The Fallen Angel is a short story written by Evan Hunter. The scene is set when the narrator, Anthony Mullins, tells us he is balancing money for his small circus. A man claiming his name is Sam Angeli comes into his office and announces that he is the best circus performer ever and that Mullins will regret if he doesn't watch him. After a basic performance from 150 feet up without a net, he falls from this spectacular height and survives without a scratch on him. Mullins hires the man on the spot.
Angeli, now known as "The Fallen Angel," gains popularity quickly. At some point, Angeli realizes that people only come to the show to see him fall. He tells Mr. Mullins that he will only continue to fall from his act in exchange for something. He refuses to tell what the thing he wants is, but he promises Mullins it has no value. Reluctantly, they shake on it. Sam Angeli then reveals that the thing is Mullins' soul.
The trapeze artists devise a plan to make sure The Fallen Angel won't fall during this performance. Sam Angeli is infuriated because he had been tricked by the circus folk. He disappears without a trace, and Anthony is able to retain his soul.
Angeli, now known as "The Fallen Angel," gains popularity quickly. At some point, Angeli realizes that people only come to the show to see him fall. He tells Mr. Mullins that he will only continue to fall from his act in exchange for something. He refuses to tell what the thing he wants is, but he promises Mullins it has no value. Reluctantly, they shake on it. Sam Angeli then reveals that the thing is Mullins' soul.
The trapeze artists devise a plan to make sure The Fallen Angel won't fall during this performance. Sam Angeli is infuriated because he had been tricked by the circus folk. He disappears without a trace, and Anthony is able to retain his soul.