"My pistols, however, I always kept by me"

This quote recommends that Jesse James had a practice of keeping his handguns close to him at all times. It suggests that he was always prepared for any scenario that may require him to defend himself. The use of the word "constantly" emphasizes the severity of this routine, suggesting that he never let his guard down. It may also recommend that Jesse James felt a complacency or comfort in having his pistols with him, maybe as a symbol of power or control. Overall, this quote offers us a glance into Jesse James' mindset and the nature of his occupation as an infamous hooligan.