River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-02-28
THE POPE AND THE CONJUROR.


When Torrini, the magician, had
been giving exhibitions in the princi-
pal Italian cities, at the beginning of
the present century, he decided to 60
to Rome, in the hope that the patron
age of his holiness the pope would
give eclat to his reputation. In this
he was not disappointed. Plus VII,
who was then the reigning poHtiff, hav-
ing 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 dignitanes 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 to invent something
worthy OF his lllustrious 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 a
lackey, IN rich scarlet livery, who had
just come IL, ask il his eminence the
Cardinal de--'s watch was repaired.
1T Will not be ready till this even
ing, replied the matchmaker, "and |
will do myself 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 emf
hence, the Cardinal, to whom it
belongs, values it at more than ten
thousand francs for. as il was made
to his order by the celebrated Breguet,
he naturally supposes 1t to be unique
of its kind. Curiously enough, no W.
ever, it is only two days ago that a
young fellow, belonging to this city,
offered me a precisely similar watch,
made by the same artist, for one thous-
and francs"
These words made an impression on
Torrini, who, having formed a plan
OF operations, said to the watch ma
ker
DO you think this person is still
DESTROYS 10 dispose OF his watchl"
II 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
will be very glad to obtain thousand
francs.
But can he be found r.
Easily eucugh--in a gaming. house,
where he passes all his time
well, said the magician, 81 wish
10 procure the watch, but cannot wait
longer than to-day. Please get il for
me as soon as possible, and engrave on
IL his emruence's arms, so that there
shall he a precise resemblance between
the two watches, aud your profit shall
be proportional 10 the discretion with
which you conduct the transaction.
The watch maker, who knew Torrini,
probably suspected his object in seek.
ing possession of the watch, but, being
aware that the magician discreet man
agemert would be It's necessity TO his
success. had no hesitation in complying
with his request
IL will only take a quarter of an
hour % go 90 the gamng-house, and |
am confident % being able 70 secure il
for yen.
In less tl'an the tame named the
dealer cume back with the chronomcter
an his hand
Here 10 is % he exclaimed. with an
AR of triumph MY man welcomed
me rs a proyidrutial visitor and was So
eager To dispose oil the watch that he
gave il 10 me without counting the
money. Every thing shall be ready for
you tonight