Cover image for

King's Evil

Author Avram Davidson
Categories Short Story, Post-1930, Science Fiction
Language English
Published 1956
Word count 3,490
Excerpt

He stood there, his sallow skin gone paler than Wentworth's, but a look of determination fixed upon his face. Behind him were two broadshouldered, shifty-looking men. "We will take charge of Mr. Farmer, if you please."

"No, I think not," Mr. Fanner said. He stood up, an air of dignity upon him. "There has been enough taking charge of Mr. Farmer, and Mr. Farmer has a task to do."

"Oh, sir, you are unwell," Blee said, in a fawning tone, and he sidled forward, followed by his minions. And then, without warning, the room was filled with men: constables with their staves in their hands, soldiers in red coats, Mr. Martinson, the magistrate, a tall young man looking very much like Mr. Farmer himself, and others.

"You had better come with us, sir, I think," said the tall young man. Mr. Farmer slumped. The air of dignity fell from him. Then he laughed vacantly.

"Very well, Fred, very well," he said. "Very well, very well. You tfrinV it best, what, what?" He shambled forward, stopped, looke

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2008.03.08
C. Alan Loewen

Avram Davidson (1923 – 1993) was an American Jewish writer of fantasy fiction, science fiction, and crime fiction, as well as the author of many stories that do not fit into a genre niche.

King's Evil is a fascinating tale that takes place in 18th century London when hypnotism (called mesmerism) was just starting to become a legitimate tool of the medical profession. The hypnotizing of a test subject in the back room of a London pub makes for an interesting ending when the subject's true identity is revealed, not through hypnotism, but through another rather interesting event.