Jean Valjean Takes His Revenge — Les Misérables

When Jean Valjean was left alone with Javert, he untied the rope which fastened the prisoner across the middle of the body. He made him a sign to rise. Javert obeyed with that indefinable smile in which the supremacy of enchained authority is condensed. Jean Valjean took him by the martingale, as one would take a beast of burden by the breast-band, and dragged him from the wine-shop. The insurgents, all intent on the attack, had their backs turned. Marius alone saw them pass. This group of victim and executioner was illuminated by the sepulchral light which he bore in his own soul. They scaled the little entrenchment in the Mondetour lane. No one saw them. Among the heap they could distinguish a livid face, streaming hair, a pierced hand and the half nude breast of a woman. It was Eponine. Javert gazed askance at this body, and, profoundly calm, said in a low tone: It strikes me that I know that girl.

Jean Valjean thrust the pistol under his arm and fixed on Javert a look which it required no words to interpret. Javert, it is I. Javert replied: Take your revenge. Jean Valjean drew from his pocket a knife and opened it. A clasp-knife, exclaimed Javert. You are right. That suits you better. Jean Valjean cut the martingale, then the cords on his wrists, then the cord on his feet, and said: You are free. Javert remained open-mouthed and motionless. Jean Valjean continued: I do not think that I shall escape from this place. But if, by chance, I do, I live under the name of Fauchelevent, in the street of the Armed Man, number 7. Javert snarled like a tiger. Have a care. Go, said Jean Valjean. Thou saidst Fauchelevent, the street of the Armed Man. Number 7. Javert repeated in a low voice: Number 7. He buttoned his coat, resumed the military stiffness between his shoulders, and set out toward the Halles.

A few minutes later he turned round and shouted: You annoy me. Kill me, rather. Javert himself did not notice that he no longer addressed Jean Valjean as thou. Be off with you. Javert retreated slowly and turned the corner. When he had disappeared, Jean Valjean fired his pistol in the air. Then he returned to the barricade and said: It is done. Meanwhile Marius, seeing the pinioned spy in broad daylight, recognized the inspector who had once handed him two pistols. He called to Enjolras. What is the name of yonder man. The police agent. Javert. Marius sprang to his feet. At that moment they heard the report of the pistol. Jean Valjean reappeared and cried: It is done. A gloomy chill traversed Marius' heart.