"He must be apprehended without delay.

Come." He took the lead, and Bart followed at his heels.
But they were not to confront Wat Snell at the door of the recitation room, as Merriwell hoped, for they were not long in learning that the fellow had lately obtained a pass and left the grounds.

According to Snell, his uncle was to pass through Fardale village on the noon train, and Wat's presence was desired at the station.
Of course both Frank and Bart immediately decided that this excuse had been used to enable him to reach the village and deliver the stolen ring to the man in black.
For all of their desire to pursue Snell hotly, they were unable to leave without permission, and so valuable time was lost.

At length, however, they were on the highway, running side by side toward the village.
Frank had seemed cool and clear-headed, but, not knowing that Bart had fully completed the drawing of the lines on the black stone, in his heart he was feeling very desperate indeed.
Hodge had grown thoroughly angry, and Snell was likely to get hurt when Bart placed hands upon him.
The boys were good runners, and they covered the distance between the academy and Fardale village in a very short time.
Once within the village, they began inquiring for Snell, and it was not long before they discovered people who had seen him.

To the post office they went, and then they were told that a boy answering Snell's description had been seen going toward the railway station.
"It would be a corker if the fellow had really come to see his uncle!" said Bart.
"I do not take any stock in that now," declared Frank.
"Nor I; but I don't understand why he is making so many twists and turns since reaching the village.