The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1872-12-06
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 lie was not disappointed. Plus VII,
! who was then the reigning pontiff. having
heard of his performances, did him the
honor to command his attendance at the
Vatican. Rcing informed that his audi
ence at this exhibition would comprise all
the dignitaries of the church, the magician
devoted unusual care TO the selection of his
/ tricks but, after fixing on his best ones,
vaniy raclsed his brain to invent something
worthy Of his illustrious spectators.
While he was thus perplcxed, chance
threw in his way the means of accomplish
ing his object. Happening to be in the
shop Of one of the best watch makers III
Rome. the day before that fixed for the
performance, he heard a lackey, in rich
scarlet livery, who had just come in, ask
if his eminence, the Cardinal d-'s watch
was repaired.
1T will not be ready till this evening"
replied the matchmaker, land | viii do
myself the honor of personally carrying it
to vour master"
After the servant had gone, the trades
man said to Torrini
.-FhiS is a superb watch His emiuence
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
Breguet, he naturally supposed 1T to be
unique of its kind. Curiously enough,
however. it is only two days ago that
Young fellow belonging to this city offered
me a precisely similar watch, made by the
same artist, for one thousand francs"
These words made an impression on Tor
RIM. who, having formed plan Of opera
tions. said to the matchmaker
''Do you think this person is still desi-
rouS to dispose of his watch
Il have no doubt of it. was the reply.
''He is young prodigal, who, having spent
all his fortune, is now obliged to sell his
famous Jewels, and will be very glad to OBJ
tain a thousand francs"
''But can he be found ?''
Exactly enough-in a gamiT g-hOuse,
where he passes al his time
''Well, - said the magician. 81 wish to
procure the watch, but cannot wait Ion ger
than to- day. Please buy it for me as soon
as possible, and engrave on it his emf
nence's arms, so that there shall be pre-
! else resemblance between the two watches,
/ and your profit shall be proportioned to the
discretion with which you conduct the
/ transaction"
The watch-maker who knew Torrini,
probably suspected his object in seeking
! possession of the watch, but, being aware
that the magician's discreet management
4 would be assured by its necessity to his
t success, had no hesitation in complying
with his request.
''It will only take a quarter of an hour
to go to the gaming house, and am con-
fident of being able TO procure 1t for you.
In less than the time named the dealer
came back with the chronometer in his
hand.
f'Here it is ~ he exclaimed, with an air
of tTiumph fsMy man welcomed me as a
nrovidential 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
a careful comparison, was unable TO detec'
any difference between them Inc masi