Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-04-01
A Marvellous Conjurer.

Ordinary smagicans' would feel rather ner.
vous at undertaking the remarkable feats reciteo
below. We must remark, however, that as re-
CARDS the performance mentioned last in the fol-
lowing, it does not appear to be altogether orig
inal with him. 1t is related OF Cagliostro, that
having dispeased Frederick, and received an or.
der to leave Berlin, he went ont in coach and
six through each of the six principal gates OF
the city at the same instant Of time. exactly II
NJ. All the gate keepers knew him and testified
to have seen him depart at that identical mo-
ment.
The Russians have long exhibited remarka-
BILE taste for Juggling and all that smacks OF the
marvellous. Conjurors, professors OF natural
magic, venlriloqulsts, and the entlre race OF
mountebaDks, who, in France and England as
tonished the gaping crowds at races and country
fairs, ever find ready welcome and liberal en-
couragement among the higher classes in the
Russian cities. About the beginning of the
present century, species of Cagliostro, or rather
superior kind of Wizard of the North made his
appearance at St. Petersburgh, and astonlshed
the natives by his marvellous performances. -
His name was Pirnetti, and his fame is yet re-
tanned in the memory of those who have wit
messed his unrivalled talent.
The Car Alexander, having heard Pirnetti
much spoken of, was desirous of seeing him, and
one day it was announced to the conjurer that
he would have the honor of giving representa-
tion of his magic powers in court, the hour tlxed
for him to make his appearance seven O'Clock:
a brilliant and numerous assembly OF ladies and
courtiers, presided over by the Gar, had met,
but the coniurer was absent. Surprised and dis
pleased the Gar pulled out his watch, which in
dicated five minutes past seven. Pirnetti had
not only failed in being in waiting, but he had
caused the court to wait, and Alexander was not
more patient than Louis XIV. A quarter of an
hour, half an hour, and no Pirnetti Messen-
gers who had been sent out in search of him re-
turned unsuccessful The anger of the Car,
with difficulty restrained, displayed itself in
threatening exclamations.
At length, after the lapse of an hour, the door
of the saloon opened, and the gentleman of the
chamber announced Pirnetti, who presented
himself with calm front and the serenity of
one who had nothing to reproach himself with.
The Gar was greatly displeased; but Pirnetti
assumed an air of astonishment, and replied with
the greatest GOODNESS :-"Did not your Majesty
command my presence at seven o'clock precise
| ly3"
Just SOL" exclaimed the Car, at the height
of evaporation.
swell, then" said Pirnetti, ''et your Majesty
degn to look at your watch, and you will per-
ceive that | am exact, and that it is just seven
o'clock"
The Gar pulling out his watch violently, in
order 70 confound what he considered down.
right piece of nsolence, was completely amazed.
The watch marked seven o'clock! lie looked
at the clock OF the saloon, which had been twen-
ty times consulted during the space that the as
sembly were kept waiting; the clock also mark
ed and struck seven o'clock! In turn the cour-
tiers drew out their watches, which were found
as usual exactly regulated by that of their SOW
ereign indicated with common accord all the
clocks and watches of the Palace. The art OF
the magician was at once manifested III this
strange retrogression in the march OF time. 10
anger succeeded astonshment and admiration.
Perceiving that the Gar smiled, Pirnetti thus
addressed him: Your Majesty must pardon me.
1t was by the performance OF this trick that l
was desirous of making my first appearance be-
fore YOU. But know how precious truth is at
Court; it is at least necessary that your watch
should tell it to you. If you will consult it now,
YOU will find that it marks the real time."
The Car once more drew forth his watch
lit pointed to few minutes past eight-the same
ratification had taken place in all the watches OF
those present, and in the clocks Of the Palace
This exploit was followed by others equally anu
sing and surprising. At the close of the per-
formance, the Gar, after having Pirnetti brought
back TO his remembrance that, III the course OF
the evenings amusement, he had declared THAT
such was the power of his art that he could pen
citrate everywhere.
"Yes, sire, everywhere" replied the conjurer
with modest assurance
"What!" exclaimed the Gar, 'could you pen
citrate even into this Palace, were to order oil
the doors to be closed and guarded"
Into this palace, sir, even into the apartment
of your Majesty, quite as easily as should enter
into my own house." said Pirnetti.
"Well, them" said the Gar, "at midday to-
morrow, l shall have ready in my closet the
price of this evenings amusement-one hundred
roubles. Come and fetch them. But torewarr
YOU that the doors shall be carefully closed ant
guarded"
Tomorrow at mid.day shall have the hon
or of appearing before your Majesty" and ht
bowed and withdrew.
Two gentlemen of the household followed hin
to make sure he quilted the Palace, they accom-
panied him to his lodgings, and number Of po
} lice surrounded the dwelling from the moment
he entered it. The palace was instantly closed
with positive orders not to suffer, under any pre-
text whatever, any one to enter, were he Prince
or valet until the Gar himself should order the
doors to be opened These orders were strictly
entorced-contidentia persons having watched
! their execution. The exterior openings to the
palace were guarded by the soldiery. All the
approaches to the imperial apartments were pro
tected by high dignitares, whom simple pro
lessor of the art of legerdemain, possessed nc
means OF bribing. In short, for greater security
all the KEYS had been carried into the imperia
cabinet A few moments before the hour fixed
for Pirnetti's interview with the Gar, the cham
berlain in service brought to his majesty dis
patch which a messenger had handed hin
through an opening in the door. 1t was o re-
port from the minister of police that Pirnetti hat
not left home yet.
"Aha. he has found out that the undertaking
is ilnpracticabe, and he has abandoned it," OBJ
served the Car, with smile.
Twelve O'Clock sounded. While the last stroke
vet reverberated, the door which communicated
from the bedroom of the Gar to the cabinet
J opened and Pirnetti appeared The Gar drew
back couple OF PAGES, his brow darkeEed, ant
after nomentary silence, while fixing susp
cious look upon Pirnetti, he said, "are you a
ware that you may become very dangerous in
dividual!"
"Yes, SIRE" he replied, 81 am only an humble
conjurer, with no ambition but that of amusing
your Majesty"
"IIere," said the Gar, "are the thousand ron
bles for last night and thousand more for thi:
days visit"
Pirnetti, in offering his thanks was interrupt
ed by the Gar, who, with a thoughtful air, in.
quired: "Do you count on staying in St. Peters
burgh sometime!"
Sire" he replied, 81 intend setting off thi.
week unless your majesty orders prolongatior
of my soiourn."
NO" hastily observed the Gar, sit is not my
intention to detain you, and moreover" he con.