"Exactly!" replied Roversmire gravely, "literally in my own place; as it happens I want to do something for which I must have assistance and you are the very person I want to assist me."
"Then the garden door—"
"Was standing open on purpose. I thought sooner or later it would catch some bird, but I tell you frankly I expected a rough customer—say a burglar—not a gentleman like yourself who is—"
"A murderer," groaned Adrian, hiding his face in his hands.
"Do not call yourself hard names," said Roversmire with a mocking smile; "you'll find plenty of people who will do that for you, if they see you, and even if they don't—the absent are always wrong."
"But they must see me—where can I hide?"
"In a very curious place," observed the doctor, "and one where they will never find you. I intend you to vanish."
"And fly the country?"
"No, you will stay in London, go about everywhere, meet your friends, and lead whatever life pleases you."
"But how can I do this if I vanish? I will be arrested if I go out."