Page 765 - les-miserables

The bridge once crossed, he perceived some timber-
yards on his right. He directed his course thither. In order
to reach them, it was necessary to risk himself in a toler-
ably large unsheltered and illuminated space. He did not
hesitate. Those who were on his track had evidently lost the
scent, and Jean Valjean believed himself to be out of danger.
Hunted, yes; followed, no.
A little street, the Rue du Chemin-Vert-Saint-Antoine,
opened out between two timber-yards enclosed in walls.
This street was dark and narrow and seemed made express-
ly for him. Before entering it he cast a glance behind him.
From the point where he stood he could see the whole
extent of the Pont d’Austerlitz.
Four shadows were just entering on the bridge.
These shadows had their backs turned to the Jardin des
Plantes and were on their way to the right bank.
These four shadows were the four men.
Jean Valjean shuddered like the wild beast which is re-
captured.
One hope remained to him; it was, that the men had not,
perhaps, stepped on the bridge, and had not caught sight
of him while he was crossing the large illuminated space,
holding Cosette by the hand.
In that case, by plunging into the little street before
him, he might escape, if he could reach the timber-yards,
the marshes, the market-gardens, the uninhabited ground
which was not built upon.
It seemed to him that he might commit himself to that
silent little street. He entered it.

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