THE ABLEST MAN IN THE WORLD (1879) – This short story was written by American author Edward Page Mitchell. The central figure – but not the title figure – is a wealthy bespectacled man named Fisher. Because of his scholarly appearance Fisher is mistakenly addressed as “doctor” and “professor” while staying at a spa in Baden, Germany.
That misunderstanding results in the spa staff rushing Fisher to the room of Russian Baron Savitch when his personal physician is unavailable at the moment. Savitch is a rising VIP in the Tsar’s court and the staff members are frantic to help him.
The roguish Fisher stops trying to deny being a doctor and just tries some common sense first aid to try curing Baron Savitch’s sudden illness. A glass of bourbon makes the Baron feel much better for a time.
Presently, Savitch begins to feel worse, complaining of intense pain in his head. He begs Fisher to remove the black silk skullcap on his head and beneath it Fisher discovers a silver plate. Continue reading
Balladeer's Blog 