Page 780 - les-miserables

slope which grazed the linden-tree. A lucky circumstance,
for the wall was much higher on this side than on the street
side. Jean Valjean could only see the ground at a great depth
below him.
He had just reached the slope of the roof, and had not yet
left the crest of the wall, when a violent uproar announced
the arrival of the patrol. The thundering voice of Javert was
audible:—
‘Search the blind alley! The Rue Droit-Mur is guarded!
so is the Rue Petit-Picpus. I’ll answer for it that he is in the
blind alley.’
The soldiers rushed into the Genrot alley.
Jean Valjean allowed himself to slide down the roof, still
holding fast to Cosette, reached the linden-tree, and leaped
to the ground. Whether from terror or courage, Cosette had
not breathed a sound, though her hands were a little abrad-
ed.

780 Les Miserables