John

John -------, (his last name is not given), is a waiter at the Bedford coffee-house. A visitor to the house, a Mr Gatcombe, appears unconvinced by Sir Walter Pole's assurance that the man he is addressing is truly the magician Jonathan Strange. Piqued at having his word doubted Sir Walter invites a passing servant to second his opinion, adding sarcastically for Mr Gatcombe's benefit, "Perhaps the word of a servant will do what the word of a gentleman cannot." But before John can take any part in the conversation Lieutenant-Colonel Grant dismisses him back to his duties[35].