As the party sets out for travel again, they place the little ones, the livestock, and the goods (which now included the shrine items) up front. Though the Danites move ahead, they are under no illusion that they are clear from reprisal. Sooner or later, Micah will notice the absence of his priest and his sacred objects. So if Micah then pursues the Danites and tris to reclaim his stolen property and priest, he will likely catch up since he would not be burdened by livestock or civilians or baggage. But he will then have to deal with the warriors first.
21 So they turned and departed, putting the little ones and the livestock and the goods in front of them.