Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-10-16
prRSEITTI.
An Incredible story About n Rus.
Sian COB5urer.

and astonished the natives by his mar
yelous performances. His name was
Pirnetti, and his fame is yet in the mem
Iory Of those who Witnessed his unriv-
| allied talents.
The Gear Alexander, having heard
Pirnetti much spoken of, was, desirous
to see him; and one day t. was an
nounced to the conjurer that he would
have the honor of giving a representa-
tion Of his magical powers at court, the
hour fixed for him to make his appear
ance being seven o'clock. A brilliant
and numerous assembly of ladies and
courtiers, presided over by the Car,
had met, but the conjurer was absent.
Surprised and displeased, the Czar pulled
out his watch, which indicated five mia
utes after seven. Pirnetti had not only
failed in being in waiting, but he 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 returned un-
successful. The anger Of the Gar,
with difficulty restrained, displayed
itself in, threatening exclamations.
AT length, after the lapse OF an
hour, the door of the saloon
opened and the gentleman Of the Cham
ber announced Pirnetti, who presented
himself with calm front, and the Sc
renity of one who had done nothing to,
reproach himself with. The Gar, how
ever, was greatly displeased; but Pr
netti assumed an air of astonishment,
and replied with the greatest GOODNESS;
|r' Did not your Majesty command my
presence at seven o'clock pTeciselyY
'Just sol exclaimed the Gar, at the
heiEhttof exasperation. Well then,
said Pifnetti, let your Majesty delgn.
to look at your watch, and you will per-
ceive that ] am exact, and that II is just
seven q clock" n a
The Car, pulling cut his watch vio-
lently, in order to confound what he
considered piece of downright inso,
lence,i was completely amazed yThd
watch marked seven o'clock In turn
all the courtiers drew out their watches,
which we're found, as usual exactly reg
ulated by that of the sovereign. Seven
O. clock indicated with a common ac-
cord by 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. To
anger succeeded astonishment and ad-
miration. Perceiying that the Car
smiled, Pirnetti thus addressed him: Z
Your Majesty will pardon me. IL
was by the performance Of this trick that
| was desirons Of making my 6rst APP
pearance before you. But know how
precious the truth is at courta it is at
least necessary that your watch should
tell it to you, sire. If you consult it
now, you will find that IL marks the real
time. p Il The Gar drew forth his watch
it pointed to q few minutes past eight;
the same detection had taken place In
the watches Of all those present, and in
the clocks of the palace. The exploit
was followed by others equally amusing
and surprising. At the close of the per
formances the Gear, after having com
plimented 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. " Yes
sire, everywhere" replied the conjurer,
with modest assurance. I" Whatl " .exr
claimed the Car, could you penetrate
even into this palace were | to order all
the doors to be closed and guardedY
Into this palace, sire, or even into the
apartment of your Majesty, quite as
easily as | should enter my own house.
said Pirnetti. Well, then" said the
Gar, at midday tomorrow / shall have
ready in my closet the price ol this even;
ingls amusements-l0 rubles. Come
and get thepi but | forewarn you that
the doors shall be closed and carefully
guarded " To morrow at midday i
shall have the pleasure Of presenting
myself before your Majesty" said Pr
nett who bowed and withdrew,
! The gentlemen OF the household fol-
LEVIED the eonjurer 10 make sure that he
quilted the palace. They aeeomRenied
him to his lodgings, and q humber of po-
lice surrounded the dwelling from gthel
moment be entered 1t. The palace was
instantly closed, with positive orders not
to suffer, under any preteEt whatever,
any one TO enter, were he prince or
valet, until the Czar himself should com
mand the doors TO be opened. These
orders we're strictly enforoef, confden-
tial persons having watched theiT sxeop
ton. The exterior openings to the palace
were guarded by the soldiery. All the
approaches 10 the imperial apartments
we're protected by high dignitafies, whom
a simple professor Of the Art Of legerde"
main possessed no means Of bFiblng. In
short, for greater Security all the keys
had been carried into theimperial cabi-
net. A few moments previous so the
hour affixed for Pirnetti's interview with
the Gear the chamberliH on. service
brought TO his Majesty dispatch which
a messenger had handed him through
an opening in the door. II vas a report
from the minister Of police that Pirhetti
,had not left home. "Ahai He has found
out The undertaking Is implhctieable,
and he has abandoned II, observed the
Car, with asmile. sgT 1e2
Twelve o'clock sounded. While the
last stroke yet reyerberated' the door
which communicated from the bedroom
Of the Gar to, the eahinet opened, and
Pirnettf appeared. The Czar drew back
a couple OF PAGES, his brow darkened,
and, after momentary silonee, he saidu,
Are you aware that yop may becopne /
very dangerous individdal2" Yes, sire,
he replied 7 but an only an humble
eonjurer, with no ambition save that of
amusing your Majesty " Here, said
the Car hare the thousand rubles for
last night, and thousand for this days
visit" ata.i.. .ga aHW $40 II
Pirnetti, in Offering his. thanks, wasI
interrupted by the Car, who, with q
thoughtful ali, inquired Of Inn, @Do you
count on yet remaining some timain st.
PetersbntghG' a Sire, he replied, VI
intend setting off this week, unless your
Majesty sorders prolongation Of my
sojourh!f ? Mo-" hastily observed the
Gar, " it is not. my intention to detainl
you; and, moreover" continued he with
a smile, II should vainly endeavor to
keep you against your will. You know
how to leave st, Petersburgh as easily as
you have found your way into this
palace" " / could do, so, SIRE" said
Pirnetti, but far from wishing to quit
this palace stealthily or mysteriously3I|
am desirous Of quitting it in the most
public manner possible. By giving to the
inhabitants of your capital a striking ex-
ample Of my magical. powers ~ n
nD,ruaffs nnuld NOT laavo IiEa a m ordiu-