"What were the others being led by?"

Donkeys, apparently.

Not fair really. Donkeys can be stubborn and selfish, but callous and indifferent? No. In fact, you have to race them round a horseshoe track not a continuous one because if they notice they have been past this spot once, they stop, realising there is no point.

No. The men were like donkeys, not the brass. All prick and ribs.