The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-10-24
The Russian Conjurer.

Pirnetti; aid his fame is yet in the mem
ory Of those who witnessed his unrivaled
talents.
The Gar Alexander, having heard
Pirnetti much spoken of,was desirous of
seeing him; and one day it was announc-
ed to the conjurer that he would have
the honor Of giving a representation of
his magical powers in court, the hour
fixed for him to make his appearance be-
ing seven O'clock A brilliant and nu-
merous assembly of ladies and courtiers,
presided over by the Gar, had met, but
the coWurer was absent Surprised and
displeased,the Car pulled out his watch,
which indicated five minutes after seven.
Pirnetti had not only failed in, being in
waiting, but he had caused the court to
wait, and Alexander was not more pa
tient than Louis XIV. Al Quarter of an
hour passed, aud half an hour and no
Pirnetti Messengers who had been
sent in search of him returned unsuc-
cessful. The anger Of the court, 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 chamber announced Pirnetti, who
presented himself with a calm front and
the serenity of one who had done moth
ing to reproach himself with. The Car,
however, was greatly displeased; but
Pirnetti assumed an air of astonishment.
and replied with the greatest coolness:
"Did not your majesty command my
presence as seven o'cl0ck precisely?'
"Just so T. exclaimed the Gar, at the
height of evaporation.
"Well, 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 vio-
lently, in order to confound what he con-
sidered apiece 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 at the palace
The act of the magician was at once
manifest tt this strange retrogression in
the march oftimc To anger succeeded
astonishment and admiration. Perceiy-
ing that the Car Smiled; .Pirnetti thus
addressed him: .er1
"Your majesty will pardon me- 1t was
by the performance, of this trick that I
was desirous of making my appearance
before you. But l know how precious
truth is at court; it is at least Necessary
that your watch should tell it to you,
sire. If you will consult If now, you
will find that it marks the real time,''
The Car again drew forth his watch
it pointed to few minutes past eight
thessame reflection had taken place in all
the watches of those present, and in the
clocks of the palace. This exploit was
followed by others equally amusing and
surprising. At the close of the perfor-
mances, the Gar, after having eompli-
mented Pirnetti, brought back to his re-
membrance that in the course of the eve
fing's amusements he had declared that
such was the power of his art that he
could penetrate everywhere as
Yes sire. everywhere replied the
conjurer, with modest assurance. ag
"What!p exclaimed the Car, ''could /
you penetrate even into this palace, were
Ito order all the doors to be closed and
guarded p .si4a..sy .a.ss0 i
0"Into this palace, sire, or even into
the apartment of your majesty quite as
easily as !. should enter into my own
house," said Pirnetti, .gif.aI, .s1os q 1
well, then," said the. Gar, sat mid
day to morrew1 shall, have ready in my
closet the price of this evenings amuse-
ment-one thousand :ubles. Come and 4
get them. But forewarn you that the.I
doors shall. be closed and very carefully
guarded. sr.r ,go0 -
Tomorrow at mid day | Shall have
the honor of presenting myself before
your majesty" replied Pirnettis who
bowed and Withdrew. .,- ,.r.-.e,TI 1
The gentlemen Of the household fol-
lowed the conjurer to make sure that he
quilted the palace, they, accompanied
him to his lodgings land number of po,
lice 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,un-
til the Gar himself should 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 ap-
proaches to the imperial apartments were
protected by high dignitaries, whom a
simple professor of the art of legerdc-
main possessed no means of bribing,-
In short, for greater security, all the
keys had been carried into the imperial
cabinet A few moments previous to
the hour fixed for Pirnetti's interview
with the Gar, the Chamberlain on ser,
vice brought to his majesty dispatch
which messenger handed him through
an opening in the door. II was report
from the minister of police that Pirnetti
had not left home
"Aha! He has found out the under
taking is impractieable, and he has aban
doned it,. observed the Gar with a
smile. " -ai|ie III
Twelve o'clock sounded While the
last stroke yet reverberated, tho door
which communicated from the bedroom
of the Gar to the cabinet opened, and
Pirnetti appeared. The Car drew back
a couple of PAGES, his brow darkened,
and, after a momentary silence, he said ::
-"Are you aware that you may become
/. a very dangerous individual 2"
"Yes, sire" ilefeplied s'sbut l am only
ian humble cohjurer, with no ambition
saving that OF amusing your majesty"
"Here," said the Car, "are the thou
sand rubles for last night and a thou
sand FOR this days visit 7s
i Pirnctti, in ohering,his thanks,was in
Eterrupted by the Gar, who with a
thoughtful air, inquired of him:
x,L,rv tNr-