Page 1382 - les-miserables

side the window, and solidly fastened to the sill by the two
iron hooks.
The prisoner paid no attention to what was going on
around him. He seemed to be dreaming or praying.
As soon as the ladder was arranged, Thenardier cried:
‘Come! the bourgeoise first!’
And he rushed headlong to the window.
But just as he was about to throw his leg over, Bigrenaille
seized him roughly by the collar.
‘Not much, come now, you old dog, after us!’
‘After us!’ yelled the ruffians.
‘You are children,’ said Thenardier, ‘we are losing time.
The police are on our heels.’
‘Well,’ said the ruffians, ‘let’s draw lots to see who shall
go down first.’
Thenardier exclaimed:—
‘Are you mad! Are you crazy! What a pack of boobies!
You want to waste time, do you? Draw lots, do you? By a
wet finger, by a short straw! With written names! Thrown
into a hat!—‘
‘Would you like my hat?’ cried a voice on the threshold.
All wheeled round. It was Javert.
He had his hat in his hand, and was holding it out to
them with a smile.

1382 Les Miserables