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。