Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1872-12-21
THE POPE AND THE CONJURER.

TIE POPE AND THE CONJURER.
When Torrini, the magician, had beer
giving exhibitions in the principal ltal
ian cities, at the beginning of the pres
cnt century, 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 disap.
pointed. Plus VII, who was then the
reigning Pontitf, having heard of his
performances, did him the honor to
command his attendance at the Vatican.
Being informed that his audience at
this exhibition would comprise all the
diguitares of The Church, the magician
devoted unusual care to the selection of
his tricks; but, after fixing on his best
ones, vanity racked his brain to invent
something worthy of his illustrious
spectators.
While he was thus perplexed, chance
threw in his way the means of accom-
plishing 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 came in, ask if his Emnence, the
Cardinal de IS watch was repaired.
''It will not be ready till this even,
ing" replied the watch maker, "and |
will do myself the honor of personally
carrying it to your master"
After the servant had gone, the trades,
man said to Torrini:
''This is a superb watch. His Emil
nence, the Cardinal, to whom it belongs,
values it at more than 10000 francs;
for, as it was made to his order by the
celebrated Breguet, he naturally sup,
poses it TO be unique of its kind. Curl.
ously enough, however, it is only two
days ago that a young fellow belonging
to this city offered me precisely simi.
lar watch, made by the same artist, for
1000 francs"
These words made an impression on
Torrini, who, having formed plan of
operations, said to the itch, maker.
"Do you think this person is still de,
sirous to dispose of his watch?'
81 have no doubt of it," was the re.
ply. "He is a young prodigal, who,
having spent all his fortune, is now
obliged to sell his family jewels, and
francs'
"But can he be found?"
Easily 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 E Euinences arms, so that there
shall be precise 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 seekin
possession of the watch, but being
aware that the magician S discreet man
agement would be assured by its neces
slty to his success, had no hesitation in
complying with his request.
at will only take quarter of an
hour to go 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 chronome-
ter in his hand.
"Here it is!' he exclaimed, with an
air of triumph. "My man welcomed
me rs a providential 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
two chronometers to Torrini, who, after
Il careful comparison, was unable to de-
tect any difference between them. The
magician now felt confident of making
decided hit with his trick, the prepar.
ations for which were already expen-
sive.
The next day he went to the Pontitfs
palace, and at signal given by his
Holiness came upon the stage. Though
Torrini had appeared before crowned
heads, he had never been in the pres
ence of such an august assembly. In
the foreground sat Plus VII. himself, in
large armchair, on dais, while near
him were seated the Cardinals, and be-
hind them were the prelates and dig
nitaries of the Church. The nervous
ness that the performer naturally ex-
perienced in the presence OF such
exalted personages was allayed by the
benevolent expression on the face of
the Pope. Reassured by his kindly
glances, Torrini commenced:
"Holy Father" he said, bowling re-
spectfully, 81 am about to show you
some experiments to which the name
of white magic has been most un'
Justly given. This title was given by
charlatans to impress the multitude,
but it only signifies collection of clever
deceptions, ingeniously contrived to
amuse the imagination.
Pleased with the favorable reception
of his address, Torrini commenced hit
performances in excellent spirits, which
were increased by the hattering com
pliments of the Pope. In one of hi
tricks-that of the burnt writing, which
consists of a sentence or two written BY
one of the company, who, after burning
the paper, discovers it intact in sealec
envelope-he had the satisfaction of pro
curing an autograph from his Holiness
On being solicited to write sentence
Plus VII. indited the following:
81 have much pleasure in stating
that Signor Torrini is an admirable sol
cerer."
The paper was burned. and the skill