Syne I took my razor from the box, and gave it five or six turns along first one side and then the other, with great precision.

Syne I tried the edge of it along the flat of my hand.

Syne I loosed my neckcloth, and laid it over the back of the chair; and syne I took out the button of my shirt-neck, and folded it back.

Nanse, who was, all the time, standing behind, looking what I was after, asked me, "if I was going to shave without hot water ?" when I said to her in a fierce and brave manner, (which was very cruel, considering the way she was in,) "I'll let you see that presently." The razor looked desperate sharp; and I never liked the sight of blood; but oh, I was in a terrible flurry and fermentation.

A kind of cold trembling went through me; and I thought it best to tell Nanse what I was going to do, that she might be something prepared for it.