ThiswasthefirsttimeMariushadseenhimlaugh。Thelaughwascoldandsweet，andprovokedashudder。
Jondretteopenedacupboardnearthefireplace，anddrewfromitanoldcap，whichheplacedonhishead，afterbrushingitwithhissleeve。
\"Now，\"saidhe，\"I’mgoingout。IhavesomemorepeoplethatI
mustsee。Goodones。You’llseehowwellthewholethingwillwork。
Ishallbeawayasshortatimeaspossible，it’safinestrokeofbusiness，doyoulookafterthehouse。\"
Andwithbothfiststhrustintothepocketsofhistrousers，hestoodforamomentinthought，thenexclaimed:——
\"Doyouknow，it’smightylucky，bytheway，thathedidn’trecognizeme！Ifhehadrecognizedmeonhisside，hewouldnothavecomebackagain。Hewouldhaveslippedthroughourfingers！
Itwasmybeardthatsavedus！myromanticbeard！myprettylittleromanticbeard！\"
Andagainhebrokeintoalaugh。
Hesteppedtothewindow。Thesnowwasstillfalling，andstreakingthegrayofthesky。
\"Whatbeastlyweather！\"saidhe。
Thenlappinghisovercoatacrosshisbreast:——
\"Thisrindistoolargeforme。Nevermind，\"headded，\"hedidadevilishgoodthinginleavingitforme，theoldscoundrel！
Ifithadn’tbeenforthat，Icouldn’thavegoneout，andeverythingwouldhavegonewrong！Whatsmallpointsthingshangon，anyway！\"
Andpullinghiscapdownoverhiseyes，hequittedtheroom。
Hehadbarelyhadtimetotakehalfadozenstepsfromthedoor，whenthedooropenedagain，andhissavagebutintelligentfacemadeitsappearanceoncemoreintheopening。
\"Icamenearforgetting，\"saidhe。\"Youaretohaveabrazierofcharcoalready。\"
Andheflungintohiswife’sapronthefive—francpiecewhichthe\"philanthropist\"hadleftwithhim。
\"Abrazierofcharcoal？\"askedhiswife。
\"Yes。\"
\"Howmanybushels？\"
\"Twogoodones。\"
\"Thatwillcometothirtysous。WiththerestIwillbuysomethingfordinner。\"
\"Thedevil，no。\"
\"Why？\"
\"Don’tgoandspendthehundred—soupiece。\"
\"Why？\"
\"BecauseIshallhavetobuysomething，too。\"
\"What？\"
\"Something。\"
\"Howmuchshallyouneed？\"
\"Whereaboutsintheneighborhoodisthereanironmonger’sshop？\"
\"RueMouffetard。\"
\"Ah！yes，atthecornerofastreet；Icanseetheshop。\"
\"Buttellmehowmuchyouwillneedforwhatyouhavetopurchase？\"
\"Fiftysous——threefrancs。\"
\"Therewon’tbemuchleftfordinner。\"
\"Eatingisnotthepointto—day。There’ssomethingbettertobedone。\"
\"That’senough，myjewel。\"
Atthiswordfromhiswife，Jondretteclosedthedooragain，andthistime，Mariusheardhisstepdieawayinthecorridorofthehovel，anddescendthestaircaserapidly。
Atthatmoment，oneo’clockstruckfromthechurchofSaint—Medard。
CHAPTERXIII
SOLUSCUMSOLO，INLOCOREMOTO，NONCOGITABUNTURORAREPATERNOSTER
Marius，dreamerashewas，was，aswehavesaid，firmandenergeticbynature。Hishabitsofsolitarymeditation，whiletheyhaddevelopedinhimsympathyandcompassion，had，perhaps，diminishedthefacultyforirritation，buthadleftintactthepowerofwaxingindignant；
hehadthekindlinessofabrahmin，andtheseverityofajudge；
hetookpityuponatoad，buthecrushedaviper。Now，itwasintoaholeofvipersthathisglancehadjustbeendirected，itwasanestofmonstersthathehadbeneathhiseyes。
\"Thesewretchesmustbestampedupon，\"saidhe。
Notoneoftheenigmaswhichhehadhopedtoseesolvedhadbeenelucidated；onthecontrary，allofthemhadbeenrenderedmoredense，ifanything；heknewnothingmoreaboutthebeautifulmaidenoftheLuxembourgandthemanwhomhecalledM。Leblanc，exceptthatJondrettewasacquaintedwiththem。Athwartthemysteriouswordswhichhadbeenuttered，theonlythingofwhichhecaughtadistinctglimpsewasthefactthatanambushwasincourseofpreparation，adarkbutterribletrap；thatbothofthemwereincurringgreatdanger，sheprobably，herfathercertainly；
thattheymustbesaved；thatthehideousplotsoftheJondrettesmustbethwarted，andthewebofthesespidersbroken。
HescannedthefemaleJondretteforamoment。Shehadpulledanoldsheet—ironstovefromacorner，andshewasrummagingamongtheoldheapofiron。
Hedescendedfromthecommodeassoftlyaspossible，takingcarenottomaketheleastnoise。Amidhisterrorastowhatwasinpreparation，andinthehorrorwithwhichtheJondretteshadinspiredhim，heexperiencedasortofjoyattheideathatitmightbegrantedtohimperhapstorenderaservicetotheonewhomheloved。
Buthowwasittobedone？Howwarnthepersonsthreatened？
Hedidnotknowtheiraddress。Theyhadreappearedforaninstantbeforehiseyes，andhadthenplungedbackagainintotheimmensedepthsofParis。ShouldhewaitforM。Leblancatthedoorthateveningatsixo’clock，atthemomentofhisarrival，andwarnhimofthetrap？ButJondretteandhismenwouldseehimonthewatch，thespotwaslonely，theywerestrongerthanhe，theywoulddevisemeanstoseizehimortogethimaway，andthemanwhomMariuswasanxioustosavewouldbelost。Oneo’clockhadjuststruck，thetrapwastobesprungatsix。Mariushadfivehoursbeforehim。
Therewasbutonethingtobedone。
Heputonhisdecentcoat，knottedasilkhandkerchiefroundhisneck，tookhishat，andwentout，withoutmakinganymorenoisethanifhehadbeentreadingonmosswithbarefeet。
Moreover，theJondrettewomancontinuedtorummageamongheroldiron。
Onceoutsideofthehouse，hemadefortheRueduPetit—Banquier。
Hehadalmostreachedthemiddleofthisstreet，nearaverylowwallwhichamancaneasilystepoveratcertainpoints，andwhichabutsonawastespace，andwaswalkingslowly，inconsequenceofhispreoccupiedcondition，andthesnowdeadenedthesoundofhissteps；
allatonceheheardvoicestalkingverycloseby。Heturnedhishead，thestreetwasdeserted，therewasnotasoulinit，itwasbroaddaylight，andyethedistinctlyheardvoices。
Itoccurredtohimtoglanceoverthewallwhichhewasskirting。
There，infact，sattwomen，flatonthesnow，withtheirbacksagainstthewall，talkingtogetherinsubduedtones。
Thesetwopersonswerestrangerstohim；onewasabeardedmaninablouse，andtheotheralong—hairedindividualinrags。
Thebeardedmanhadonafez，theother’sheadwasbare，andthesnowhadlodgedinhishair。
Bythrustinghisheadoverthewall，Mariuscouldheartheirremarks。
Thehairyonejoggedtheotherman’selbowandsaid:——
\"——WiththeassistanceofPatron—Minette，itcan’tfail。\"
\"Doyouthinkso？\"saidthebeardedman。
Andthelong—hairedonebeganagain:——
\"It’sasgoodasawarrantforeachone，offivehundredballs，andtheworstthatcanhappenisfiveyears，sixyears，tenyearsatthemost！\"
Theotherrepliedwithsomehesitation，andshiveringbeneathhisfez:——
\"That’sarealthing。Youcan’tgoagainstsuchthings。\"
\"Itellyouthattheaffaircan’tgowrong，\"resumedthelong—hairedman。
\"FatherWhat’s—his—name’steamwillbealreadyharnessed。\"
ThentheybegantodiscussamelodramathattheyhadseenontheprecedingeveningattheGaiteTheatre。
Mariuswenthisway。
Itseemedtohimthatthemysteriouswordsofthesemen，sostrangelyhiddenbehindthatwall，andcrouchinginthesnow，couldnotbutbearsomerelationtoJondrette’sabominableprojects。
Thatmustbetheaffair。
HedirectedhiscoursetowardsthefaubourgSaint—Marceauandaskedatthefirstshophecametowherehecouldfindacommissaryofpolice。
HewasdirectedtoRuedePontoise，No。14。
ThitherMariusbetookhimself。
Ashepassedabaker’sshop，heboughtatwo—pennyroll，andateit，foreseeingthatheshouldnotdine。
Ontheway，herenderedjusticetoProvidence。HereflectedthathadhenotgivenhisfivefrancstotheJondrettegirlinthemorning，hewouldhavefollowedM。Leblanc’sfiacre，andconsequentlyhaveremainedignorantofeverything，andthattherewouldhavebeennoobstacletothetrapoftheJondrettesandthatM。Leblancwouldhavebeenlost，andhisdaughterwithhim，nodoubt。
CHAPTERXIV
INWHICHAPOLICEAGENTBESTOWSTWOFISTFULSONALAWYER
OnarrivingatNo。14，RuedePontoise，heascendedtothefirstfloorandinquiredforthecommissaryofpolice。
\"Thecommissaryofpoliceisnothere，\"saidaclerk；\"butthereisaninspectorwhotakeshisplace。Wouldyouliketospeaktohim？
Areyouinhaste？\"
\"Yes，\"saidMarius。
Theclerkintroducedhimintothecommissary’soffice。Therestoodatallmanbehindagrating，leaningagainstastove，andholdingupwithbothhandsthetailsofavasttopcoat，withthreecollars。
Hisfacewassquare，withathin，firmmouth，thick，gray，andveryferociouswhiskers，andalookthatwasenoughtoturnyourpocketsinsideout。Ofthatglanceitmighthavebeenwellsaid，notthatitpenetrated，butthatitsearched。
Thisman’sairwasnotmuchlessferociousnorlessterriblethanJondrette’s；thedogis，attimes，nolessterribletomeetthanthewolf。
\"Whatdoyouwant？\"hesaidtoMarius，withoutadding\"monsieur。\"
\"IsthisMonsieurleCommissairedePolice？\"
\"Heisabsent。Iamhereinhisstead。\"
\"Thematterisveryprivate。\"’
\"Thenspeak。\"
\"Andgreathasteisrequired。\"
\"Thenspeakquick。\"
Thiscalm，abruptmanwasbothterrifyingandreassuringatoneandthesametime。Heinspiredfearandconfidence。
Mariusrelatedtheadventuretohim:Thatapersonwithwhomhewasnotacquaintedotherwisethanbysight，wastobeinveigledintoatrapthatveryevening；that，asheoccupiedtheroomadjoiningtheden，he，MariusPontmercy，alawyer，hadheardthewholeplotthroughthepartition；thatthewretchwhohadplannedthetrapwasacertainJondrette；thattherewouldbeaccomplices，probablysomeprowlersofthebarriers，amongothersacertainPanchaud，aliasPrintanier，aliasBigrenaille；thatJondrette’sdaughtersweretolieinwait；thattherewasnowayofwarningthethreatenedman，sincehedidnotevenknowhisname；andthat，finally，allthiswastobecarriedoutatsixo’clockthatevening，atthemostdesertedpointoftheBoulevarddel’Hopital，inhouseNo。50—52。
Atthesoundofthisnumber，theinspectorraisedhishead，andsaidcoldly:——
\"Soitisintheroomattheendofthecorridor？\"
\"Precisely，\"answeredMarius，andheadded:\"Areyouacquaintedwiththathouse？\"
Theinspectorremainedsilentforamoment，thenreplied，ashewarmedtheheelofhisbootatthedoorofthestove:——
\"Apparently。\"
Hewenton，mutteringbetweenhisteeth，andnotaddressingMariussomuchashiscravat:——
\"Patron—Minettemusthavehadahandinthis。\"
ThiswordstruckMarius。
\"Patron—Minette，\"saidhe，\"Ididhearthatwordpronounced，infact。\"
Andherepeatedtotheinspectorthedialoguebetweenthelong—hairedmanandthebeardedmaninthesnowbehindthewalloftheRueduPetit—Banquier。
Theinspectormuttered:——
\"Thelong—hairedmanmustbeBrujon，andthebeardedoneDemi—Liard，aliasDeux—Milliards。\"
Hehaddroppedhiseyelidsagain，andbecameabsorbedinthought。
\"AsforFatherWhat’s—his—name，IthinkIrecognizehim。
Here，I’veburnedmycoat。Theyalwayshavetoomuchfireinthesecursedstoves。Number50—52。FormerpropertyofGorbeau。\"
ThenheglancedatMarius。
\"Yousawonlythatbeardedandthatlong—hairedman？\"
\"AndPanchaud。\"
\"Youdidn’tseealittleimpofadandyprowlingaboutthepremises？\"
\"No。\"
\"Norabiglumpofmatter，resemblinganelephantintheJardindesPlantes？\"
\"No。\"
\"Norascampwiththeairofanoldredtail？\"
\"No。\"
\"Asforthefourth，nooneseeshim，notevenhisadjutants，clerks，andemployees。Itisnotsurprisingthatyoudidnotseehim。\"
\"No。Whoareallthosepersons？\"askedMarius。
Theinspectoranswered:——
\"Besides，thisisnotthetimeforthem。\"
Herelapsedintosilence，thenresumed:——
\"50—52。Iknowthatbarrack。Impossibletoconcealourselvesinsideitwithouttheartistsseeingus，andthentheywillgetoffsimplybycountermandingthevaudeville。Theyaresomodest！
Anaudienceembarrassesthem。Noneofthat，noneofthat。Iwanttohearthemsingandmakethemdance。\"
Thismonologueconcluded，heturnedtoMarius，anddemanded，gazingathimintentlythewhile:——
\"Areyouafraid？\"
\"Ofwhat？\"saidMarius。
\"Ofthesemen？\"
\"Nomorethanyourself！\"retortedMariusrudely，whohadbeguntonoticethatthispoliceagenthadnotyetsaid\"monsieur\"tohim。
TheinspectorstaredstillmoreintentlyatMarius，andcontinuedwithsententioussolemnity:——
\"There，youspeaklikeabraveman，andlikeanhonestman。
Couragedoesnotfearcrime，andhonestydoesnotfearauthority。\"
Mariusinterruptedhim:——
\"Thatiswell，butwhatdoyouintendtodo？\"
Theinspectorcontentedhimselfwiththeremark:——
\"Thelodgershavepass—keyswithwhichtogetinatnight。
Youmusthaveone。\"
\"Yes，\"saidMarius。
\"Haveyouitaboutyou？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Giveittome，\"saidtheinspector。
Mariustookhiskeyfromhiswaistcoatpocket，handedittotheinspectorandadded:——
\"Ifyouwilltakemyadvice，youwillcomeinforce。\"
TheinspectorcastonMariussuchaglanceasVoltairemighthavebestowedonaprovincialacademicianwhohadsuggestedarhymetohim；
withonemovementheplungedhishands，whichwereenormous，intothetwoimmensepocketsofhistop—coat，andpulledouttwosmallsteelpistols，ofthesortcalled\"knock—me—downs。\"ThenhepresentedthemtoMarius，sayingrapidly，inacurttone:——
\"Takethese。Gohome。Hideinyourchamber，sothatyoumaybesupposedtohavegoneout。Theyareloaded。Eachonecarriestwoballs。Youwillkeepwatch；thereisaholeinthewall，asyouhaveinformedme。Thesemenwillcome。Leavethemtotheirowndevicesforatime。Whenyouthinkmattershavereachedacrisis，andthatitistimetoputastoptothem，fireashot。
Nottoosoon。Therestconcernsme。Ashotintotheceiling，theair，nomatterwhere。Aboveallthings，nottoosoon。Waituntiltheybegintoputtheirprojectintoexecution；youarealawyer；
youknowtheproperpoint。\"Mariustookthepistolsandputtheminthesidepocketofhiscoat。
\"Thatmakesalumpthatcanbeseen，\"saidtheinspector。
\"Puttheminyourtrouserspocket。\"
Mariushidthepistolsinhistrouserspockets。
\"Now，\"pursuedtheinspector，\"thereisnotaminutemoretobelostbyanyone。Whattimeisit？Half—pasttwo。Seveno’clockisthehour？\"
\"Sixo’clock，\"answeredMarius。
\"Ihaveplentyoftime，\"saidtheinspector，\"butnomorethanenough。
Don’tforgetanythingthatIhavesaidtoyou。Bang。Apistolshot。\"
\"Resteasy，\"saidMarius。
AndasMariuslaidhishandonthehandleofthedooronhiswayout，theinspectorcalledtohim:——
\"Bytheway，ifyouhaveoccasionformyservicesbetweennowandthen，comeorsendhere。YouwillaskforInspectorJavert。\"
CHAPTERXV
JONDRETTEMAKESHISPURCHASES
Afewmomentslater，aboutthreeo’clock，CourfeyracchancedtobepassingalongtheRueMouffetardincompanywithBossuet。
Thesnowhadredoubledinviolence，andfilledtheair。BossuetwasjustsayingtoCourfeyrac:——
\"Onewouldsay，toseeallthesesnow—flakesfall，thattherewasaplagueofwhitebutterfliesinheaven。\"Allatonce，BossuetcaughtsightofMariuscomingupthestreettowardsthebarrierwithapeculiarair。
\"Hold！\"saidBossuet。\"There’sMarius。\"
\"Isawhim，\"saidCourfeyrac。\"Don’tlet’sspeaktohim。\"
\"Why？\"
\"Heisbusy。\"
\"Withwhat？\"
\"Don’tyouseehisair？\"
\"Whatair？\"
\"Hehastheairofamanwhoisfollowingsomeone。\"
\"That’strue，\"saidBossuet。
\"Justseetheeyesheismaking！\"saidCourfeyrac。
\"Butwhothedeuceishefollowing？\"
\"Somefine，flowerybonnetedwench！He’sinlove。\"
\"But，\"observedBossuet，\"Idon’tseeanywenchnoranyflowerybonnetinthestreet。There’snotawomanround。\"
Courfeyractookasurvey，andexclaimed:——
\"He’sfollowingaman！\"
Aman，infact，wearingagraycap，andwhosegraybeardcouldbedistinguished，althoughtheyonlysawhisback，waswalkingalongabouttwentypacesinadvanceofMarius。
Thismanwasdressedinagreat—coatwhichwasperfectlynewandtoolargeforhim，andinafrightfulpairoftrousersallhanginginragsandblackwithmud。
Bossuetburstoutlaughing。
\"Whoisthatman？\"
\"He？\"retortedCourfeyrac，\"he’sapoet。PoetsareveryfondofwearingthetrousersofdealersinrabbitskinsandtheovercoatsofpeersofFrance。\"
\"Let’sseewhereMariuswillgo，\"saidBossuet；\"let’sseewherethemanisgoing，let’sfollowthem，hey？\"
\"Bossuet！\"exclaimedCourfeyrac，\"eagleofMeaux！Youareaprodigiousbrute。Followamanwhoisfollowinganotherman，indeed！\"
Theyretracedtheirsteps。
Mariushad，infact，seenJondrettepassingalongtheRueMouffetard，andwasspyingonhisproceedings。
Jondrettewalkedstraightahead，withoutasuspicionthathewasalreadyheldbyaglance。
HequittedtheRueMouffetard，andMariussawhimenteroneofthemostterriblehovelsintheRueGracieuse；heremainedthereaboutaquarterofanhour，thenreturnedtotheRueMouffetard。
Hehaltedatanironmonger’sshop，whichthenstoodatthecorneroftheRuePierre—Lombard，andafewminuteslaterMariussawhimemergefromtheshop，holdinginhishandahugecoldchiselwithawhitewoodhandle，whichheconcealedbeneathhisgreat—coat。AtthetopoftheRuePetit—GentillyheturnedtotheleftandproceededrapidlytotheRueduPetit—Banquier。Thedaywasdeclining；
thesnow，whichhadceasedforamoment，hadjustbegunagain。
MariuspostedhimselfonthewatchattheverycorneroftheRueduPetit—Banquier，whichwasdeserted，asusual，anddidnotfollowJondretteintoit。Itwasluckythathedidso，for，onarrivinginthevicinityofthewallwhereMariushadheardthelong—hairedmanandthebeardedmanconversing，Jondretteturnedround，madesurethatnoonewasfollowinghim，didnotseehim，thensprangacrossthewallanddisappeared。
Thewastelandborderedbythiswallcommunicatedwiththebackyardofanex—liverystable—keeperofbadrepute，whohadfailedandwhostillkeptafewoldsingle—seatedberlinsunderhissheds。
MariusthoughtthatitwouldbewisetoprofitbyJondrette’sabsencetoreturnhome；moreover，itwasgrowinglate；everyevening，Ma’amBougonwhenshesetoutforherdish—washingintown，hadahabitoflockingthedoor，whichwasalwaysclosedatdusk。
Mariushadgivenhiskeytotheinspectorofpolice；itwasimportant，therefore，thatheshouldmakehaste。
Eveninghadarrived，nighthadalmostclosedin；onthehorizonandintheimmensityofspace，thereremainedbutonespotilluminatedbythesun，andthatwasthemoon。
ItwasrisinginaruddyglowbehindthelowdomeofSalpetriere。
MariusreturnedtoNo。50—52withgreatstrides。Thedoorwasstillopenwhenhearrived。Hemountedthestairsontip—toeandglidedalongthewallofthecorridortohischamber。Thiscorridor，asthereaderwillremember，wasborderedonbothsidesbyattics，allofwhichwere，forthemoment，emptyandtolet。Ma’amBougonwasinthehabitofleavingallthedoorsopen。Ashepassedoneoftheseattics，Mariusthoughtheperceivedintheuninhabitedcellthemotionlessheadsoffourmen，vaguelylightedupbyaremnantofdaylight，fallingthroughadormerwindow，Mariusmadenoattempttosee，notwishingtobeseenhimself。
Hesucceededinreachinghischamberwithoutbeingseenandwithoutmakinganynoise。Itwashightime。AmomentlaterheheardMa’amBougontakeherdeparture，lockingthedoorofthehousebehindher。
CHAPTERXVI
INWHICHWILLBEFOUNDTHEWORDSTOANENGLISHAIRWHICHWASIN
FASHIONIN1832
Mariusseatedhimselfonhisbed。Itmighthavebeenhalf—pastfiveo’clock。Onlyhalfanhourseparatedhimfromwhatwasabouttohappen。
Heheardthebeatingofhisarteriesasonehearsthetickingofawatchinthedark。Hethoughtofthedoublemarchwhichwasgoingonatthatmomentinthedark，——crimeadvancingononeside，justicecomingupontheother。Hewasnotafraid，buthecouldnotthinkwithoutashudderofwhatwasabouttotakeplace。
Asisthecasewithallthosewhoaresuddenlyassailedbyanunforeseenadventure，theentiredayproduceduponhimtheeffectofadream，andinordertopersuadehimselfthathewasnotthepreyofanightmare，hehadtofeelthecoldbarrelsofthesteelpistolsinhistrouserspockets。
Itwasnolongersnowing；themoondisengageditselfmoreandmoreclearlyfromthemist，anditslight，mingledwiththewhitereflectionofthesnowwhichhadfallen，communicatedtothechamberasortoftwilightaspect。
TherewasalightintheJondretteden。Mariussawtheholeinthewallshiningwithareddishglowwhichseemedbloodytohim。
Itwastruethatthelightcouldnotbeproducedbyacandle。
However，therewasnotasoundintheJondrettequarters，notasoulwasmovingthere，notasoulspeaking，notabreath；thesilencewasglacialandprofound，andhaditnotbeenforthatlight，hemighthavethoughthimselfnextdoortoasepulchre。
Mariussoftlyremovedhisbootsandpushedthemunderhisbed。
Severalminuteselapsed。Mariusheardthelowerdoorturnonitshinges；
aheavystepmountedthestaircase，andhastenedalongthecorridor；
thelatchofthehovelwasnoisilylifted；itwasJondrettereturning。
Instantly，severalvoicesarose。Thewholefamilywasinthegarret。Only，ithadbeensilentinthemaster’sabsence，likewolfwhelpsintheabsenceofthewolf。
\"It’sI，\"saidhe。
\"Goodevening，daddy，\"yelpedthegirls。
\"Well？\"saidthemother。
\"All’sgoingfirst—rate，\"respondedJondrette，\"butmyfeetarebeastlycold。Good！Youhavedressedup。Youhavedonewell！
Youmustinspireconfidence。\"
\"Allreadytogoout。\"
\"Don’tforgetwhatItoldyou。Youwilldoeverythingsure？\"
\"Resteasy。\"
\"Because——\"saidJondrette。Andheleftthephraseunfinished。
Mariusheardhimlaysomethingheavyonthetable，probablythechiselwhichhehadpurchased。
\"Bytheway，\"saidJondrette，\"haveyoubeeneatinghere？\"
\"Yes，\"saidthemother。\"Igotthreelargepotatoesandsomesalt。
Itookadvantageofthefiretocookthem。\"
\"Good，\"returnedJondrette。\"To—morrowIwilltakeyououttodinewithme。Wewillhaveaduckandfixings。YoushalldinelikeCharlestheTenth；allisgoingwell！\"
Thenheadded:——
\"Themouse—trapisopen。Thecatsarethere。\"
Heloweredhisvoicestillfurther，andsaid:——
\"Putthisinthefire。\"
Mariusheardasoundofcharcoalbeingknockedwiththetongsorsomeironutensil，andJondrettecontinued:——
\"Haveyougreasedthehingesofthedoorsothattheywillnotsqueak？\"
\"Yes，\"repliedthemother。
\"Whattimeisit？\"
\"Nearlysix。Thehalf—hourstruckfromSaint—Medardawhileago。\"
\"Thedevil！\"ejaculatedJondrette；\"thechildrenmustgoandwatch。
Comeyou，doyoulistenhere。\"
Awhisperingensued。
Jondrette’svoicebecameaudibleagain:——
\"HasoldBougonleft？\"
\"Yes，\"saidthemother。
\"Areyousurethatthereisnooneinourneighbor’sroom？\"
\"Hehasnotbeeninallday，andyouknowverywellthatthisishisdinnerhour。\"
\"Youaresure？\"
\"Sure。\"
\"Allthesame，\"saidJondrette，\"there’snoharmingoingtoseewhetherheisthere。Here，mygirl，takethecandleandgothere。\"
Mariusfellonhishandsandkneesandcrawledsilentlyunderhisbed。
Hardlyhadheconcealedhimself，whenheperceivedalightthroughthecrackofhisdoor。
\"P’pa，\"criedavoice，\"heisnotinhere。\"
Herecognizedthevoiceoftheeldestdaughter。
\"Didyougoin？\"demandedherfather。
\"No，\"repliedthegirl，\"butashiskeyisinthedoor，hemustbeout。\"
Thefatherexclaimed:——
\"Goin，nevertheless。\"
Thedooropened，andMariussawthetallJondrettecomeinwithacandleinherhand。Shewasasshehadbeeninthemorning，onlystillmorerepulsiveinthislight。
Shewalkedstraightuptothebed。Mariusenduredanindescribablemomentofanxiety；butnearthebedtherewasamirrornailedtothewall，anditwasthitherthatshewasdirectinghersteps。
Sheraisedherselfontiptoeandlookedatherselfinit。
Intheneighboringroom，thesoundofironarticlesbeingmovedwasaudible。
Shesmoothedherhairwiththepalmofherhand，andsmiledintothemirror，hummingwithhercrackedandsepulchralvoice:——
Nosamoursontduretouteunesemaine，[28]
Maisquedubonheurlesinstantssontcourts！
S’adorerhuitjours，c’etaitbienlapeine！
Letempsdesamoursdevaitdurertoujours！
Devraitdurertoujours！devraitdurertoujours！
[28]Ourlovehaslastedawholeweek，buthowshortaretheinstantsofhappiness！Toadoreeachotherforeightdayswashardlyworththewhile！Thetimeofloveshouldlastforever。
Inthemeantime，Mariustrembled。Itseemedimpossibletohimthatsheshouldnothearhisbreathing。
Shesteppedtothewindowandlookedoutwiththehalf—foolishwayshehad。
\"HowuglyParisiswhenithasputonawhitechemise！\"saidshe。
Shereturnedtothemirrorandbeganagaintoputonairsbeforeit，scrutinizingherselffull—faceandthree—quartersfaceinturn。
\"Well！\"criedherfather，\"whatareyouaboutthere？\"
\"Iamlookingunderthebedandthefurniture，\"shereplied，continuingtoarrangeherhair；\"there’snoonehere。\"
\"Booby！\"yelledherfather。\"Comeherethisminute！Anddon’twasteanytimeaboutit！\"
\"Coming！Coming！\"saidshe。\"Onehasnotimeforanythinginthishovel！\"
Shehummed:——
Vousmequittezpouralleralagloire；[29]
Montristecoeursuivrapartout。
[29]Youleavemetogotoglory；mysadheartwillfollowyoueverywhere。
Shecastapartingglanceinthemirrorandwentout，shuttingthedoorbehindher。
Amomentmore，andMariusheardthesoundofthetwoyounggirls’
barefeetinthecorridor，andJondrette’svoiceshoutingtothem:——
\"Paystrictheed！Oneonthesideofthebarrier，theotheratthecorneroftheRueduPetit—Banquier。Don’tlosesightforamomentofthedoorofthishouse，andthemomentyouseeanything，rushhereontheinstant！ashardasyoucango！Youhaveakeytogetin。\"
Theeldestgirlgrumbled:——
\"Theideaofstandingwatchinthesnowbarefoot！\"
\"To—morrowyoushallhavesomedaintylittlegreensilkboots！\"
saidthefather。
Theyrandownstairs，andafewsecondslatertheshockoftheouterdoorasitbangedtoannouncedthattheywereoutside。
TherenowremainedinthehouseonlyMarius，theJondrettesandprobably，also，themysteriouspersonsofwhomMariushadcaughtaglimpseinthetwilight，behindthedooroftheunusedattic。
CHAPTERXVII
THEUSEMADEOFMARIUS’FIVE—FRANCPIECE
Mariusdecidedthatthemomenthadnowarrivedwhenhemustresumehispostathisobservatory。Inatwinkling，andwiththeagilityofhisage，hehadreachedtheholeinthepartition。
Helooked。
TheinterioroftheJondretteapartmentpresentedacuriousaspect，andMariusfoundanexplanationofthesingularlightwhichhehadnoticed。Acandlewasburninginacandlestickcoveredwithverdigris，butthatwasnotwhatreallylightedthechamber。
Thehovelwascompletelyilluminated，asitwere，bythereflectionfromaratherlargesheet—ironbrazierstandinginthefireplace，andfilledwithburningcharcoal，thebrazierpreparedbytheJondrettewomanthatmorning。Thecharcoalwasglowinghotandthebrazierwasred；
ablueflameflickeredoverit，andhelpedhimtomakeouttheformofthechiselpurchasedbyJondretteintheRuePierre—Lombard，whereithadbeenthrustintothebraziertoheat。Inonecorner，nearthedoor，andasthoughpreparedforsomedefiniteuse，twoheapswerevisible，whichappearedtobe，theoneaheapofoldiron，theotheraheapofropes。Allthiswouldhavecausedthemindofapersonwhoknewnothingofwhatwasinpreparation，towaverbetweenaverysinisterandaverysimpleidea。Thelairthuslightedupmoreresembledaforgethanamouthofhell，butJondrette，inthislight，hadrathertheairofademonthanofasmith。
Theheatofthebrazierwassogreat，thatthecandleonthetablewasmeltingonthesidenextthechafing—dish，andwasdroopingover。
Anolddark—lanternofcopper，worthyofDiogenesturnedCartouche，stoodonthechimney—piece。
Thebrazier，placedinthefireplaceitself，besidethenearlyextinctbrands，sentitsvaporsupthechimney，andgaveoutnoodor。
Themoon，enteringthroughthefourpanesofthewindow，castitswhitenessintothecrimsonandflaminggarret；andtothepoeticspiritofMarius，whowasdreamyeveninthemomentofaction，itwaslikeathoughtofheavenmingledwiththemisshapenreveriesofearth。
Abreathofairwhichmadeitswayinthroughtheopenpane，helpedtodissipatethesmellofthecharcoalandtoconcealthepresenceofthebrazier。
TheJondrettelairwas，ifthereaderrecallswhatwehavesaidoftheGorbeaubuilding，admirablychosentoserveasthetheatreofaviolentandsombredeed，andastheenvelopeforacrime。
ItwasthemostretiredchamberinthemostisolatedhouseonthemostdesertedboulevardinParis。Ifthesystemofambushandtrapshadnotalreadyexisted，theywouldhavebeeninventedthere。
Thewholethicknessofahouseandamultitudeofuninhabitedroomsseparatedthisdenfromtheboulevard，andtheonlywindowthatexistedopenedonwastelandsenclosedwithwallsandpalisades。
Jondrettehadlightedhispipe，seatedhimselfontheseatlesschair，andwasengagedinsmoking。Hiswifewastalkingtohiminalowtone。
IfMariushadbeenCourfeyrac，thatistosay，oneofthosemenwholaughoneveryoccasioninlife，hewouldhaveburstwithlaughterwhenhisgazefellontheJondrettewoman。Shehadonablackbonnetwithplumesnotunlikethehatsoftheheralds—at—armsatthecoronationofCharlesX。，animmensetartanshawloverherknittedpetticoat，andtheman’sshoeswhichherdaughterhadscornedinthemorning。ItwasthistoilettewhichhadextractedfromJondrettetheexclamation:\"Good！Youhavedressedup。
Youhavedonewell。Youmustinspireconfidence！\"
AsforJondrette，hehadnottakenoffthenewsurtout，whichwastoolargeforhim，andwhichM。Leblanchadgivenhim，andhiscostumecontinuedtopresentthatcontrastofcoatandtrouserswhichconstitutedtheidealofapoetinCourfeyrac’seyes。
Allatonce，Jondrettelifteduphisvoice:——
\"Bytheway！NowthatIthinkofit。Inthisweather，hewillcomeinacarriage。Lightthelantern，takeitandgodownstairs。
Youwillstandbehindthelowerdoor。Theverymomentthatyouhearthecarriagestop，youwillopenthedoor，instantly，hewillcomeup，youwilllightthestaircaseandthecorridor，andwhenheentershere，youwillgodownstairsagainasspeedilyaspossible，youwillpaythecoachman，anddismissthefiacre。
\"Andthemoney？\"inquiredthewoman。
Jondrettefumbledinhistrouserspocketandhandedherfivefrancs。
\"What’sthis？\"sheexclaimed。
Jondretterepliedwithdignity:——
\"Thatisthemonarchwhichourneighborgaveusthismorning。\"
Andheadded:——
\"Doyouknowwhat？Twochairswillbeneededhere。\"
\"Whatfor？\"
\"Tositon。\"
MariusfeltacoldchillpassthroughhislimbsathearingthismildanswerfromJondrette。
\"Pardieu！I’llgoandgetoneofourneighbor’s。\"
Andwitharapidmovement，sheopenedthedooroftheden，andwentoutintothecorridor。
Mariusabsolutelyhadnotthetimetodescendfromthecommode，reachhisbed，andconcealhimselfbeneathit。
\"Takethecandle，\"criedJondrette。
\"No，\"saidshe，\"itwouldembarrassme，Ihavethetwochairstocarry。
Thereismoonlight。\"
MariusheardMotherJondrette’sheavyhandfumblingathislockinthedark。Thedooropened。Heremainednailedtothespotwiththeshockandwithhorror。
TheJondretteentered。
Thedormerwindowpermittedtheentranceofarayofmoonlightbetweentwoblocksofshadow。OneoftheseblocksofshadowentirelycoveredthewallagainstwhichMariuswasleaning，sothathedisappearedwithinit。
MotherJondretteraisedhereyes，didnotseeMarius，tookthetwochairs，theonlyoneswhichMariuspossessed，andwentaway，lettingthedoorfallheavilytobehindher。
Shere—enteredthelair。
\"Herearethetwochairs。\"
\"Andhereisthelantern。Godownasquickasyoucan。\"
Shehastilyobeyed，andJondrettewasleftalone。
Heplacedthetwochairsonoppositesidesofthetable，turnedthechiselinthebrazier，setinfrontofthefireplaceanoldscreenwhichmaskedthechafing—dish，thenwenttothecornerwherelaythepileofrope，andbentdownasthoughtoexaminesomething。
Mariusthenrecognizedthefact，thatwhathehadtakenforashapelessmasswasaverywell—maderope—ladder，withwoodenrungsandtwohookswithwhichtoattachit。
Thisladder，andsomelargetools，veritablemassesofiron，whichweremingledwiththeoldironpiledupbehindthedoor，hadnotbeenintheJondrettehovelinthemorning，andhadevidentlybeenbroughtthitherintheafternoon，duringMarius’absence。
\"Thosearetheutensilsofanedge—toolmaker，\"thoughtMarius。
HadMariusbeenalittlemorelearnedinthisline，hewouldhaverecognizedinwhathetookfortheenginesofanedge—toolmaker，certaininstrumentswhichwillforcealockorpickalock，andotherswhichwillcutorslice，thetwofamiliesoftoolswhichburglarscallcadetsandfauchants。
ThefireplaceandthetwochairswereexactlyoppositeMarius。
Thebrazierbeingconcealed，theonlylightintheroomwasnowfurnishedbythecandle；thesmallestbitofcrockeryonthetableoronthechimney—piececastalargeshadow。Therewassomethingindescribablycalm，threatening，andhideousaboutthischamber。
Onefeltthatthereexistedinittheanticipationofsomethingterrible。
Jondrettehadallowedhispipetogoout，aserioussignofpreoccupation，andhadagainseatedhimself。Thecandlebroughtoutthefierceandthefineanglesofhiscountenance。Heindulgedinscowlsandinabruptunfoldingsoftherighthand，asthoughhewererespondingtothelastcounselsofasombreinwardmonologue。Inthecourseofoneofthesedarkreplieswhichhewasmakingtohimself，hepulledthetabledrawerrapidlytowardshim，tookoutalongkitchenknifewhichwasconcealedthere，andtriedtheedgeofitsbladeonhisnail。Thatdone，heputtheknifebackinthedrawerandshutit。
Marius，onhisside，graspedthepistolinhisrightpocket，drewitoutandcockedit。
Thepistolemittedasharp，clearclick，ashecockedit。
Jondrettestarted，halfrose，listenedamoment，thenbegantolaughandsaid:——
\"WhatafoolIam！It’sthepartitioncracking！\"
Mariuskeptthepistolinhishand。
CHAPTERXVIII
MARIUS’TWOCHAIRSFORMAVIS—A—VIS
Suddenly，thedistantandmelancholyvibrationofaclockshookthepanes。Sixo’clockwasstrikingfromSaint—Medard。
Jondrettemarkedoffeachstrokewithatossofhishead。
Whenthesixthhadstruck，hesnuffedthecandlewithhisfingers。
Thenhebegantopaceupanddowntheroom，listenedatthecorridor，walkedonagain，thenlistenedoncemore。
\"Providedonlythathecomes！\"hemuttered，thenhereturnedtohischair。
Hehadhardlyreseatedhimselfwhenthedooropened。
MotherJondrettehadopenedit，andnowremainedinthecorridormakingahorrible，amiablegrimace，whichoneoftheholesofthedark—lanternilluminatedfrombelow。
\"Enter，sir，\"shesaid。
\"Enter，mybenefactor，\"repeatedJondrette，risinghastily。
M。Leblancmadehisappearance。
Heworeanairofserenitywhichrenderedhimsingularlyvenerable。
Helaidfourlouisonthetable。
\"MonsieurFabantou，\"saidhe，\"thisisforyourrentandyourmostpressingnecessities。Wewillattendtotheresthereafter。\"
\"MayGodrequiteittoyou，mygenerousbenefactor！\"saidJondrette。
Andrapidlyapproachinghiswife:——
\"Dismissthecarriage！\"
SheslippedoutwhileherhusbandwaslavishingsalutesandofferingM。Leblancachair。Aninstantlatershereturnedandwhisperedinhisear:——
\"’Tisdone。\"
Thesnow，whichhadnotceasedfallingsincethemorning，wassodeepthatthearrivalofthefiacrehadnotbeenaudible，andtheydidnotnowhearitsdeparture。
Meanwhile，M。Leblanchadseatedhimself。
Jondrettehadtakenpossessionoftheotherchair，facingM。Leblanc。
Now，inordertoformanideaofthescenewhichistofollow，letthereaderpicturetohimselfinhisownmind，acoldnight，thesolitudesoftheSalpetrierecoveredwithsnowandwhiteaswinding—sheetsinthemoonlight，thetaper—likelightsofthestreetlanternswhichshoneredlyhereandtherealongthosetragicboulevards，andthelongrowsofblackelms，notapasser—byforperhapsaquarterofaleaguearound，theGorbeauhovel，atitshighestpitchofsilence，ofhorror，andofdarkness；inthatbuilding，inthemidstofthosesolitudes，inthemidstofthatdarkness，thevastJondrettegarretlightedbyasinglecandle，andinthatdentwomenseatedatatable，M。Leblanctranquil，Jondrettesmilingandalarming，theJondrettewoman，thefemalewolf，inonecorner，and，behindthepartition，Marius，invisible，erect，notlosingaword，notmissingasinglemovement，hiseyeonthewatch，andpistolinhand。
However，Mariusexperiencedonlyanemotionofhorror，butnofear。
Heclaspedthestockofthepistolfirmlyandfeltreassured。
\"IshallbeabletostopthatwretchwheneverIplease，\"
hethought。
Hefeltthatthepoliceweretheresomewhereinambuscade，waitingforthesignalagreeduponandreadytostretchouttheirarm。
Moreover，hewasinhopes，thatthisviolentencounterbetweenJondretteandM。Leblancwouldcastsomelightonallthethingswhichhewasinterestedinlearning。
CHAPTERXIX
OCCUPYINGONE’SSELFWITHOBSCUREDEPTHS
HardlywasM。Leblancseated，whenheturnedhiseyestowardsthepallets，whichwereempty。
\"Howisthepoorlittlewoundedgirl？\"heinquired。
\"Bad，\"repliedJondrettewithaheart—brokenandgratefulsmile，\"verybad，myworthysir。HereldersisterhastakenhertotheBourbetohaveherhurtdressed。Youwillseethempresently；
theywillbebackimmediately。\"
\"MadameFabantouseemstometobebetter，\"wentonM。Leblanc，castinghiseyesontheeccentriccostumeoftheJondrettewoman，asshestoodbetweenhimandthedoor，asthoughalreadyguardingtheexit，andgazedathiminanattitudeofmenaceandalmostofcombat。
\"Sheisdying，\"saidJondrette。\"Butwhatdoyouexpect，sir！
Shehassomuchcourage，thatwomanhas！She’snotawoman，she’sanox。\"
TheJondrette，touchedbyhiscompliment，deprecateditwiththeaffectedairsofaflatteredmonster。
\"Youarealwaystoogoodtome，MonsieurJondrette！\"
\"Jondrette！\"saidM。Leblanc，\"IthoughtyournamewasFabantou？\"
\"Fabantou，aliasJondrette！\"repliedthehusbandhurriedly。
\"Anartisticsobriquet！\"
AndlaunchingathiswifeashrugoftheshoulderswhichM。Leblancdidnotcatch，hecontinuedwithanemphaticandcaressinginflectionofvoice:——
\"Ah！wehavehadahappylifetogether，thispoordarlingandI！
Whatwouldtherebeleftforusifwehadnotthat？Wearesowretched，myrespectablesir！Wehavearms，butthereisnowork！Wehavethewill，nowork！Idon’tknowhowthegovernmentarrangesthat，but，onmywordofhonor，sir，IamnotJacobin，sir，Iamnotabousingot。[30]Idon’twishthemanyevil，butifIweretheministers，onmymostsacredword，thingswouldbedifferent。Here，forinstance，Iwantedtohavemygirlstaughtthetradeofpaper—boxmakers。
Youwillsaytome:`What！atrade？’Yes！Atrade！Asimpletrade！
Abread—winner！Whatafall，mybenefactor！Whatadegradation，whenonehasbeenwhatwehavebeen！Alas！Thereisnothinglefttousofourdaysofprosperity！Onethingonly，apicture，ofwhichIthinkagreatdeal，butwhichIamwillingtopartwith，forImustlive！Item，onemustlive！\"
[30]Ademocrat。
WhileJondrettethustalked，withanapparentincoherencewhichdetractednothingfromthethoughtfulandsagaciousexpressionofhisphysiognomy，Mariusraisedhiseyes，andperceivedattheotherendoftheroomapersonwhomhehadnotseenbefore。
Amanhadjustentered，sosoftlythatthedoorhadnotbeenheardtoturnonitshinges。Thismanworeavioletknittedvest，whichwasold，worn，spotted，cutandgapingateveryfold，widetrousersofcottonvelvet，woodenshoesonhisfeet，noshirt，hadhisneckbare，hisbarearmstattooed，andhisfacesmearedwithblack。Hehadseatedhimselfinsilenceonthenearestbed，and，ashewasbehindJondrette，hecouldonlybeindistinctlyseen。
Thatsortofmagneticinstinctwhichturnsasidethegaze，causedM。LeblanctoturnroundalmostatthesamemomentasMarius。
HecouldnotrefrainfromagestureofsurprisewhichdidnotescapeJondrette。
\"Ah！Isee！\"exclaimedJondrette，buttoninguphiscoatwithanairofcomplaisance，\"youarelookingatyourovercoat？Itfitsme！
Myfaith，butitfitsme！\"
\"Whoisthatman？\"saidM。Leblanc。
\"Him？\"ejaculatedJondrette，\"he’saneighborofmine。Don’tpayanyattentiontohim。\"
Theneighborwasasingular—lookingindividual。However，manufactoriesofchemicalproductsaboundintheFaubourgSaint—Marceau。Manyoftheworkmenmighthaveblackfaces。Besidesthis，M。Leblanc’swholepersonwasexpressiveofcandidandintrepidconfidence。
Hewenton:——
\"Excuseme；whatwereyousaying，M。Fabantou？\"
\"Iwastellingyou，sir，anddearprotector，\"repliedJondretteplacinghiselbowsonthetableandcontemplatingM。Leblancwithsteadyandtendereyes，notunliketheeyesoftheboa—constrictor，\"Iwastellingyou，thatIhaveapicturetosell。\"
Aslightsoundcamefromthedoor。Asecondmanhadjustenteredandseatedhimselfonthebed，behindJondrette。
Likethefirst，hisarmswerebare，andhehadamaskofinkorlampblack。
Althoughthismanhad，literally，glidedintotheroom，hehadnotbeenabletopreventM。Leblanccatchingsightofhim。
\"Don’tmindthem，\"saidJondrette，\"theyarepeoplewhobelonginthehouse。SoIwassaying，thatthereremainsinmypossessionavaluablepicture。Butstop，sir，takealookatit。\"
Herose，wenttothewallatthefootofwhichstoodthepanelwhichwehavealreadymentioned，andturneditround，stillleavingitsupportedagainstthewall。Itreallywassomethingwhichresembledapicture，andwhichthecandleilluminated，somewhat。Mariuscouldmakenothingoutofit，asJondrettestoodbetweenthepictureandhim；
heonlysawacoarsedaub，andasortofprincipalpersonagecoloredwiththeharshcrudityofforeigncanvassesandscreenpaintings。
\"Whatisthat？\"askedM。Leblanc。
Jondretteexclaimed:——
\"Apaintingbyamaster，apictureofgreatvalue，mybenefactor！
IamasmuchattachedtoitasIamtomytwodaughters；itrecallssouvenirstome！ButIhavetoldyou，andIwillnottakeitback，thatIamsowretchedthatIwillpartwithit。\"
Eitherbychance，orbecausehehadbeguntofeeladawninguneasiness，M。Leblanc’sglancereturnedtothebottomoftheroomasheexaminedthepicture。
Therewerenowfourmen，threeseatedonthebed，onestandingnearthedoor—post，allfourwithbarearmsandmotionless，withfacessmearedwithblack。Oneofthoseonthebedwasleaningagainstthewall，withclosedeyes，anditmighthavebeensupposedthathewasasleep。
Hewasold；hiswhitehaircontrastingwithhisblackenedfaceproducedahorribleeffect。Theothertwoseemedtobeyoung；
oneworeabeard，theotherworehishairlong。Noneofthemhadonshoes；thosewhodidnotwearsockswerebarefooted。
JondrettenoticedthatM。Leblanc’seyewasfixedonthesemen。
\"Theyarefriends。Theyareneighbors，\"saidhe。\"Theirfacesareblackbecausetheyworkincharcoal。Theyarechimney—builders。
Don’ttroubleyourselfaboutthem，mybenefactor，butbuymypicture。
Havepityonmymisery。Iwillnotaskyoumuchforit。Howmuchdoyouthinkitisworth？\"
\"Well，\"saidM。Leblanc，lookingJondrettefullintheeye，andwiththemannerofamanwhoisonhisguard，\"itissomesignboardforatavern，andisworthaboutthreefrancs。\"
Jondretterepliedsweetly:——
\"Haveyouyourpocket—bookwithyou？Ishouldbesatisfiedwithathousandcrowns。\"
M。Leblancsprangup，placedhisbackagainstthewall，andcastarapidglancearoundtheroom。HehadJondretteonhisleft，onthesidenextthewindow，andtheJondrettewomanandthefourmenonhisright，onthesidenextthedoor。Thefourmendidnotstir，anddidnotevenseemtobelookingon。
Jondrettehadagainbeguntospeakinaplaintivetone，withsovagueaneye，andsolamentableanintonation，thatM。Leblancmighthavesupposedthatwhathehadbeforehimwasamanwhohadsimplygonemadwithmisery。
\"Ifyoudonotbuymypicture，mydearbenefactor，\"saidJondrette，\"Ishallbeleftwithoutresources；therewillbenothingleftformebuttothrowmyselfintotheriver。WhenIthinkthatI
wantedtohavemytwogirlstaughtthemiddle—classpaper—boxtrade，themakingofboxesforNewYear’sgifts！Well！Atablewithaboardattheendtokeeptheglassesfromfallingoffisrequired，thenaspecialstoveisneeded，apotwiththreecompartmentsforthedifferentdegreesofstrengthofthepaste，accordingasitistobeusedforwood，paper，orstuff，aparing—knifetocutthecardboard，amouldtoadjustit，ahammertonailthesteels，pincers，howthedevildoIknowwhatall？Andallthatinordertoearnfoursousaday！Andyouhavetoworkfourteenhoursaday！
Andeachboxpassesthroughtheworkwoman’shandsthirteentimes！
Andyoucan’twetthepaper！Andyoumustn’tspotanything！Andyoumustkeepthepastehot。Thedevil，Itellyou！Foursousaday！
Howdoyousupposeamanistolive？\"
Ashespoke，JondrettedidnotlookatM。Leblanc，whowasobservinghim。
M。Leblanc’seyewasfixedonJondrette，andJondrette’seyewasfixedonthedoor。Marius’eagerattentionwastransferredfromonetotheother。
M。Leblancseemedtobeaskinghimself:\"Isthismananidiot？\"
Jondretterepeatedtwoorthreedistincttimes，withallmannerofvaryinginflectionsofthewhiningandsupplicatingorder:
\"Thereisnothingleftformebuttothrowmyselfintotheriver！
IwentdownthreestepsatthesideofthebridgeofAusterlitztheotherdayforthatpurpose。\"
Allatoncehisdulleyeslightedupwithahideousflash；
thelittlemandrewhimselfupandbecameterrible，tookasteptowardM。Leblancandcriedinavoiceofthunder:\"Thathasnothingtodowiththequestion！Doyouknowme？\"
CHAPTERXX
THETRAP
Thedoorofthegarrethadjustopenedabruptly，andallowedaviewofthreemencladinbluelinenblouses，andmaskedwithmasksofblackpaper。Thefirstwasthin，andhadalong，iron—tippedcudgel；
thesecond，whowasasortofcolossus，carried，bythemiddleofthehandle，withthebladedownward，abutcher’spole—axeforslaughteringcattle。Thethird，amanwiththick—setshoulders，notsoslenderasthefirst，heldinhishandanenormouskeystolenfromthedoorofsomeprison。
ItappearedthatthearrivalofthesemenwaswhatJondrettehadbeenwaitingfor。Arapiddialogueensuedbetweenhimandthemanwiththecudgel，thethinone。
\"Iseverythingready？\"saidJondrette。
\"Yes，\"repliedthethinman。
\"WhereisMontparnasse？\"
\"Theyoungprincipalactorstoppedtochatwithyourgirl。\"
\"Which？\"
\"Theeldest。\"
\"Isthereacarriageatthedoor？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Istheteamharnessed？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Withtwogoodhorses？\"
\"Excellent。\"
\"IsitwaitingwhereIordered？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Good，\"saidJondrette。
M。Leblancwasverypale。Hewasscrutinizingeverythingaroundhimintheden，likeamanwhounderstandswhathehasfalleninto，andhishead，directedinturntowardalltheheadswhichsurroundedhim，movedonhisneckwithanastonishedandattentiveslowness，buttherewasnothinginhisairwhichresembledfear。Hehadimprovisedanintrenchmentoutofthetable；andtheman，whobutaninstantpreviously，hadbornemerelytheappearanceofakindlyoldman，hadsuddenlybecomeasortofathlete，andplacedhisrobustfistonthebackofhischair，withaformidableandsurprisinggesture。