340 Les Miserables
look on the mayor and to say, but in a tone of voice that was
still profoundly respectful:—
‘I am sorry to oppose Monsieur le Maire; it is for the first
time in my life, but he will permit me to remark that I am
within the bounds of my authority. I confine myself, since
Monsieur le Maire desires it, to the question of the gentle-
man. I was present. This woman flung herself on Monsieur
Bamatabnois, who is an elector and the proprietor of that
handsome house with a balcony, which forms the corner of
the esplanade, three stories high and entirely of cut stone.
Such things as there are in the world! In any case, Mon-
sieur le Maire, this is a question of police regulations in the
streets, and concerns me, and I shall detain this woman
Fa nt ine.’
Then M. Madeleine folded his arms, and said in a severe
voice which no one in the town had heard hitherto:—
‘The matter to which you refer is one connected with the
municipal police. According to the terms of articles nine,
eleven, fifteen, and sixty-six of the code of criminal exami-
nation, I am the judge. I order that this woman shall be set
at liberty.’
Javert ventured to make a final effort.
‘But, Mr. Mayor—‘
‘I refer you to article eighty-one of the law of the 13th of
December, 1799, in regard to arbitrary detention.’
‘Monsieur le Maire, permit me—‘
‘Not another word.’
‘But—‘
‘Leave the room,’ said M. Madeleine.