Bedford inquirer and chronicle. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1854-1857, 1857-08-07

had been twenty times consulted during the
space that the assembly had been kept wait
ing: the cleck also marked aud struck seven
o'clock In turn the courtiers drew out
their watches, which were found as usual
exactly regulated by that Of their sovereign.
Seven O'clock! indicated with one accord all
the clocks ana watches of the palace. The
art of the magician vas at once manifested
in this strange retrogrossion in the march ef
time. To anger succeeded astonshmeut
and admiration. Perceiving that the Gar
smiled, Pirnetti thus addressed him:
Your majesty will pardon me. Itwas by
the performance of this trick that was de-
siious of making nlY Grst appearance before
you. But know how precious truth is at
court, it is really necessary that your watch
should tell it to you sir. Ii you consult it
now you will fnd that it marks the real
time.'
The Gar 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. The exploit was fol-
lowed BY others equally amusing and surpas-
sing.
At the close OF the performance, the Gar
after having complimented Pirnetti brought
back to bis remembrance that, in the course
of the evenings amusemcnts, he had de-
clared tfat he could penetrate everywhere.
Eyes, sir, everywhere, replied the conju-
rer, with modest assurance.
'What, exclaimed tile Gar, 'could you
penetrate into this palace, we're to order all
the doors to be closed aud guarded
sInto this palace, sir, even into the apart
ment of your majesty, quite as easily as
should enter into nay own house, said Pr
net,i.
well, then,' said the Gar, sat midday
10 morrow l shall be ready in my closet
with the price OF this evenings amusement.
--s r1stU4s
them. But forewarn you that the doors
shall be carefully closed and guarded
TO morrow at mid day saall have the
honor OF presenting myself before your ma
jesty,' and he bowed and withdrew.
Two gentlemen of the household followed
the coujurcr to make sure be quilted the
palace, they accompanied him to his lodging
and number of the police surrounded the
dwelling frcm tie moment he entered it
The palace was Instantly closed, with posl-
tive orders not TO suffer. under any pretext
whatever, any cne to enter. were he prince
or valet. until the Car himself should com
mani the doors to be opened. These or
ders were strictly enforced, confidential
persons having watched their execution. -
The exterior openings of The palace we're
guarded BY the snldiery Ali the approach
es to the imperial apartments were protect
ed by high dignitaries, whom simple pro-
fessor of the art of legerdemain possessed no
means Of bribing. In short, for greater Sc
curity, all the keys had been carried into
the imperial cabinet. A few moments pre-
vious to the hour fixed for Pirnetti's inter
view with the Gar, the chamberlain on SER
vice brought 10 his majesty despatch
which member bad handed him through
an opening in the door. 1t was a report
from the minister of police that Pirnetti had
not left home.
'Aha be has found out that the underta-
king is impracticabe, and has abandoned
it, observed the Car, with smile.
Twelve o'clock sounded. While the
last stroke yet reverberated,t the door which
communicated from the bedroom of the Gar
to the cabinet opened, and Pirnetti appear
cd. The CIR drew back couple Of pa
ces, his brow darkened, and after mOmen-
tary silence, while fixing suspicious look
on Pirnetti, he said. sare you aware that
you may become very dangerous individ-
ual2'
sYes, sire,' he replied, am only hum
ble eonjurer, with no ambition but that of
amusing your majesty
Here, said the Gar, 'are thousand
roubIes for last night, and thousand more
for this days visit
Pirnetti, in offering his thanks. was in-
terrupted by the Gar, who with thought-
full air inquired Of him, do you count on
remaining some time in ST. PetersburgP
Sire he replied, ! intend setting off
this week, unless your majesty orders pro-
longatiou of my sajourn.'
NO. hastily observed the Gar, sit is not
my Intention to detain you, and moreover
he continued, with a smile, 'I should vainly
endonvor to keep you against your will
You know how to leave st. Petersburg as
easily as you have found yonr way into this
palace