Connecticut western news., 1871-10-06
The Wonderful COnjurOr.


 astonished the natives by his marvellous performances. His name was Pirnetti, and his fame is yet in the memory of those who witnessed his unrivalled talents.
 The Czar Alexander, having heard Plrnetti much spoken of, was desirous of seeing him and one day it was an nounced to the conjuror that he would have the honor of giving representa- tion of hls 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 Czar, had met, but the conjuror was absent. Surprised and displeased, the Czar pull ed out his watch, which indicated five minutes past seven. Pirneiti had not only failed in being in waiting, but he had caused the court to wait, and Alex ander was not more patient than Louis XIV. A Aquarter of an hour passed, half an hour, and no Pirnetti Messengers who had been sent in search of him re- turned unsuccessful. The anger of the ed 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 nothing to reproach himself with. The Czar, however, was greatly displeased but Pitnetti assumed an air of astonishment, and replied with the greatest coolness, "Did not your Majesty command my presence at seven o'clock precisely ?"
 "Just so P exclaimed the Czar, at the height of exasperation.
 "Well, then," said Pirnetti, "let your Majesty deign to look at your watch, and you will perceive that l am exact, and that it is just seven o'clock ,
 The Czar, pulling out his watch violently, in order to confound what he considered piece of downright inso- lence, was completely amazed: The watch marked seven o'clock. In turn all the courtiers drew out their watches, which were found, as usual, exactly regu- lated by that of their sovereign. Seven o'clock indicated with a common &C., cord all the watches and clocks of the palace. The art of the magician was at once manifested in this strange retro gression in the march of time. To anger succeeded astonishment and admiration. Perceiving that the Czar smiled, Pirnettl addressed him ::
 "Your Majesty will pardon me. It was by the performance of this trick that I was desirous of making my first ap- pearanee 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 consult 1t now, you will find that it marks the real time"
 The Czar again drew forth his watch it pointed to few minutes past eight ; the same election had taken place ln all the watches of those present, and ln the clocks of the palace. This exploit was followed by others equally amusing and surprising. At the close of the performances the Czar 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 p replied the conjuror, with modest assurance.
 "What p exclaimed the Czar, "could you penetrate even into this palace, were I to order all the doors to be closed and guarded ?''
 "Into this palace, sire, or even into the apartment of your Majesty, quite as easily as I should enter into my own house," said Pirnetti.
 "Well, then" said the Czar, " at midday tomorrow I shall have ready in my closet the price of this evenings amusements-one thousand rubles. Come and get them. But 1 forewarn you that the doors shall be closed and carefully guarded.
 Tomorrow at midday shall have the honor of presenting myself before your Majesty" replied Pirnetti, who bowed and withdrew.
 The gentlemen of the household fol lowed the conjuror to make sure that he quilted the pala e they accompanied him to his lodgings, and 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 protext what ever, any one to enter, were he prince or valet, until the Czar himself should command the doors to be opened. These orders were strictly enforced, contiden- tial persons having watched their exe- cution. The exterior openings to the palace were guarded by the soldiery. All the approaches to the imperial apart ments were protected by high digni' taries, whom simple professor of the art of legerdemain possessed no means of bribing. In short, for greater secu' rity, all the keys had been carried into the imperial cabinet A few moments previous to the hour affixed for Pirnetti' interview with the Czar, the chamber lain on service brought to his Majesty { despatch which messenger had hand ed him through an opening in the door It was report from the Minister of Pc lice that Pirnetti had not left home.
 "Aha He has found out the under taking is impracticable, and he has abandoned it," observed the Czar, witt a smile.
 Twelve o'clock sounded. While the last stroke yet reverberated, the dool which communicated from the bedroom of the Czar to the cabinet opened, anG Pirnetti appeared. The Czar drew back a couple of paces, his brow darkened and, after 8 momentary silence, he said |: "Are you aware that you may become very dangerous individual ?'
 Yes, sire," he replied "but I an only an humble conjuror, with no am bition save that of amusing your Ma iesty.''
 "Here," said the Czar "are the thousand rubles for last night, and { thousand for this days visit.
 Pirnetti. in offering his thanks, was interrupted by the Czar, who, with { thoughtful air, inquired of him, "De you count on yet remaining some time in St. Petersburg p
 "Sire," he replied, "I intend setting off this week, unless your Majesty orders a;prolongation of my sojourn."
 "No p hastily observed the Czar, "i is not my intention to detain you and