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

The Russians have long exhibited re-
markable taste for juggling, and all that
smacks of the marvellous. Conjurers, pro-
fessors of natural magic ventriloquists, and
the entire race of mountebanks, who in
France and England, astonish the gaping
crowds at races and country fairs, ever find
ready welcome and liberal encouragement
among the higher classes in the Russian cit
les. 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 as
tonished the natives by his marvellous per-
formances. His name was Pirnetti, and his
fame is vet retained in the memory of those
who witnessed his unrivalled talents.
The Gar Alexander having heard Pirnetti
much spoken of, was desirous OF seeing him,
and one day it was announced to the con-
iurer that he would have the honor of CIV
ing representation of his magical powers
at court, the hour fixed for him to make his
appearance being seven O'Clock. A brilliant
and numerous assembly of ladies and cour-
tiers, presided over by the Gar, had met,
but the conjurer was absent. Surprised
and displeased the Gar pulled out his watch,
which indicated five minutes past seven.-
Pirnetti had not only failed in being in wait
ing. but he had caused the court to wait,
and Alexander was not more patient than
Louis XIV. A quarter of an hour passed,
half an hour, and no Pirnetti? Messengers
who had been sent in search OF him, return
ed unsuccessful. The anger of the Gar,
with difficulty restrained, displayed itself in
threatening ordinations.
At length, after the lapse of an hour the
door of the saloon opened, and the gentle
man of the chamber announced Pirnetti,
who presented himself with calm front and
the serenity of one who had nothing to re-
proach himself with. The Gar, however,
was greatly displeased; but Pirnetti assumed
an air of astonishment, and replied with the
greatest GOODNESS.
ssDid not your majesty command my pres
ence at seven O'Clock precisely"
ssJust sop exclaimed the Czar at the
height of evaporation.
ssWell, then,' said Pirnetti, ''let your
majesty deign to look at your watch, and
you will perceive that am exact, and that
it is Just seven o'clock"
The Gar, pulling out his watch violently,
in order to confound what he considered q
piece of downright insolence, was completely
amazed. The watch marked seven O'Clock!
In turn all the courtiers drew out their
watches, which were found as usual exactly
regulated by that of their sovereign. Seven
O'Clock! indicated with common accord all
the watches and clocks Of the palace. The
art of the magician was at once manifest in
this strange retrogression in the march OF
time. Anger was succeeded by astonishment
and admiration. Perceiving that the Gar
smiled, Pirnetti thus addressed him.
ssYour majesty will pardon me. 1t was
by the performance Of this trick that 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, sire. If you consult it
now, you will find that it marks the real
time"
The Csar once more drew forth his watch
it pointed to a few minutes past eight
the same rectifcation had taken place in oil
the watches of those present, and in the
clocks of the palace. This exploit was fol-
lowed by others equally amusing and surpri-
sing. At the close of the performances, the
Gar. after having complimented Pirnetti,
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.
eyes, sire, everywhere" }" replied the con-
iurer, with modest assurance.
s'Whatp' exclaimed the Gar, scould you
penetrate even into this palace, were to or
der all the doors to be closed and guarded"
ssIntc this palace, sire, or even into the
apartment Of your majesty, quite as easily
as should enter my own house," said Pr
netti.
: ssWell then,'' said the Gear, sat midday
tomorrow l shall have ready in my closet
the price of the evenings amusement-one
thousand rubies. Come and fetch them
But forewarn you that the doors shall be
closed, and carefully guarded
s.To morrow at midday ! shall have the
honor of presenting myself before your ma
jesty," replied Pirnetti, who bowed and
withdrew.
The gentlemen of the household followed
the coniurer to make sure that he quilted to
the palace; they accompanied him to his
lodgings, and number of 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 Car himself should
command the doors to be opened. The or
ders were strictly enforced, confidential per-
q - ! - !.