cannot_hold

(Javert makes what should be a routine arrest after witnessing a prostitute's assault on a gentleman. However, Monsieur le maire Madeleine, whom Javert has long suspected of not being what he seems, is moved by the woman's story of the daughter whose well-being relies on her income, and interferes to release her. Javert, stunned by this abortion of proper justice, finds himself forced to speak against a figure of authority for the first time in his life.

Excerpt [heavily edited to keep this post to a reasonable length] courtesy of Julie Rose's translation of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.)



. . . and he was heard to say something unprecedented: "Monsieur le maire, that can't be done."

"Inspector Javert, the highest form of justice is one's conscience. I've heard the woman out. I know what I'm doing."

"And I, monsieur le maire, don't know what I am seeing."

"Listen to me carefully. She will not do a single day."

At those decisive words, Javert risked a glare at the mayor and said to him, though in a tone that was still scrupulously respectful, "It causes me despair to go against Monsieur le maire; this is the first time in my life, but he will deign to permit me to observe that I am within the bounds of my responsibilities. I will confine myself, since Monsieur le maire wishes it, to the case of the citizen in question. I was there. This girl threw herself at Monsieur Bamatabois, who is a voter. Monsieur le maire, this matter is a case for the street patrol and so it concerns me, and I am holding this woman, Fantine."

At these words, Monsieur Madeleine folded his arms and said in a harsh voice that no one in the town had ever yet heard, "The case you are talking about is a matter for the municipal police. By the terms of articles nine, fifteen, and sixty-six by the code of criminal law, I am the judge of it. I order this woman to be set free."

Javert struggled to make one last stand.

"But, Monsieur le maire -"

"Let me refer you to article eighty-one of the law of December 13, 1799, on arbitrary detention."

"Monsieur le maire, allow -"

"Not another word."

"But -"

"Get out," said Monsieur Madeleine.

Javert took the blow standing, full on and bang in the chest like a Russian soldier. He bowed practically to the ground to Monsieur le maire and left.