Weekly Trinity journal., 1871-07-08
BLITz AND THE PREACHER.


fame is national, has just published book en-
titled " Fifty Years in the Magic Circle" and it
contains an account OF his curious career. We
quote the following anecdote
While chatting with a few friends one Satur-
day afternoon in the United States Hotel at Hart
ford, clerical gentleman of mild demeanor en-
tered and examined the register, for he was ex-
pecting, as we observed, brother minister to
oficiate in his pulpit the following morning
One of the gentlemen present, of humorous
disposition, remarked to me that it was the Rev
Mr., of a neghboring village, to whom he
was desirous should be introduced, endeav-
ored pleasantly to decline the honor, as con-
cluded the introduction would not be profitable
agreeable to either of u.s. on account of the
decided impression ! entertained in regard to
his physiological developements which ulti-
mately proved my sagacity; but my friend B..
one of the old Knckerbockers of Hartford, was
irresistible, and ! was formally presented, and
at the same time requested to perform for his
qualification particular feat, to prove by my
skill how the mind and vision could be deluded
Ia the open daylight. Independent of all pre-
ceeded admirably but the effect upon him was
such that without the least hesitation, and in
the most abrupt manner he commenced declaim-
ing against my pursuit, and expressed his oppo-
sition to all amusements, considering them friv-
olous and dangerous to the welfare of mankind
His words were so unwelcome and ungenerous
that endeavored to convince him to the con-
trary and while engaged in this object my at
tention was directed to slight pressure on my
back, and placing my hands there, pack of
cards was dropped into it. This was ammunni-
tion little expected, and determined to use it
to the best advantage.
why, sir" said to the domino, "you are
the last person to take EXCEPTIONS or speak un-
favorably of innocent recreation, when you,
minister of the gospel, carry cards about you, to
play games in some sly corner, perhaps for
drinks and money"
"What's that you say, sir? have cards
You are insane p' he spritedly exclaimed.
"Oh, yes you entirely mistaken, signor,"
cried the wag, my confederate "for Mr.
is a strict unwavering orthodox preacher"
THAT may be-" l answered, "but he plays
now" and to prove my assertion, drew guam
tity from the shawl round his neck, and with
great rapidity deposited the balance in his pock-
ct.
The reverend gentleman looked confused and
serious. Ny droll assistant, Mr.. O., declared
l was in error, and at the same time put me in
possession of the backgammon box and dice.
Will you satisfy all present, and myself,
that you have no cards in your pocket p reso-
lutely demanded. "Oh yes, with pleasure, be-
cause despise such articles" he reiterated, as
he thrust his hands into his pocket, from which
he drew the cards, the appearance of which COW
cred him with confusion.
excitedly exclaimed, /" knew was right,
and that is not all. You are an expert gambler,
for look here" continued taking the hat from
his head, out of which tumbled the box of dice.
This SO completely nonplussed him that for
few minutes he was powerless OF speech. Re-
covering himself, however, he moved toward
the door, and speaking in a severe tone said;
"You1l dc, sir you'll do ~ and quickly left
for the street.
The effect upon all was intensely rich and
memorable, and no one better appreciated the
incident than himself; but without the involun-
tary aid of my mischievous friend l could not
have triumphed SO successfully. The story
spread far and near, and gave rise to great
mirth for an editor of one of the city papers,
the Times, published in his daily issue that the
clergyman would not have been more surprised
If be had found a sheep in his pocket,
of hr;n drou oJ