@Dragoon91 No idea, my assumption is that it's that kinda trope where in a comedy you have light-hearted criminals and ruff 'n tumble types who are nice, but still willing to do bad things and such. They weren't originally trying to steal or anything, they aren't highwaymen. Just trying to find some way to make money.
So basically, I think he just wants her not to freak out, and the audience is supposed to kinda laugh at his stupidity.
@Potato Man, I looked this over three times. Nice catch, I'll fix now. EDIT: Fixed.