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It was three days before M. Madeleine fully regained his senses and another three before he could remember anything that had occurred around the time of the accident. Even then, certain events were unclear; he remembered leaving for Arras, but not much of what had happened after. He was frequently tired, and those around him noticed that he had become increasingly silent and withdrawn. He had difficulty walking, which seemed to disturb him most of all, as he was accustomed to taking long walks to clear his mind. He refused to use a cane, afraid it would become a permanent necessity. He gradually began to return to his duties as mayor. He did not see many visitors and no longer offered private consultations with his citizens. He had his mail processed by his clerk, who addressed all incoming letters in the priority he thought best. All mail that appeared to be of a personal nature was set aside.

Thus it happened that the letters from Cosette's keepers went unnoticed for some time. One afternoon, the mayor, feeling a bit more energetic than usual, told his clerk to bring his personal mail. He immediately noticed several letters of similar appearance with the same style of flowery, yet crude handwriting. He opened these letters at once. As he read each one, his horror increased, until he threw them all aside and called for his clerk.

He had him start a letter. "Write this: M. Thénardier – I advise you not to pursue this course of action which constitutes kidnapping and extortion. If you follow through on your threats, rest assured I will see charges pressed against you. Attached you will find records of all payments that have been delivered to you –"

He stopped. "No." he said quietly. "There isn't time for letters. I need to go get that child."

The clerk, who thought the mayor was speaking to him, added: "But M. le maire is in no condition for a journey!"

"That's true."

Madeleine thought for a moment. "I have let this go on for too long. Fantine is just holding on to see her child. If she had the girl with her, she might still recover. Anyway, Cosette must be brought quickly."

"Perhaps M. le maire could send a servant with the letter signed by Fantine."

He thought for a moment. "No. These are treacherous people. They are as likely to rob the servant as to hand over the child. I would have to send someone with authority, someone accustomed to dealing with such rogues. A man who is intimidating but trustworthy." He hesitated for a moment, deliberating.

At last, he sighed wearily, as if he disliked what he was about to say. "You will go at once to the police station and call on Inspector Javert. Tell him the story, and see to it that he leaves as soon as possible. "

"As you say." The clerk sounded almost reluctant.

"And tell him.. I must speak with him before he leaves."

***

Madeleine spent the next hour in deep thought. He reread the letters, which seemed to disturb him greatly. Later, he went to visit Fantine. He had only seen her once since he had left for Arras. While his presence used to delight her, now the sight of him only reminded her of the promise he had left unfulfilled. Since the accident, Madeleine had seemed unaware of the urgency of the situation. His memory told him only that he had paid the Thénardiers and instructed them to bring Cosette. So he had assured Fantine that her child was on the way. This is what he had told her three days ago.

She was awake when he entered the room. She was very pale, yet her eyes were strangely bright. She did not smile at him when he approached. She only said, "Cosette?"

"Soon." He answered.

Then he took her hand, kneeled, and began to pray. She watched him attentively. When he raised his head finally, she saw that there were tears in his eyes. His voice was hoarse when he spoke.

"I'm very sorry, Fantine."

He looked at her for a moment, then raised his eyes to the crucifix above her bed. He gazed at it for a long time.

Just then, heavy footsteps were heard approaching, followed by a sharp knock at the door.

"Enter."

The door opened, someone entered and stood patiently in the doorway. It took Madeleine a moment to awaken from his reverie. Finally, he stood up with some effort and turned to the visitor. It was his clerk.

"I must beg M. le maire's pardon."

"Yes?"

"There was some difficulty…with the assignment." The man hesitated as he glanced at Fantine.

Madeleine understood; he gestured for them to exit the room while excusing himself to Fantine.

"What is this about? Did he refuse then? I know it is a strange request, certainly not within his duty as a police officer; indeed, at this point it is really no more than a civil dispute. But besides myself, I can't think of anyone else who could handle the situation. And he is an honorable man, if a little odd. He would be able to ensure the girl's safety. So, what did he say?"

"Of course, M. le maire is right, but that is not what I meant."

"What is the problem then?"

"I went to the police station as instructed. But I did not find him there. It seems Monsieur Javert turned in his resignation yesterday. He has left the police."