He wanted to make Hodge think that you had done the dirty work, so that you and Hodge would lock horns the first time you met, and there would be trouble again all around the camp.

He is a contemptible and cowardly puppy, and I feel that I have soiled my hands by touching him.

But I wanted you to see him in that rig, and know him as he is." A fierce denial was on the lips of Donald Pike, but he had not the courage to utter it.

He saw that something more than denials would be necessary to explain matters.

The Westerner was as speechless as Pike, and Merriwell turned away.
"I reckon we'll have a little explanation of this, Pike!" were the words Merry heard as he reached the head of the stairs.