Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1862-02-21
SLEECT TALE.
TIE CLOSEST SHAVE N MY LIFE
By A LONDON DRTRCTIvE.


methods of management and discipline, and
have often seen much te approve; but this
prison surpasses all the rest. Visitors, of
whom very properly but few are admitted,
ara amazed at the regularity of the order,
and most singular Of all, the air of securi-
ty and exceeding quiet that prevails.
As we wandered through the chambers
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 be turned around his
eyes were glstening with tears. The war
den said be did nothing but stand at that
window at all times when he was unoecu-
pied, He was sailor We learned, whose
effense was that he had beaten almost to
death a comrade for speaking slightly
about has scite. He was in for three years.
six months of which had passed, and he
was one of the best men about the prison.
They lad found out that he was accom-
plished--that there was no better barber
anywhere; so he was elevated above his
fellows to the extent of dignifed pesi-
ton and the responsibility of rszers
He has shayen me many time better
than / could do it myself, Would you
like prison shave gentlemen said rke.
warden.
/ thought there was something taking
in the idea, and Acknowledged myself to
be faverably touched with the proposition.
johnson, will you shave this gentleman 2
said the warden.
threw off my coat and settled myself
comfortably in the big chair. johnson
made grave preparations.
l always hated razor. 1t is q villain
ous necessity. I wonder if any body thinks
it delightful, that kissing of the sharp
steel over the cheek, and that slow scrape
over tho throat, with the skin drawn drum
tight.
When my face was shining with the
soap the warden said
We will leave you for five minutes, Mr..
-. Is that time enough, johnson?
Quite time enough sir, answered John
son.
The prisoner and I were left alone. My
companions went away in another direc-
tion from that we had been pursuing, and
the warden swung the door wide open as
he passed through leaving it unslosed.-
From my position | saw them walk alorg
the top of the wall until they 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 a
guard is always stationed, we'll armed, to
watch that no attempts at escape are made.
The mement this enc disappeared, l felt
sort of faint shiver of the razor against my
lip. Immediately after my barber ceased
operations, walked leisurely to the door
and locked cut, and returning paused an
instant at the window where we had found
him when we had entered. Thon 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
be cut his words short. But how distinct
they we're.
Do you hear me sir? he asked.
Yes; said I.
It's ticklish thing, this shaving, isn't 7
said he.
But my hand is always steady; I can
de just what I please with razor--just
what please. Be good enough to keep
still, very still just now. I'm close on to
large vein you see, right in your neck.
Keep very still and don't stir. I know
what would happen, and SO do you, if you
stirred or spoke word.
Good God ! These were hideous words /;
but the glare of the mans eye as he came
came around in front ofIme was appalling. I
could not have uttered a syllable if | had
died otherwise
Now said he listen, but don't move ;and
he pressed the fat blade against my throat
as if by way Of warning.
don't like this can't stand it. I'm
going and SO help me God, if you lift
a f1nger to stop me, or make any noise,
both Of us will have to die | would a
little rather not hurt you, but--remem-
ber
He sprang away and caught up my coat
and hat, which lay near, still keeping the
| razer in his hand The moment its fright
full contack was removed, my insrtness
vanished l leaped up. seized the chair
in which had been sitting, and shouted
Justify. He turned upon me like tiger.
All Yeu will have it then? he cried,
and rushed towards me.
| thrust him aside with the heavy chair,
and lifting it high in the air, brought it
dewn upon him.
He sank for second, but quickly rose
again. He was heavier than |, and twice
as strong, sup! osc. Persons who have
thus been in positions of great danger,
will net be astonished to hear that forgot
after my first cry, to call out at all, | tho't
only of defending myself.
This state of things did not lest quar-
ter of minute. He would have beaten
me down soen enough, had | net in sheer
desperation made use of trick which
had once before seen successfully employ
ed. | moved nay eyes suddenly from him
and stared wildly into the space behind
him, pointing at the same time and In the
same direction with my arm. BY lucky
chance l pointed towards the window.
think that movement saved my life.
He stopped, glanced at the windsw,
flung bis hands over his head, gasped as i
he wsro choking, and dashing the razor
against the stone wall, fell tremblngly up
on bis knees As stepped swiftly across
he called out to me
Don't CO. don't 60; be said Stand al
the doer If yez choose. but wait minute
It's all over now; and perhaps If yor