Legend of the Scillies

His name was Irish, his origin Cornish, his demeanour raffish and his stamina the stuff of legends. He was my client.

Known in West End clip joints, people were moved to ensure he had the table next to the stage... and anyone with him. He could be on the town until 6am, then deliver a sparkling presentation at 9. It was his drug.

It wasn't mine; I was always on my train home before midnight.

But I owe him much.

Scilly man forced this unwilling, shy man address a large gathering of salesmen. I was good; it became my drug.