Javert's intervention

(Javert and his constables break up the fight. Valjean picks himself up and looks for Cosette, who is with Marius)

JAVERT

Another brawl in the square

Another stink in the air!

Was there a witness to this?

(Marius steps forward)

Well, let him speak to Javert!

M'sieur, the streets are not safe,

But let these vermin beware

We'll see that justice is done!

Look upon this fine collection

Crawled from underneath a stone

This swarm of worms and maggots

Could have picked you to the bone!

I know this man over here

I know his name and his trade

And on your witness, M'sieur,

We'll see him suitably paid.

(Valjean and Cosette have disappeared)

But where's the gentleman gone?

And why on earth did he run?

(Marius runs off to find Cosette)

THENARDIER

You will have a job to catch him

He's the one you should arrest

No more bourgeois when you scratch him

Than that brand upon his chest!

(The constables search for Valjean)

JAVERT

Could it be he's some old jailbird

That the tide now washes in

Heard my name and started running

Had the brand upon his skin

And the girl who stood beside him

When I turned they both had gone

Could he be the man I've hunted?

Could it be he's Jean Valjean?

THENARDIER

In the absence of a victim,

Dear Inspector, may I go?

And remember when you've nicked him,

It was me who told you so!

JAVERT

Let the old man keep on running

I will run him off his feet!

Everyone about your business!

Clear this garbage off the street!