I hesitated to describe which symptoms should alarm Mycroft, knowing that his brother would likely discern any change in his demeanor. "The main thing," I said instead, "is to keep him quiet and resting long enough to allow any damage to heal itself. As long as we can avoid pneumonia – and I think we've a good chance – he should mend. Just put your energies towards finding ways to help him tolerate bedrest."

"Bedrest," Mycroft repeated, and studied me a moment. "And if you should require him to testify in your defence three days hence?"

I shook my head. "I won't."