270 Quiz Answer

Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin, born in 1869, was a Russian peasant who became a mystical faith healer  for the RussianTsar's family.

(Also for Three Word Wednesday and ABC Wednesday: "S" is for "scoundrel".)

The following scenelet should suggest a well-known historical figure to you.  Who is it?

“Sir, I’ve prepared a complete report on Brock, everything he’s been doing for the past month along with a lot of intimate background information.”

“Fine.  I know I asked you to do all that - and don’t worry you’ll be paid – but the situation has changed.”

“Changed?  How?”

“As you know, I was convinced that Mr. Brock was a total phony, a sort of con man, but it turns out I was wrong.”

“Well, that’s interesting.  Our investigation convinced us that a total phony is exactly what he is.”

“I know, I know.  But results don’t lie.  He can actually do what he claims he can do.  He worked what was practically a miracle on my son, who as you know has been sick for most of his life.”

“What do the doctors have to say about Brock?”

“The doctors!  Don’t get me started on the doctors!  For years my wife and I went to the best medical specialists in the country and they all said the same thing about Jimmy – sorry, but there’s nothing we can do.”

“And this character, who sort of walked in off the street, cured your son?”

“Not completely.  But when Brock used his unique faith-healing skills Jimmy suddenly got much better.  My wife is overcome with gratitude.  Finally, someone who can actually do something!”

“Sir, I’m sure you know that any serious illness can have brief periods of remission.   Sounds like Brock got the benefit of one of those periods.”

“Don’t try telling that to my wife.  She’s been thirsting for years for an effective healer.”

“But surely someone should tell her that he has no medical training; in fact, he wasn’t able to finish high school.  He’s barely literate.  As far as his position in society is concerned, the guy is just another low-class scoundrel.  He has used this faith-healing routine in the past on a number of people.”

“What do we care about his past?  It’s something to watch him in action.  First off, he’s impressive just in his jagged appearance - he’s six-four or something like that - and you can see he has unusual powers when you get a glimpse of those amazing eyes of his - hypnotic.  And he has a unique language he uses when he’s doing his healing.  My wife is convinced that this is someone who has extraordinary gifts.”

(The answer will be posted Saturday.)