The sick man was Henry Leek, and Henry Leek was Priam Farll's bad habit.

While somewhat of a rascal (as his master guessed), Leek was a very perfect valet.

Like you and me, he was never shy.

He always did the natural thing naturally.

He had become, little by little, indispensable to Priam Farll, the sole means of living communication between Priam Farll and the universe of men.