"Three days ahead." And then, in case this man is the sort to heroically leap to his feet, adds firmly: "You're to stay here for at least another two, til you're not so out of it. You're half-starved and dehydrated, not to mention all your other injuries. You can't leave."

But now he seems sensible enough, and so Thomas risks: "Can you take your clothes off, do you think? I need to treat you."