The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-03-24

Car, however, was greatly displeased, but
Pirnetti assumed an air of astonishmeni
and replied with great GOODNESS, Did not
your Majesty command my presence a,
seven O'Clock precisely !"
"Just so," exclaimed the Gear at the
height of evaporation.
"Well, them" said Pirnetti. "let your
Majesty deign to look at your watch and
oa is JUS; Just e seven ooIoet ~ a' ana ''"'
The Gear, pulling out bis watch violent
| ly, in order to confound what he considered
piece of downright insolence, was COM
pletely amazed. The watch marked seven
o'clock. In turn all the courtiers drew ont
their watches, which were found, as usual,
exactly regulated by that of the sovereign.
Seven o'clock indicated with q common
accord all the watches and clocks of the
palace. The art of the magician was at
once manifested in this strange retrogres-
sion in the march Of time. To anger sue
ceeded establishment and admiration. Per-
ceiving that the Gear smiled, Pirnetti thus
addressed him:
Ysur Majesty will pardon me. 1t was
by the performance of this trick that was
DESTROYS of making my first appearance
before you. But 1 know how precious
truth is at court; it is at least necessary
that your watch shall tell it to you, sire.
If you consult it now you will find that it
marks the real time"
The Car again drew forth his watch-it
pointed to few minutes past eight; the
same reflection had taken place in all the
watches of those present, and in the clocks
of the palace. The exploit was followed
by others equally amusing and surprising.
At the close Of the performance the Gear,
after having complimented Pirnetti, brought
back to his remembrance that in the course
of the evenings amusements he had de-
clared that such was the power of his art
that he could penetrate every where.
Yes, sire, everywhere" replied the
conjurer, with modest assurance.
"Whatn exclaimed the Car, could
you penetrate even into this palace, were /
to order all the doors to be closed and
guarded Z"
"Into this palace sire, or even into the
apartment of your Majesty, quite as easily
as should enter into my own house," said
.Pirnetti.
"Well, them" said the Car, at mid
day, tomorrow, shall have ready in my
closet the price of this evenings amuse-
ments-one thousand rubles. Come and
get them. But I forwarn. you that the
doors shall be closed and carefully guard
ed"
Tomorrow, at midday, I shall have the
Majesty" replied Pirnetti, who bowed
and withdrew.
The gentlemen of the household followed
the coDjurer to make sure that he quilted
the palace; they accompanied him to his
lodgings, and a number of police surround
ed the dwelling from the moment he en-
tered it. The palace was instantly closed,
with positive orders not to suffer, under
any pretext whatever, any one to enter,
were lie prince or valet, until the Car him
self should command the doors to be OPEN
ed. These orders were strictly enforced,
confidential persons having watched their
execution. The exterior openings to the
MALAGA NnarHaA Inv tho o01fSnru
the approaches to the imperial apartments
were protected by high dignitaries, whom
simple professor of the art of legerdema1n
possessed no means of bribing. In short,
for greater security, all the keys had been
carried into the imperial cabinet. A few
Pirnettis interview with the Gar, the |
Chamberlain on service brought to his |
Majesty dispatch which a messenger had
handed hin through an opening in the
door. 1t was report from the Minister of
Police that Pirnetti had not left home.
"Aha! He has found out the undertak.
ing is impracticable, and he has abandoned
it," observed the Car, with a smile.
Twelve o'clock sounded. While the last
stroke yet reverberated, the door which
from the bedroom of the
Car to the Cabinet opened, and Pirnetti
appeared. The Gear drew back couple
of PAGES, his brow darkcncd, and, after |
silence, he said: n
Are you aware that you may become
very dangerous individually"
8. Yes, SIRE" he replied; but am only
an humble conjurer, with no ambition save
that of amusing your Majesty"
Here" said the Car. are the thousand
E r, for last night, and thousand for
Pirnetti, in Offering his thanks, was in
:errupted by the Gear, who, with C thought
Jul air, inquired of him:
Do you count on remaining some time
IN St. Petersburg9"
Sire,"'he replied, "I intend setting off
his week, unless your Majesty orders
orolongation of my sojourn."
MOI" hastily observed the Gar, Z" it is
Tot my intention to detain you and, more
'ver," continued he, with a smile, 81 should
7ainly endeavor to keep you against your
will. You know how to leave st. Peters
nto this palace"
81 could do so, SIRE" said Pirnetti; .sbut
ar from wishing to quit St. Petersburg
'tealthily or mysteriously, l am DESTROYS
IF quitting it in the most public manner