pages: unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf, 278
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unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 278 | THE DISAPPEARING HANDKERCHIEF replied with a smile; 'but that is impossible, and I must, therefore, ask for proofs of your assertion.' "If your Majesty will be kind enough to open this casket they will be supplied. " 'Certainly; but I shall require a key for that.' "It only depends on yourself, Sire, to have one. Deign to remove it from the neck of this turtle dove, which has just brought it to you.' "Louis Philippe unfastened a ribbon that held a small Tusty key with which he hastened to unlock the coffer. The first thing that caught the King's eye was a parch- ment, on which he read the following statements: "This day, the sixth of June, 1786, this iron box, containing six handkerchiefs, was placed among the roots of an orange tree by me, Balsamo, Count of Cagliostro, to serve in performing an act of magic which will be exe- cuted on the same day sixty years hence before Louis Philippe of Orléans and his family.' "There is, decidedly, witchcraft about this,' the King said, more and more amazed. 'Nothing is wanting, for the seal and signature of the celebrated sorcerer are placed at the foot of this statement, which, Heaven pardon mc, smells strongly of sulphur.' "At this jest the audience began to laugh. "'But,' the King added, taking out of the box a carefully sealed packet, 'can the handkerchiefs, by possibility, be in this? "'Indeed, Sire, they are; but, before opening the parcel, I would request your Majesty to notice that it, also, bears the impression of Cagliostro's seal.' "This seal, once rendered so famous by being placed [ 249] |