How does the chapter create a mild amount of suspense, leaving the reader with hope for the con artist

We have the mob scene when they proceed to Sherburn’s house. They knock over the front fence only to see Sherburn on the front porch with a shotgun. I don't see any hope for the con-artists. If anything we begin to see a darker underside to their exploits. THey constantly toy with poor Jim over his run away slave status and proceed to cause chaos that is all together negative in the town.