The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1857-01-22


loon, which had been twenty times consult
ed during the space that the assembly were |
kept waiting; the clock also marked and |
struck seven o'clock In turn the courtiers
drew out their watches, which were found, |
as usual, exactly regulated Ivy that of their
sovereign. Seven o'clock indicated with |
a common accord all the watches and clocks
of the palace. The art CT the magician was
at once manifest in the strange retrogrcssion
in the march Of time. The anger succeed
ed astonishment and admiration. Perceiv-
ing that the Car smiled, Prnetti thus ad-
dressed him: Your majesty will pardon
me. 1t was by the performance of this
trick that was desirous of making my first
appearance before you. But | know how
precious truth is at court it is at least nee
essary that your watch should tell it to YOU,
sire. If you consult it now, you will find
that it marks the real time"
The Car once more drew forth his watch
1T pointed TO a few minutes past eight
the same rectifcation had taken place in all
the watches of those present, and in the
clocks Of the palace. This exploit was fol-
lowed by others equally amusing and sur.
prising. At the close of the performances.
the Car after having complimented Pirnet-
Ii, brought back TO his remembrance, that,
in the course of the evenings amusements,
he had declared that such was the power of
his art that he could penetrate everywhere.
Yes, sire, everywhere" replied the con-
jurer, with modest assurance.
What ~ exclaimed the Car, could
you penetrate even into this palace, were |
TO order all the doors TO be closed and
guarded"
Into this palace, sire, or even into the
apartment OF your majesty, quite as easily
as should enter my own house." said Pr.
netti.
Well, then," said the Gar "at mid
day Tomorrow | shall have ready in my
closet the price of this evenings amusement
ono thousand roubes. Come and fetch
them. But forewarn you that the doors
shall be carefully closed and guarded"
Tomorrow at mid day shall have the
honor of presenting myself before your mai
esty," replied Pirnetti, who bowed and with.
drew.
Two gentlemen Of the household followed
the conjurer to make sure that he Quilted
the palace, they accompanied him to his
lodgings, and number OF the police sur
rounded the dwelling from the moment he
entered it. The palace was Instantly closed,
with positive orders not to suffer, under any
pretext, whatever, any one to enter were he
prince or valet, until the Gar him self she ould
command the doors to be opened. These
orders were strictly enforced. confidential
persons having watched their execution.
The exterior openings to the palace were
guarded by the soldiery. All the approach
rs TO the imperial apartments were protect
cd 10y high dignitaries, whom q 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 Car, the chamberlain on SER
vice brought to his majesty despatch which
a messenger had handed him through An
opening in the door. 1t was report from
the minister of police that Pirnetti had not
left home.
"Aha he has found out that the under
taking ia impracticable, and he has aban
doned it," observed the Car with smile
Twelve o'clock sounded. While the las
stroke yet reverberated, the door Which com
municated from the bedroom Of the Gar t.
the cabinet opened, and Pirnett appeared
The Car drew back couple of PAGES, hi
brow darkened, and after momentry 81
saes while fixing Go sH%spsioqss ,sl LEX y on Pr
become very dangerous individual %
Yes, SIRE" he replied 81 am only m
humble conjurer, with no ambition than tina,
OF amusing your majesty"
Here" said the Car are the Thousand
roubles for last night. and thousand more
for this days visit"
Pirnetti. in offering his thanks, was in.
terrupted by the Car, who with thought.
ful air, inquired of him, ado you count on
yet remaining some time it ST. Petersburg ?'
~" Sire" he replied, II intend setting of
this week unless your majesty orders a pro.
longation of my sojourn."
No J" hastily observed the Gar it is
not my intention to detain you and more.
over" continued lie with smile, "I should
Vainly endeavor to keep you against your
will. You know how to leave st. Peters.
burg as easily as you have found your wy
| :" could do so, SIRE" said Pirnetti "but
far from wishing to quit ST. Petersburg
stealthily or mysteriouslv, am desirous Of
quitting it in the most public manner posi-.
bic, by giving to the inhabitants of your
capital striking example of my magical
! powers"
Pirnetti could not leave like an ordinary