it feels sure they is a way out.
"Giddap," says the old man agin.
But jest then the shadders on both sides of the road comes to life.

They wakes up, and moves all about us.

It was done so sudden and quiet it was half a minute before I seen it wasn't shadders but about thirty men had gathered all about us on every side.

They had guns.
"Who are you?
What d'ye want ?" asts the old man, startled, as three or four took care of the mule's head very quick and quiet.
"Don't be skeered, Daddy Withers," says a drawly voice out of the dark; "we ain't goin' to hurt YOU.

We got a little matter o' business to tend to with them two fellers yo' totin' to town.".