The Bermuda icon, who greets morning motorists every weekday at the Crow Lane roundabout, is "resting comfortably'' in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, a spokesman said last night.

The spokesman sought to reassure Bermudians who were worried when Mr. Barnes was missing yesterday from his usual waving spot.

Mr. Barnes would be in a general hospital ward for "a few days'' receiving treatment for "an inflammation,'' she said. "It's not a serious illness.'' It was possible Mr. Barnes would also receive minor surgery, she said.