Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1872-07-19

you, sire. If you consult it now, you
will find that it marks the real time"
The Gar again drew forth his watch
it pointed to few minutes past eight; the
same rectifcation had taken place in all
the watches of those present, and in the
clocks of the palace. The exploit was fol-
lowed by others equally amusing and sur
prising. At the close of the performances
the Czar, after having complimented Pr
netti, brought back to his remembrance
that in the course of the evening amuse-
ments he had declared that such was the
power of his art that he could penetrate
everywhere.
Eyes, sire, everywhere" replied the
conjurer, with modest assurance.
"What!' exclaimed the Czar. "could
you penetrate even into this palace. were
I to order all the doors to be closed and
guarded p
Into this palace, sire, or even into the
apartment of your majesty, quite as easi-
ly as I should enter into my own house, %
said Pirnetti. .a.
"Well, then" said the Gear, sat 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 forewarn you that the
doors shall be closed and carefully guar
died."
Tomorrow at midday, 1 shall have
the honor of presenting myself before your
majesty" replied Pitnetti, who bowed and
withdrew.
The gentlemen of the household follow
ed the conjurer to make sure that he quit
ted the palace; they accompanied him to
his lodgings, and number of police sur
rounded the dwelling from the moment he
entered it. The palace was instantly clos
ed, with positive orders not to suffer, uu-
der any pretext whatever, any one to enter,
were he prince or valet. until the Czar
opened.
These orders were strictly enforced con-
6dential persons having watched their ex-
ecution. The exterior openings to the
palace were guarded by the soldiery. All
the approaches to the imperial apartments
were protected by high dignitaries. whom
q simple professor of the art of legerde-
fmain possessed no means of bribing. In
short, for greater security, all the keys
had been carried into the imperial cabi-
net. A few moments previous to the hour
fixed for Pirnetti's interview with the Gar,
the chamberlain on service brought to his
majesty dispatch which messenger had
handed him 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 abandon
ed it," observed the Gar, with smile.
Twelve o'clock sounded. While the
laststroke yet reverberated. the door which
communicated from the bedroom of the
Gear to the cabinet opened, and Piruetti
appeared. The Gear drew back a couple
of PAGES, his brow darkened, and after a
momentary silence. he said:
care you aware, that you may become
a very dangerous individual? ?"
Eyes. sire." he replied; "but I am
only an humble conjurer, with no ambi-
tion save that of amusing your majesty"
"Here," said the Gar" are the thou
sand rublcs for last night, and thousand
for this days visit"
Pirnetti, in offering his thanks, was in
terrupted by the Czar. who, with a
thoughtful air, inquired of him, ''do you
count On yet etremaining some time in St.
Petersburg p
''Sire," he replied, II intend setting
off this week, unless your majesty orders
a prolongation of my sojourn."
mo-" hastily observed the Czar; ''it
is not my intention to detain you; and,
moreover" continued he with a smile,
Il should vainly endeavor to keep you
against your will. You know how to leave
St. Petersburg as easily as you have found
your way into this palace"
Il could do so, sire," said Pirnetti
''but far from wishing to quit ST. Peters
burg stealthily and mysteriously, am
desirous of quitting it in the most public
manner possible, by giving to the inhabi-
tants of your capital striking example OF
my magical powers"
Pirnetti could not leave like an ordin-
ary mortal it was necessary that he should
crown his success in the Russian capital
by something surprising his previous
efforts therefore. on the evening preced-
ing the day fixed for his departure, he an
nounced that he should leave St. Peters
burg the following day at ten o'clock in the
morning, and that he should quit by all
the city gates at the same moment! Pub
lie curiosity was excited to the highest
degree by this announcement. st. Peters
burg at that time had fifteen gates, which
were encompassed by multitude eager
to witness this marvellous departure.
, The spectators at these various gates
all declared that at ten o'clock, precisely
| Pirnetti, whom they all prefectly recog.
: nized, passed through. HE walked at g
slow pace and with head erect, in order te
be better seen," they said; land he bade
us adieu in a clear and audible voice .
t These unanimous testimonies were con,
t firmsap b the written declaration of the