“Well?” interposed M. Madeleine.

Javert replied, his face incorruptible, and as melancholy as ever:⁠—

“ Mr. Mayor, the truth is the truth. I am sorry; but that man is Jean Valjean. I recognized him also.”

M. Madeleine resumed in, a very low voice:⁠—

“You are sure?”

Javert began to laugh, with that mournful laugh which comes from profound conviction.

“O! Sure!”