Since the war with the Feringhees ended, there are many disbanded soldiers who have taken to dacoity, and it is always better to travel with a strong band.

I wonder that you venture with three loaded animals, and only one man beside yourselves." Surajah was about to speak, but a quick glance from Dick stopped him.
"We think there is less danger in travelling in a small body than there is with a large one," the latter said.

"There is less to tempt anyone to interfere with us.

Moreover, we could not travel with a caravan, because the greater part of our goods are such as would tempt the peasantry only.

We therefore stop at small villages to trade, leaving the towns to those who travel with more valuable merchandise." After chatting for some minutes, the traveller got up and joined his party.
"I don't much like that fellow's looks," Dick said, when they were alone.
"Why?
He looks a very respectable man." "Oh, yes, he looks respectable enough, but for all that I don't fancy him.