New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-12-12
THE POPE AND THE CONJURER

When Torrini, the magician, had been
giving exhibitions in the principal Italian
cities, at the beginning of the present CEN
tury, he decided to go to Rome, in the hope
that the patronage of his holiness the pope
would give eclat to his reputation. In this
he was not disappointed. Plus VII, who
was then the reigning pontiA, having heard
OF his performances, did him the honor to
command his attendance at the Vatican.
Being informed that his audience at this ex-
hibition would comprise all the dgnataries of
the church, the magician devoted unusual
care to the selection of his tricks, but, after
fixing on his best ones, vainly racked his
brain tn invent something worthy of his il
lustrious spectators.
While he was thus perplexed, chance
threw in his way the means Of accomplishing
his object. Happening to be in the shop Of
one of the best watch-makers in Rome, the
day before that fixed for the performance, he
heard lackey, in rich scarlet livery, who had
just come in, ask if his eminence, the Cardi-
nal d-'s watch was repaired.
ut will not be ready till this evening"
replied the matchmaker, 'and will do my
self the honor of personally carrying it to
your master"
After the servant had gone, the tradesman
said to Torrini:
"This is a superb watch. His eminence,
the cardinal, to whom it belongs, values it
at more than ten thousand francs for, as it
was made by his order by the celebrated Bre-
guet, he naturally supposes it to be unique of
its kind. Curious enough, however, it is only
two days ago that a young fellow belonging
to this city offered me precisely similar
watch. made by the same artist, for one
thousand francs"
These words made an impression on Tor
rfni, who having formed plan of operations,
said to the matchmaker:
"Do you think this person is still DESTROYS
to dispose of his watch 90
81 have no doubt of it, was the reply.
He is young prodigal, who, having spent
all his fortune, is now obliged to sell his ia
nous jewels, and will be very glad to obtain
a thousand francs.''
"But can he be found ?''
Exactly enough-in gaming-house,
where he passes all his time."
"Well," said the magician, 81 wish to
procure the watch, but cannot wait longer
than to-day. Please buy it for me as soon as
possible, and engrave on it his eminence's
arms, so that there shall be a precise re-
semblance between the two watches, and
your profit shall be proportional to the dis
cretson with which you conduct the transac-
Eon.n
The matchmaker, who knew Torrini, prob
ably suspected his object in seeking posses
sion OF the watch, bat, being aware that the
magician discreet management would be as
sured by its necessity to his success, had no
hesitation in complying with his request.
1t will only take a quarter of an hour to
60 to the gaming-house, and am confident
OF being able to procure it for you"
In less than the time named the dealer
came back with the chronometer in his hand.
Here 1t is W he exclaimed, with an air of
triumph. My man welcomed me as a provi-
DENTAL visitor. and was so eager to dispose of
the watch that he gave it to me without
counting the money. Everything shall be
ready for you tonight"
That evening the matchmaker brought the
TWO chronOmeters to Torrini, who, after O
careful comparison was unable to detect any
1insrence between them. The magician now
eit confident Of making decided hit with
Ms tI1ck, the preparations for which were
already expensive.
The next day be went to the pontiiYs pal
ace, and, at signal given by bis holiness.
came upon the stage. Though Torrini had
appeared before crowned heads, he had never
been in the presence of such an august as. |
sembly. In the foreground sat Plus VII, |
himself, in a large armchair, on dais, while |
near him were seated the cardinals, and be. |
hind them were the various prelates and die. |
nataries OF the church. The nervousness
that the performer naturally experienced in |
the presence or such exalted personages was |
aliayed by the benevolent expression on the |
Lsce Of the pope. Treasured by bis kindly
glarces, Torrini commenced:
Holy father" he said, bowling respect
IalIy, am about to show yeu some expert.
ments to which the name Of white magic, |
has been most unjustly given. This title was
invented by charlatans 10 impress the multi-
sde, but it only signifies a collection of