Maudine and Jesse were both past their prime. Jesse knew he was but usually acted like he wasn't. Maudine, on the other hand still thought that she could plow all day. She would have run herself into the ground if Jesse wouldn't have stopped to rest her often. After getting one more glance at the hawk, Jesse yelled "Yaw!" Most mules require a little physical encouragement to get started but Maudine knew exactly what the old farmer wanted by the tone of his voice. Jesse's eyes were on the ground focused on keeping a straight line as Bo approached so his nephew got pretty close to him before Jesse realized he was there. He caught him out of the corner of his eye and then looked up. "Naay!" Maudine stopped in her tracks. Jesse smiled at Bo.