“This is the evidence that will convict the real robber! Look at the monogram on that ring—‘L. V.’”
“‘L. V.’ Why, that stands for——”
“Lester Vance!”
Frank and Bart returned to Atchison. Of course Merry provided Hodge with a coat and hat. Fortunately, Bart had left his overcoat at a lodging house where he had stopped, so that was not stolen from him.
As soon as possible Merriwell summoned Lester Vance to his room. Vance came in, looking rather uneasy. Hodge was there.
“Mr. Vance,” said Frank, “have you found your ring which you lost yesterday?”
“No, I have not,” confessed Lester.
“I have.”
“You?”