They were quite right, though; he could only have done mischief and made it harder for himself and every one else.

If the passengers were armed, and all steady and game to stand a flutter, something might be done, but you don't get a coach-load like that very often.

So it's found better in a general way to give up what they have quietly and make no fuss about it.
I've known cases where a single bush-ranger was rushed by a couple of determined men, but that was because the chap was careless, and they were very active and smart.

He let them stand too near him.

They had him, simple enough, and he was hanged for his carelessness; but when there's three or four men, all armed and steady, it's no use trying the rush dodge with them.
Of course there were other things to think about: what we were to do with the trinkets and bank-notes and things when we got them--how to pass them, and so on.