Les Misérables, Book 3: Mud, but the Soul, Chapter 2 summary
Book 3: Mud, but the Soul, Chapter 2 of 365 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Jean Valjean narrowly escapes a police patrol searching the sewers for defeated insurgents, remaining motionless while its members debate the sound of his footsteps. Their decision to stay together and turn toward Saint-Merry leaves him undetected, although the sergeant fires a shot that strikes above his head.
What happens
- Authorities order a sewer search on June sixth, coordinating police underground with the army above.
- The right-bank patrol hears Jean Valjean’s footsteps after searching passages beneath Rue du Cadran.
- Jean Valjean presses against the wall and stops, leaving the patrol unable to hear or see him.
- The patrol dismisses the sound and chooses the route toward Saint-Merry rather than splitting up.
- The sergeant fires toward Jean Valjean, striking the arch above him, before the patrol disappears.
- Jean Valjean remains motionless against the wall long after the light and footsteps fade.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Les Misérables, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this chapter
Quick check
Why does the patrol leave Jean Valjean undetected?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Les Misérables, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
