Page 340 - les-miserables

look on the mayor and to say, but in a tone of voice that was
still profoundly respectful:—
‘I am sorry to oppose Monsieur le Maire; it is for the first
time in my life, but he will permit me to remark that I am
within the bounds of my authority. I confine myself, since
Monsieur le Maire desires it, to the question of the gentle-
man. I was present. This woman flung herself on Monsieur
Bamatabnois, who is an elector and the proprietor of that
handsome house with a balcony, which forms the corner of
the esplanade, three stories high and entirely of cut stone.
Such things as there are in the world! In any case, Mon-
sieur le Maire, this is a question of police regulations in the
streets, and concerns me, and I shall detain this woman
Fantine.’
Then M. Madeleine folded his arms, and said in a severe
voice which no one in the town had heard hitherto:—
‘The matter to which you refer is one connected with the
municipal police. According to the terms of articles nine,
eleven, fifteen, and sixty-six of the code of criminal exami-
nation, I am the judge. I order that this woman shall be set
at liberty.’
Javert ventured to make a final effort.
‘But, Mr. Mayor—‘
‘I refer you to article eighty-one of the law of the 13th of
December, 1799, in regard to arbitrary detention.’
‘Monsieur le Maire, permit me—‘
‘Not another word.’
‘But—‘
‘Leave the room,’ said M. Madeleine.

340 Les Miserables