The latter was out, so Frank accompanied his friend to what he called his sanctum, a small room littered up with books, bats, insect boxes, and a great variety of rubbish of all kinds.

Here they chatted until the servant came up and said that Sir James had returned.
"Come on, Frank," Ruthven said, running downstairs.

"There's nothing of the ogre about the governor." They entered the study, and Ruthven introduced his friend.
"I've caught him, father, at last.

This is the culprit." Sir James Ruthven was a pleasant looking man, with a kindly face.
"Well, you troublesome boy," he said, holding out his hand, "where have you been hiding all this time ?" "I don't know that I've been hiding, sir," Frank said.
"Not exactly hiding," Sir James smiled, "only keeping away from those who wanted to find you.

Well, and how are you getting on ?" "I am getting on very well, sir.