CHAPTER X.
BADGER'S CHALLENGE.
Merriwell and others sprang toward him to offer their aid.

Frank could hardly believe what he had seen and heard.

He feared Badger was seriously or fatally injured, but was relieved before he reached the Kansan to see the latter rise unsteadily to his feet.
Badger looked dazedly about, then down at his numbed left hand and arm.
They felt dead, and he could hardly lift them.

But he saw they were not mangled.
"I hope you are not hurt!" Frank exclaimed.
The blood rushed in a great wave into the Westerner's dark face, and he gave Frank a strange look.
"Your gun has gone to pieces!" he said gruffly.
"But I hope you are not hurt.

There are other guns.