Smyrna times., 1857-05-13
"Yes, sire, everywhere" replied the conju-

|
"Into this palace, sire, or even into the apart
ment OF your majesty, quite as easily as should
| enter my own house." said Pirnetti.
HWell, then," said the Gear, " at midday to-
morrow shall have ready in my closet the
price of this evenings amusement-one thou
sand rubles. Come and fetch them. But
forewarn you that the doors shall be closed and
carefully guarded" ..... ..... .
"To-morrow at midday shall have the honor
of presenting myself before your majesty" re-
piled Pirnetti, who bowed and withdrew.
The gentlemen of the household followed the
conjurer to make sure that he quilted the pal
ace; they accompanied him to his lodgings,
| and a number of police surrounded 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
himself should command the doors to be open
ed. These orders were strictly enforced, CON-
hdential persons having watched their execu-
ton. The exterior openings to the pa lace were
guarded by the soldiery. All the approaches
o the imperial apartments were protected by
dignitares, whom simple professor Of the ART
OF legerdemain possessed no means of briblng.
La short. for greater security, all the keys had
been carried into the imperial cabinet. a fe~
moments previous to the hour fixed for Pirnet
tits interview with the Gear, the chamberlain
brought to his majesty dIspath which mes.
senger had handed him through an opening in
the door. 1t was report from the minister OF
police that Plrnetti had not left home.
"Aha he has found out that the undertaking
is impracticable, and he has abandoned it," OBJ
served the Gar, with a smile.
Twelve o'clock sounded. While the last
stroke yet reverberated, the door which commu-
nicated from the bedroom of the Gear TO the
cabinet opened, and Pirnetti appeared. The
Car drew back couple of PAGES, his brow
darkened, and after a nomentary silence, he
said, " are you aware that you may become a
dangerous individually"
"Yes, SIRE" he replied; " | am only an hum
BILE conjurer; with no ambition than that OF
amusing your majesty"
Here" said the Gear, care the thousand
rubies for last night, and thousand for this
days visit"
Plrnetti, in offering his thanks, was interrupt
ed by the Gar, who, With thoughtful air, in
quired Of him, " Do you count on yet remain
ing sometime in st. Petersburg !"
"Sre," he replied, " intend setting off this
week unless your majesty orders prolOngaton
of my sojourn."
"No!" hastily returned the Car, " it is not
my intention to detain you; ;" " and moreover"
continued he with smile, &" should vainly en-
deavor to keep you against your will. You
know how to leave st. Petersburg as easily as
you have found your way into this palace"
al could do so SIRE" said Pirnetti; but far
from wishing to quit st. Petersburg stealthily
or mysteriously, am desirous of quitting it III
the most public manner possible, by giving TO
the inhabitants of your capital a striking ex-
ample of my magical powers"
Plrnetti could not leave like an ordinary NOR
tai it was necessary that he shsnld crown his
success in the Russian capital by something sur
passing his previous efforts; therefore on the
| lHC hACu iOt ucpdT-
ture. he announced that he 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 the same moments Public Curl
osity was excited tS the highest degree by this
announcement. ST. Petersburg at that time
had fifteen gates, which were encompassed by a
multitude eager to witness this marvellous de-
parture.
The spectators at these various gates all dc.
clared that at ten O'clock precisely, PirHetti,
whom they all perfectly recognized, passed
through. "He walked at a slow pace and with
head erect, in order to be the better seen," they
said sand he babe US adieu in clear and
audible voice." These unanimous testimonies
were confirmed by the written declaration Of
the officers placed at every gate to inspect the
passports of travellers. The inscription Of Bir.
netti's passports was inscribed in the 6fteer
registers. Where is the wizard, whether com
ing from the north or south, who could in these
degenerate days perform so astonishing an ex
, plot ! '''. 30