Page 111 - les-miserables

the town-hall, and this was the reply that was sent to me.
Can you read?’
So saying, he held out to the stranger, fully unfolded, the
paper which had just travelled from the inn to the town-
hall, and from the town-hall to the inn. The man cast a
glance upon it. The landlord resumed after a pause.
‘I am in the habit of being polite to every one. Go away!’
The man dropped his head, picked up the knapsack
which he had deposited on the ground, and took his depar-
ture.
He chose the principal street. He walked straight on at
a venture, keeping close to the houses like a sad and hu-
miliated man. He did not turn round a single time. Had he
done so, he would have seen the host of the Cross of Colbas
standing on his threshold, surrounded by all the guests of
his inn, and all the passers-by in the street, talking viva-
ciously, and pointing him out with his finger; and, from the
glances of terror and distrust cast by the group, he might
have divined that his arrival would speedily become an
event for the whole town.
He saw nothing of all this. People who are crushed do
not look behind them. They know but too well the evil fate
which follows them.
Thus he proceeded for some time, walking on without
ceasing, traversing at random streets of which he knew
nothing, forgetful of his fatigue, as is often the case when
a man is sad. All at once he felt the pangs of hunger sharp-
ly. Night was drawing near. He glanced about him, to see
whether he could not discover some shelter.

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