Year: 1873

When Torrini, the magician, had
been giving exhibitions in the princi-
pal Italian cities, at the beginning of
the present century, he decided to go
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 po.2tiff, 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 dignitarIes 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 his eminence the
Cardinal de-'s watch was repaired.


cit 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 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 it's kind. Curiously enough, how
ever, 1t 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 to dispose OF his watch2"


II have no doubt of it, was the re-
ply. He is young prodigaI, who,
having spent all his fortune, is now
obliged to sell his family Jewels, and
viii be very glad to obtain thousand
francs.n


''But can he be found ~


+" Easily enough-in gaming house,
where he passes all his time"


"Well, " said the magician, 60 I 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 emInence'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 matchmaker, who knew Torrini,
probably suspected his object in seek
ing possession of the watch, but, being
aware that the magician discreet man
agement would be it's necessity to his
success, had no hesitation in complying
with his request.


4" 1t will only take q quarter of an
hour to 60 to the gaming-house, and |
am confident of being able to secure it
for you"


In less than the time named the
dealer came back with the chronometer
in his hand


"Here it Isl! " he exclaimed, with an
ar of triumph. B." My man welcomed
me as providential visitor, and was SO
eager to dispose of the watch that he
gave it to me without counting the
money. Every thing shall be ready for
you tonight"


That evening the matchmaker
brought the two chronometers to Tor
rini, who, after a careful comparison,
was unable to detect any difference
between them. The magician now felt
confident of making a decided hit with
his trick, the preparations for which
were already expensive.


The next day he went to the pontiff's
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 arm chair, on dais, while
near him were seated the cardinals,
and behind them were the various pre-
lates and dignitaries of the Church.
The nervousness that the performer
naturally experienced in the presence
OF such exalted personages was al
ilaayed by tne benevolent expression on
the face of the Pope. Reassured by
| his kindly glances, Torrini commenced: