136 8 Les Miserables
‘That’s true, excuse me!’ ejaculated Thenardier, ‘you are
quite right.’
And turning to Bigrenaille:—
‘Untie the gentleman’s right arm.’
Panchaud, alias Printanier, alias Bigrenaille, executed
Thenardier’s order.
When the prisoner’s right arm was free, Thenardier
dipped the pen in the ink and presented it to him.
‘Understand thoroughly, sir, that you are in our power, at
our discretion, that no human power can get you out of this,
and that we shall be really grieved if we are forced to proceed
to disagreeable extremities. I know neither your name, nor
your address, but I warn you, that you will remain bound
until the person charged with carrying the letter which you
are about to write shall have returned. Now, be so good as
to write.’
‘What?’ demanded the prisoner.
‘I will dictate.’
M. Leblanc took the pen.
Thenardier began to dictate:—
‘My daughter—‘
The prisoner shuddered, and raised his eyes to Thenar-
dier.
‘Put down ‘My dear daughter’—‘ said Thenardier.
M. Leblanc obeyed.
Thenardier continued:—
‘Come instantly—‘
He paused:—
‘You address her as thou, do you not?’