Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-03-06
THE CLOSEST SHAVE OF MY LIFE.
By A LONDON DETECTIVE.

considered under g better organized
and surer system of administration
than any similar institution have
known. Ihsve seen many, and looked
somewhat closely into their methods o
management and discipline, and have
often seen much TO approve; but the
prison at D. surpasses all the
rest. Visitors of whom, very properly,
but few are admitted, are smazed at the
regularity, the order. and, the most
singular Of all, the air of security and
order and quiet that prevails.
As we wandered through the cham
bers in the freer part of the prison, we
came TO one, from the window of which
man was looking so anxiously that
he did not hear US enter. When he
turned round, his eyes were glistening
with tears. The warden said that he
did nothing but stand at that window
at all times when unoccupied. He
was sailor, we learned, whose offence
was that be had beaten almost to death
a comrade for speaking slightingly
about his wife. He was in for three
years, six months Of which had passed,
and be was one of the best men in the
prison. They had found out that he
was accomplished-that there was no
better barber anywhere; so be was ele-
vated above his fellows, to the extent
of digni6ed position and the respon-
sibility of razors.
He has shaved me many a time bet
ter than l could have done it myself
Would you like prison shave, gentle
1nen?' said the warden.
thought there was something quite
taking in the idea, and acknowledged
myself to be touched favorably with
the proposition.
johnson will you shave this gentle
man. said the warden.
threw of my coat, and settled my
self comfortably in the big chair
johnson made grave preparations.
always hated razor. 1t was a
villainous necessity. l wonder if any
body thinks it delightful, that Kissing
of the sharp steel over the cheek, and
that slow scrape over the throat, with
the skin drawn as tight as drum.
When my face was shining with the
soap the warden SAID
I'VE will leave you for FIVE minutes,
Mr.. Is that time enough John
son?'
Quite time enough, SIR answered
johnson.
The prisoner and I were left alone.
Nv companions went away in another
direction from that we had been pursu-
ing. and the warden swung the door
wide open as he passed through, leav-
ing it uncIosed. From my position /
saw them walk along the top Of the
wall, until thew came to corner, where
they spoke little with the officer in
charge. Then they moved on, officer
and all, out of sight.
Upon each corner of the prison wall
guard is always stationed, we'll armed,
to watch that no attempts at escape are
made. The moment this one disap-
peared, l felt sort of faint shiver oi
the razor on my lip. Immediately af'
ter, my barber ceased operations,
walked leisurely to the door and looked
out, and returning paused an instant al
the window where we had found him
when we had entered. Then he came
back to me and resumed his work.
felt vaguely alarmed.
Presently the prisoner spoke. His
voice was very low, quite whisper
indeed, and he cut his words short
But how distinct they werel
DO you hear me. sir?' he asked.
Yes said /.
ITS ticklish thing this shaving
isn't it?' said he. Bat my hand is al
ways steady. 1 can do what l please
with a razor-just what please. b
good enough to keep still. very still jus
now. I'm close on to large vein, yor
see, right in your neck. Keep very
still, and don't stir. / know wha
would happen, and so do you, if yor
stirred OF spoke word
Good Goodl These were hideoul
words; but the glare of the mans eye
as he came round in front OF me, wa'
appalling. I could not have uttered I
syllable if had died otherwise.
Now said he, listen, and DON
move he pressed the fat blsde agains
my throat as il by way Of warning.
don't like this. 1 can't stand it. I'm
qoings And SO help me God, if yor
lift finger to stop me. or make ont
noise, both Of us will have to diel
would little rather not hurt you; but
rememberP
He sprang away and caught up ny
hat and coat, which lay near. still keep
ing the razor in his hand. The mo
ment its frightful contact was removed
nv inertness vanished. leaped up
seized the chair upon which ! was sit
ting, and shouted Justify. He turned
upon me like tiger.
.Ah, you will have it. then! be cried
and rushed towards me.
thrust him aside with the heavy
chsir, and lifting it high IN the air
brought it down crushing upon him.
He sank for second, but quickly rose
again. He was heavier than /, and
twice as strong I supposed. Person;
who have thus been in positions o.
great danger viii not be astonished tc
hear that / forgot, after my first cry. tc
call out at ali. I thought only Of de-