The Realm of the Unreal

"The Realm of the Unreal" is a short story by American Civil War soldier, wit, and writer Ambrose Bierce.

He can't stand Dorrimore, who is a magician of sorts from Calcutta and who stupefied the narrator with his performance five years earlier.

Shortly thereafter, the narrator's paramour unexpectedly arrives and he spends a few weeks thoroughly enjoying her company.

In a feat of jealousy, he springs forward, "bent upon murder", and awakens the next morning in his room with bruises on his body and throat.

Later he reads about Dorrimore hypnotizing an entire audience in Baltimore by simply telling them what to see and hear.