Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-04-02
The Closest Shave of My Life.
BY A LONDON DETECTIVE.

The prison at Dis every way con
sidered, under better organized and surel
system of administration that any similar
institution l have known. l have seen
many, and looked somewhat closely into
their management aud discipline, and
have often seen much to approve; but the
prison at -surpasses all the rest
Visitors of whom, very properly, but few
are admitted, are amazed at the regularity,
the order, and, most singular of all the
air of security and order and 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 q man
was looking so anxiously that he did not
hear US enter. When he turned his eyes
were glistening with tears. The warden
said that he did nothing but stand at that
window at all times when unoceapied.-
He was a sailor, we learned, whose offence
was that he 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 he was
one of the best men in the prison. They
had found out that he was accomplished
that there was no better barber any
where; so he was elevated above his fel-
lows to the extent of a dignifed position
and the responsibility of razors.
''He has shaved me many a time better
than | could have done it myself. Would
you like prison shave, gentlemen" said
the warden.
l thought there was something quite
taking in the idea, and acknowledged my
self to be favorably touched with the pro-
position.
johnson, will you shave this gentle
man?" said the warden.
| threw off my coat, and settled myself
comfortably in the big chair. johnson
made grave preparation.
| always hated razor. 1t was a villain
Gus necessity. Iwonderif anybody 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.
1--WE will leave you for FIVE minutes,
Nh Is that time enough, John
son?"
"Quite time enough, sir" answered
johnson.
The prisoner and Iwere left alone. Ny
companions went away in another direc-
ton from that we had been pursuing, and
the warden swung the door wide open as
he passed through, leaving it unclosed.-
From my position saw them walk along
the top of the wall, until they came to
a corner where they spoke a 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, well armed, to
watch that no attempts at escape are made
The moment this one disappeared, l
felt sort of faint shiver of the razor on
my lip. Immediately after, my barber
ceased operations, walked leisurely to
the door and looked out, and returning,
paused an instant at the window where
we had found him when he had entered.
Then he came back to me and resumed
his work. l felt vaguely alarmed.
Presently the prisoner spoke. His voice
was very low, quite awhisper, indeed, and
he cut his words short But how distinct
they were.
do you hear me sir?" he asked.
YES" said /.
ats ticklish thing, this shaving, isn't
it?" said he. But my hand is always
steady, can do what l please with a
razor-just what l please. Be good
enough to keep very still, very still just
now. I'm close on to a large vein; you
see, right in your neck. Keep very still,
and don't stir, know what would hap
pen, and SO doyou, if you stirred, or spoke
a word"
Good Godl These were hideous words,
but the glare of the mans eve, as he came
round in front of me, was appalling.
could not have uttered a syllable if had
died otherwise.
Now" said he "listen and don't move, 3"
he pressed the fat blade against my throat
as If by way of warning. | don't ike this.
l can't stand it. I'm going! And so help
me God, if you lift finger to stop me, or
make any noise, both of US will have to
die. would little rather not hurt you;
but-rememberr
He sprang away and caught up my hat
and coat, which lay near, still keeping the
razor in his hand. The moment its fright
full contact was removed, my inertness
vanished. / lesped up, seized the chair
upon which | was sitting, and shouted
Justify. He turned upon me like a
tiger.
''Ah, you win have it then" be cried
and rushed toward me.
! thrust him aside with the chair, and
lifting it high in the air, brought it down
crushing upon him. He sank for sec
ond. but quickly rose again. He was