And before you accuse me over-psychologizing, just remember that a guilty conscience can lead to depression, which, it is well known, shuts down the brain.  Time and illness obviously can account for a man’s decline, but also circumstances. Mueller knew how his reputation was going to be destroyed. It’s the old link between the mind and the body. Almost every one of us has seen this among people we know.

Although Mueller’s general demeanor was disturbing, it was also instructive. He did not project the mental and physical vigor of someone capable of leading the complex two-year probe into Russian meddling, possible Trump collusion and obstruction of justice. More likely, the 74-year old former FBI director was something of a figure-head for an investigation that was carried out by the team of zealots he assembled.