The runaway cart

(The crowd parts to reveal that the cart has crashed, trapping Monsieur Fauchelevant)

VOICES
Look at that!
Look at that!
It's Monsieur Fauchelevant!
Don't approach! Don't go near!
At the risk of your life!
He is caught by the wheel!
Oh, the pitiful man!
Stay away, Turn away!
There is nothing to do!
There is nothing to do!

VALJEAN
Is there anyone here
Who will rescue the man?
Who will help me to shoulder
The weight of the cart?

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... but fails. He tries again. They manage to pull Fauchelevant clear)

FAUCHELEVANT
M'sieur le Mayor, I have no words
You come from God, you are a saint.

(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 mem'ry 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.
Well, of course he now denies it
You'd expect that 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)