Well, what's any one, if he's ever so game, to do?
If he tries to draw a weapon, or move ever so little, he's rapped at that second.

He can only shoot one man, even if his aim is good, which it's not likely to be.

What is more, the other passengers don't thank him--quite the contrary--for drawing the fire on them.

I have known men take away a fellow's revolver lest he should get them all into trouble.

That was a queer start, wasn't it?
Actually preventing a man from resisting.