While I am excoriating Javert as representing the genius of German officialdom, it is only fair that I should present his antithesis.

While he stood hesitating, a patrol of soldiers entered the street, with Javert at their head.

"Yes, it's Van Hee's signature all right," muttered Javert with a shrug of his shoulders, "only he is not the consul, but the vice- consul at Ghent and let us remember that he is of Belgian ancestrythat wouldn't incline him to deep friendship with us.