Jean Valjean opened his eyes, and looked at the Bishop with an expression which no human language could render. "Monseigneur," the corporal said; "what this man told us was true then? We met him, and as he looked as if he were running away, we arrested him. He had this plate--" "And he told you," the Bishop interrupted, with a smile, "that it was given to him by an old priest at whose house he passed the night? I see it all. And you brought him back here? That is a mistake." "In that case," the corporal continued, "we can let him go?" "Of course," the Bishop answered. The gendarmes loosed their hold of Jean Valjean, who tottered back. "Is it true that I am at liberty?" he said, in an almost inarticulate voice, and as if speaking in his sleep. "Yes, you are let go; don't you understand?" said a gendarme. "My friend," the Bishop continued, "before you go take your candlesticks." He went to the mantel-piece, fetched the two candlesticks, and handed them to Jean Valjean. The two females watched him do so without a word, without a sign, without a look that could disturb the Bishop. Jean Valjean was trembling in all his limbs; he took the candlesticks mechanically, and with wandering looks. "Now," said the Bishop, "go in peace. By the bye, when you return, my friend, it is unnecessary to pass through the garden, for you can always enter, day and night, by the front door, which is only latched." Then, turning to the gendarmes, he said,-- "Gentlemen, you can retire." They did so. Jean Valjean looked as if he were on the point of fainting; the Bishop walked up to him, and said in a low voice,-- "Never forget that you have promised me to employ this money in becoming an honest man." Jean Valjean, who had no recollection of having promised anything, stood silent. The Bishop, who had laid a stress on these words, continued solemnly,-- "Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. I have bought your soul of you. I withdraw it from black thoughts and the spirit of perdition, and give it to God." CHAPTER XIII. LITTLE GERVAIS.