Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-04-18
THE BARBER OF PARIS.

In the city of Paris, there is an ancient
street known by the name of Rue de la
Harpe. In one part of the street there
formerly stood two dweling-houses, in
one of which crime of a most horrible
nature was some years since perpetrated,
and the discovery of which was remaka-
bly, sudden and providential
In one of these houses barber had his
shop; part of the adjoining house was
occupied by pastry-cook.
One day two gentlemen entered the
shop of the barber for the purpose of be-
ing shaved. These gentlemen belonged
to town some distance from Paris
They were men Of wealth, and had come
to the city for the purpose of transacting
business. 1t is not uncommon for persons
in France, Who are we'll able to ride, to
travel on foot. In this manner had these
gentlemen come to the city, Their only
attendant was faithful dog.
Before proceeding to execute their bus
mess, they called, as I said, at the shop of
the barber to get shaved. The barber be-
ing employed in shaving another person.
the strangers, in the interim, incautionsly
entered into conversation with each other
during which they alluded to sum of mo-
ney which they had about them The
barber overheard Them but appeared to
take no notice of the conversation.
At length one of the strangers was cal
led to the chair, and the shaving opera
ton was soon finished. This done, he
turned to his companion, and observed,
" We have but short time, you know, to
transact all our business; and now, while
you are being shaved, l will step down
the street and attend to an errand which
has been entrusted to me-"
Return soon," said his friend.
Before you are ready to move" re-
piled he; and upon this he left the shop
and fastened forward to perform his er
rand.
After short absence only, he was
again at the door of the BARRIERS shop; on
opening which, he was informed that his
friend was already gone.
Gone p said the other with some sur
prise. But as the dog, which belonged
to his friend, was still setting without the
door, he ceased to wonder; and the friend
would probably be back. soon, he seated
himself, and chatted with the barber, till
he should return.
A half hour passed away, and he began
to be impatient. At length, he went out
and walked up and down the street; but
nothing could he see or learn Of his friend.
Again he returned to the shop, and again
Intercepted the barber. Did my friend
leave any message for me?o NO" said
the barber, {" all | know is, that when he
was shaved he went OUT,
1T is strange" said the man.
1t IS singular" said the barber. AZ
wish could help you, my friend. Pray
command my services. as you please"
But the stranger knew not what meas
ure to adopt. At length, the singular
movements Of the dog, still there, attract
ed his notice. He appeared restless and
watchfdl; and, at intervals, uttered low
and piteous howl. This startled the
stranger, and the suspicion of foul play
crossed his mind. He limited his suspi
cion, delicately indeed, but the barber
took fire and ordered him to quit the
shop.
The manner Of the barber rather in
creased than allayed his suspicion. And
then the dog-his conduct was inexplica-
BILE. Nothing would induce him to quit
the place. The poor animal appeared
kind to the remaining stranger, but no.
thing would induce him to stir from the
spot.
The distress Of the stranger now
amounted to agony. At length he ven
tured to make known his story to some