neath Javert''s grasp, like a lion submitting to the claws of a lynx.
"Inspector Javert," said he, "you have me in your power.
Moreover, I have regarded myself as your prisoner ever since this morning. I did not give you my address with any intention of escaping from you. Take me.
Only grant me one favor."
Javert did not appear to hear him.
He kept his eyes riveted on Jean Valjean.
His chin being contracted, thrust his lips upwards towards his nose, a sign of savage revery.
At length he released Jean Valjean, straightened himself stiffly up without bending, grasped his bludgeon again firmly, and, as though in a dream, he murmured rather than uttered this question:
"What are you doing here?
And who is this man?"
He still abstained from addressing Jean Valjean as thou.
Jean Valjean replied, and the sound of his voice appeared to rouse Javert:
"It is with regard to him that I desire to speak to you. Dispose of me as you see fit; but first help me to carry him home. That is all that I ask of you."
Javert''s face contracted as was always the case when any one seemed to think him capable of making a concession.
Nevertheless, he did not say "no."
Again he bent over, drew from his pocket a handkerchief which he moistened in the water and with which he then wiped Marius'' blood-stained brow.