He's not the safest man in the valley, but he's the truest, that's a fact.

And now, youngster, get yer horse an' rifle ready, and come to the block-house at daybreak to-morrow .-- Good luck to ye, mistress, till we meet agin." Joe Blunt rose, and taking up his rifle--without which he scarcely ever moved a foot from his own door--left the cottage with rapid strides.
"My son," said Mrs.Varley, kissing Dick's cheek as he resumed his seat, "put this in the little pocket I made for it in your hunting-shirt." She handed him a small pocket Bible.
"Dear mother," he said, as he placed the book carefully within the breast of his coat, "the Redskin that takes that from me must take my scalp first.

But don't fear for me.

You've often said the Lord would protect me.

So he will, mother, for sure it's an errand o' peace." "Ay that's it, that's it," murmured the widow in a half-soliloquy.
Dick Varley spent that night in converse with his mother, and next morning at daybreak he was at the place of meeting, mounted on his sturdy little horse, with the "silver rifle" on his shoulder and Crusoe by his side.
"That's right, lad, that's right.