What plan of action could be devised?
He did not wish to give Snell time enough to conceal the ring.

If the fellow could be caught with it still in his possession, it might be possible to make him disgorge.
It was time for Frank to return from recitation.

The thought of facing Merriwell with the confession that the ring was gone made Bart's knees weak; but he decided that that was the proper course to pursue, and so he hurried to their room.
Frank had just got in, and, by the look on Hodge's face, he instantly saw that something of an alarming nature had happened.
"The ring!" he cried.

"Where is it ?" "I think Wat Snell has it," came huskily from Bart's lips.
With one bound, Merriwell caught his companion by both shoulders, staring straight into his face.
"Have you, also, turned?
No! no!" he quickly went on.

"I do not think that of you, Bart! You are still true!" "No, I didn't go back on you," said Hodge, thickly; "but I was guilty of criminal carelessness." "How did it happen?
Tell me quick!" Bart did so, speaking swiftly, so that no more moments were wasted.
"It is probable that Snell has it," said Frank.