The Runaway Cart

[The crowd parts to reveal that the cart has crashed, trapping M. Fauchelevant.]

Voices yelling

Valjean:
Is there anyone here
Who will rescue the man?

Voices:
Don't go near him, Mr. Mayor
The load is heavy as hell
The old man's a goner for sure
It'll kill you as well.

[Valjean attempts to lift the cart. They manage to pull Fauchelevant clear.]

Fauchelevant:
M'sieur le Mayor,
You come from God, you are a saint.
Thank you, sir

[Javert takes Valjean aside.]

Javert:
Can this be true?
I don't believe what I see!
A man your age
To be as strong as you are...
A memory stirs..
You make me think of a man
From years ago
A man who broke his parole
He disappeared...
Forgive me, Sir,
I would not dare!

Valjean:
Say what you must, don't leave it there.

Javert:
I have only known one other
Who can do what you have done
He's a convict from the chain gang
He's been ten years on the run
But he couldn't run forever
We have found his hideaway
And he's just been re-arrested
And he comes to court today.
Of course he now denies it...
You'd expect this of a con
But he couldn't run forever,
No, not even Jean Valjean!

Valjean:
You say this man denies it all
And gives no sign of understanding or repentance?
You say this man is going to trial
And that's he's sure to be returned
To serve his sentence?
Come to that, can you be sure,
That I am not your man?

Javert:
I have known the thief for ages
Tracked him down through thick and thin
And to make the matter certain
There's the brand upon his skin
He will bend, he will break
This time there is no mistake.

[Javert leaves, Valjean is alone.]