I know Hodge! He wouldn't do such a thing." "I reckon that he is none too good for that, if he had a chance!" "Hodge is my friend." "I don't care if he is your friend a dozen times over.

That might have killed me, or crippled me for life!" "If those shells were tampered with, it was done for my benefit, Badger, and not for yours.

Hodge wouldn't put in shells that would endanger me.
I gave you those shells out of my own box." "And Hodge was talking to you, and knew what you meant to do.

He could have juggled a fixed-up shell on you." "We won't talk about it!" said Merriwell, turning away.
"I've a right to think what I please," Badger grumbled, following him.
"He thinks you can beat me shooting.

He was afraid I would.