Valerie French (1923) by Dornford Yates

king.
    Then—
    "I may be a waster," he said, "but I've not sunk so low as that." He threw the notes on the floor between the two of them. "I'm deep enough in your debt. I suppose I've given you cause to think this vile thing of me, though why, if I have, you didn't spare your talent this afternoon, I fail to see."
    With that, he called the dog and turned again to the door.
    "Stop!" Jonathan stood still. "Why on earth did you ask me your father's name?"
    "Because you know it, and I do not."
    "Why should I know it?"
    Jonathan wheeled about.
    "Two hours ago you stated in Court— "
    Sir Andrew waved his arms.
    "Lies, you fool. All lies." The other recoiled. "I had to say something to shake those Justices up. Up to that moment I hadn't a rag of a case."
    Jonathan stared and stared. Then he leaned against the wall and began to laugh....
    After a long look at him, Sir Andrew returned to his chairs. Sitting down, he proceeded, snorting, to mop his face.
    "There's something wrong with you," he burst out suddenly. "What is it?"
    "This," said Jonathan weakly. "I've lost my memory."
    He told his tale there and then. The eminent lawyer listened with closed eyes. When the recital was over—
    "And what," he demanded, "do you propose to do?"
    Jonathan shrugged his shoulders.
    "Work," he said simply. "At least, I've one recommendation. I've got a clean sheet."
    "You haven't a sheet at all," snapped Sir Andrew. "And that's what'll lay you low. That and your cursed folly of helping fools."
    "If I'm believed when I say— "
    "Would you believe such a tale?"
    "I would," said Jonathan.
    Sir Andrew let out a squeal, as though suddenly stung, and Hamlet, considerably startled, began to bark.
    "I knew it," yelled Plague. "I knew it. In spite of all I've said, you’d help the liar that told it." He turned upon Hamlet with a roar. "Stop it, you venomous swine! Don't yap at me." He snatched The Times from the floor and flung himself back in his seat. "What of your friends?" he demanded.
    "I don't even know if I have any, much less who they are."
    "You can make inquiries."
    "I think that's for them to do. They've something to go on. I haven't. Besides, I've got to live."
    "In fact, you're content as you are?"
    "Perfectly. The past has been taken from me. I don't want it back."
    "You may be a millionaire."
    Jonathan smiled.
    "Felicitate me," he said, "upon my release."
    A ghost of a grin stole into the great red face....
    Then, as though to obliterate the impression that he knew how to smile, the giant snorted like a wild beast and beat and wrung The Times into the shape he desired.
    For a moment his eyes were scanning a column of print. Then—
    "There's a fool's advertisement here," he announced, "for a secretary. I happen to know the fool. If you like to offer yourself, I'll get you the job."
    Jonathan hesitated.
    "D'you think I could give satisfaction? I don't want to let your friend down. You see, I've no idea of what I can do."
    "Fools go with fools." Sir Andrew dabbed at the paragraph. "You'll suit him admirably." He nodded at pen and ink. "Write a reply now, and I'll take it to Town."
    Jonathan did as he was bid.

    The Yew Tree,
    Ruby Green.
    August 5th.
    SIR,
    In reply to your advertisement, appearing in to-day's issue of The Times, I beg to apply for the post you are seeking to fill.
    An interview will better enable you to appraise such qualifications as I may have, so, if you entertain this application, will you be good enough to write to me c/o The Poste Restante, Oxford, giving me an appointment?
    I am, Sir,
    Your obedient servant,
JONATHAN WOOD.

    He addressed the letter to the Box, and, rising, humbly offered it to Plague for his inspection.
    The latter read it carefully.
    "You've told me a pretty tale," he said, without raising his eyes. "As I've tried to point out, not one in a million fools would ever believe you. A sudden loss of memory's too convenient."
    Jonathan nodded.
    "I see that now," he said slowly. "I realize that. I shall