In the first place, he and Bayliss were afraid to come here without backing.
For another thing, Dodge thought that we'd guess you to be a constable, and I'll admit that I did mistake you for an officer at the outset.

Dodge thought your presence would frighten us.
You look like a decent man, sir, and I'm sorry to see you in such company.

These two fellows were chased out of the Gridley High School just because they were considered unfit to associate with the members of the student body." "That's a lie!" sputtered young Dodge.
"If you want to find out, sir, whether I'm speaking the truth," Dick went on, looking at the stranger, "just ask any well-informed citizen of Gridley whether Bert Dodge and his chum, Bayliss, were really chased out of the Gridley High School.

You'll soon discover who the liar is---Dodge or myself." "Hang you!" roared Bert, advancing with fists clenched.

"I'll punch your head off your shoulders!" "Wait one moment, though," advised the stranger, stepping between Dick and Bert.