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CHAPTER XIX
JEAN VALJEAN TAKES
HIS REVENGE
When Jean Valjean was left alone with Javert, he untied
the rope which fastened the prisoner across the middle of
the body, and the knot of which was under the table. After
this he made him a sign to rise.
Javert obeyed with that indefinable smile in which the
supremacy of enchained authority is condensed.
Jean Valjean took Javert by the martingale, as one would
take a beast of burden by the breast-band, and, dragging
the latter after him, emerged from the wine-shop slowly, be-
cause Javert, with his impeded limbs, could take only very
short steps.
Jean Valjean had the pistol in his hand.
In this manner they crossed the inner trapezium of the
barricade. The insurgents, all intent on the attack, which
was imminent, had their backs turned to these two.
Marius alone, stationed on one side, at the extreme left
of the barricade, saw them pass. This group of victim and
executioner was illuminated by the sepulchral light which
2070 Les Miserables
