SHAVTNO THE SHERIFF. 105 



civilization in me stimulated by the presence, in the imme- 

 diate neighborhood, of the sehoolma'ams, 1 faithfully 

 applied the ra/or to my own not excessively rounded face. 

 The Sheriff, sitting on the edge of the bed, thoughtfully 

 en-aired in pulling on his stockings, watched the operation 

 with interest. Then 1 saw, by the reflection in the diminu- 

 tive mirror, thai he rubbed his chin and hollow check* 

 and looked fora moment meditatively down upon the piece 

 of rag carpet at his feet, 



" 1 wish 1 was shaved. " he at length said, in a melan 

 choh tone, and added despairingly, " but 1 never shaved 

 mvself iii all my life, and 1 don't suppose there is anybody 

 here thai could shave me. " 



Something in the sad face perhaps it was its gri/y.lines* 

 moved me. and I cheeringly remarked : 



Oh. it isn't very diHicult; I think you can do it; and 

 you are welcome to the use of my razor, if you want to 

 try. " 



"No, 1 never can, 1 should be sure to cut myself all 

 to pieces;" and the Sheriff sighed as lie rubbed his chin 

 again, and felt that it was wholly unpresentable, and 

 remembered that it was Sunday, and the sehoolma'ams 

 would meet him at the breakfast table. 



There was a long pause. Then he looked piteously up 

 at me, as I was adjusting my neck-tie, and hesitatingly 

 .said : 



"If it wouldn't be asking too much, would you might 

 I a*k you do you suppose you could shave me ? " 



"Well, " said I, " I suppose I can try; but I'm awfully 



