Question

which excerpt from \lather and nothing else.\ is the best example of fast - paced narration?
the lather was drying on his face. i must hurry. through the mirror, i took a look at the street.
\very good,\ i answered, turning my attention now to the brush. the man closed his eyes wearily and awaited the cool caress of the lather.
meanwhile he was taking off his cartridge - studded belt with the pistol holster suspended from it. he put it on a hook in the wardrobe and hung his cap above it.
he leaned back in the chair when he saw the brush in my hand, full of lather. i had not yet put the sheet on him.

Explanation:

Fast - paced narration is characterized by short, quick - moving sentences that convey a sense of urgency or rapid action. The first option "The lather was drying on his face. I must hurry. Through the mirror, I took a look at the street." has short, choppy sentences. The use of "I must hurry" adds a sense of urgency, and the actions (lather drying, looking at the street) are presented in a quick - fire manner.
The second option has a more descriptive and slower - paced element with "wearily" and the focus on the man waiting for the lather.
The third option is a more detailed description of an action (taking off the belt, putting it on a hook, hanging the cap) which is a bit more drawn - out.
The fourth option is a simple description of two actions (he leaned back, I had not put the sheet) but without the sense of urgency or quick - moving nature of the first option.

Answer:

The lather was drying on his face. I must hurry. Through the mirror, I took a look at the street.