The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1857-06-20

exterior openings to the palace were guard
ed by the soldiery, and the approaches TO
the imperial apartments were protected by
high dignitaries, whom simple professor OF
the art Of legerdemain possessed no means
Of bribing. In short, for greater security,
all the KEYS had been carried into the impe-
rial cabinet. A few moments previous to
the hour fixed for Pirnetti's interview with
the Car, the chamberlain on service brought
to his Majesty dispatch which messenger
had handed him through an opening IN the
door, II was q report from the minister Of
police that Pirnetti had not left home.
ssAha! he has found out that the under
taking is impracticable, and he has aban-
doned it," observed the Gar yslth smile.
Twelve O'Clock sounded. While the last
stroke vet reverberated, the door which COM
manicated from the bedroom OF the Gear to
the, cabinet opened, Pirnetti appeared. The
Csar drew back a couple Of PAGES, his brow
darkened and after a momentary silence, he
said. care you aware that you may become a
very dangerous individual" >
ssYes. sire," he replied: 81 am only an
humble coniurer; with no ambition than that
of amusing your majesty"
ssHere." said the Gar, care thousand
rubles for last night, and a thousand more
for this days visit.
Pirnetti, in offering his thanks, was inter-
rupted by the Gear, who, with a thoughtful
air, INQUIRED of him, ssDo you count on yet
remaining some time in st. Petersburg"
ssSire," he replied, 81 intend setting on
this week unless your majesty orders pro-
longation of my sojoura."
ssNo!'' hastily observed the Gar, sit is
not nv intention to detain you; and more-
over," continued he with smile, ~ shoula
vainly endeavor to keep you against your
will. You know how to leave st. Peters.
burg as easily as you have found your way
in this place."
81 could do so, sire," said Pirnetti; .sbut
far lfrom wishing to quit st. Petersburg
stealthily or mysteriously, am desirous OF
quitting it in the most public manner possl-
BILE, by giving to the inhabitants OF your cap
ital striking example Of my magical pow
ers.''
Pirnetti could not leave like an ordinary
mortal; it was necessary that he should crown
his success in the Russian capital by some
thing surprising his previous efforts; there,
fore, on the evening preceding the day hxed
for his departure, he announced tnat ne
should leave St. Petersburg the following
day at ten O'Clock in the morning, and that
he should quit by all the city. gates at T. the
same moment! Public curiosity was excited
to the highest degree by this announcement'
St. Petersburg at that time had fifteen gates,
which were encompassed bya multitude
eager to witness this marvellous departure.
The spectators at these various gates all
declared that at ten O'Clock, precisely, Pir-
netti, whom they all perfectly recognized,
passed through. .,,
"He walked at slow pace and with head
erect. in order to be the better seen, they
said: sand he bade US adieu in clear and
audible voice."
These unanimous testimonies were con-
firmed by the written declaration OF the OH
GERS placed at every gate to inspect the pass
ports of travellers. The inscription on Pr
netti's passports was subscribed in the tt tt-
teen registers. Where is the wizard, wheth-
or coming from the north or south, who
could in these degenerate days, perform so
astonishing an exploit!