Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1873-02-20
THE POPE AND THE CUNJUROR,

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 20
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 po2tiff, 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 dignitarles 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 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 a
lackey, in rich scarlet livery, who had
just come in, ask if bis eminence the
Cardinal de-'s watch was repaired.
ut 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
nence, the Cardinal, to whom it
belongs, values it at more than ten
thousand francs; for, as it was made
to his order by the celebrated Breguet,
he naturally supposes it to be unique
of its kind. Curiously enough, how
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 plan
of operations, said to the watch ma
ker.
"Do you think this person is still
desirous to dispose OF his watch2"
II have no doubt Of it," was the re-
PJs AAC 40 IoNuS5 pAOtAS,dA, WuOs
having spent all his fortune, is now
obliged to sell his family jewels, and
will be very glad to obtain u thousand
francs"
"But can he be found2"
"Easily enough-in a agaming. house,
where he passes all his time"
"Well, ," said the magician, ct wish
to procure the watch, but cannot wait
longer than to-day. Please get it for
me as soon as possible, and engrave on
it his emlnence's arms, SO that there
shall be a 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 seek.
ing possession of the watch, but, being
aware that the magician's discreet man.
agement would be it's necessity to his
success, had no hesitation in complying
with his request.
It will only take quarter of an
hour to go to the gaming house, and
am confident Of being able to secure il
for you."
In less than the time named the
dealer came back with the chronometel
in his hand.
"Here it isl" he exclaimed, with an
air of triumph. My man welcomed
me as providential visitor, and was sc
eager to dispose of the watch that hi
gave it to me without counting the
money. Every thing shall be ready fol
you to.night."
That evening the watch maker
brought the two chronometers to Tor
rini, who, after careful comparison
was unable to detect any difference
between them. The magician now fel
confident of making decided hit will
his trick, the preparations for which
were already expensive.
The next day he went to the pontiff'
palace, and, at a signal given by hi
holiness, came upon the stage. Thougl
Torrini had appeared before crowned
heads, he had never been in the pres
ence of such an august assembly. II
the foreground sat Plus VII. himself
in a large arm chair, on q dais, Will
near him were seated the cardinals
and behind them were the various pre-
lates and dignitaries of the Churcl,
The nervousness that the performe
naturally experienced in the presenc
> of such exalted personages was al
layed by the benevolent expression O.
, the face of the Pope. Rcassured b
: his kindly glances, Torrini commenced
y "Holy father" he said, bowling re
0 spectfully, "I am about to show yo
=. some experiments to which the nam
of white magic mas been most unjust
ly given. This title was invented b
: charlatans to impress the multitude
Q but it only signifies collection {
l. clever deceptions, ingeniously col
J. trived to amuse the imagination"
s Pleased with The favorable receptio
l. of his address, Torrini commenced hi
d performances in excellent spirits, whic
u were increased by tho t'attering con
" pliments Of the pope. In one OF h
Il tricks-that Of the burnt writing, whic
: consists of. "a sentence or two write
lby one Of 1.-THE company, who, aftt