Alone again, Marius plunges into a poignant reverie. He is disturbed by Jondrette's excited comments about M. Leblanc and his daughter. Hoping to obtain some vital information, he jumps back on his observation post. He learns that Jondrette has recognized in M. Leblanc an old acquaintance, although obviously not a friend since his wife greets the news with venomous rage. Jondrette, however, is pleased by the discovery since he thinks he will be able to extort vast amounts of money from this old man. He has evidently hatched a sinister plot, judging from the ominous instructions to make up a fire which he gives his wife. Then he leaves to further perfect his trap.
Marius quickly resolves to checkmate whatever mischief Jondrette is planning. After a brief hesitation, he quietly sets out for the police station. On the way, he overhears a conversation between two disreputable characters that confirms his suspicion that a net is closing around M. Leblanc. At the police station, he is met by an inspector of impressive height with a piercing gaze. The interrogation is incisive and to the point. After his briefing, the policeman requests Marius' passkey and tells him to return home immediately. He is to observe the execution of the plot and, when the trap is about to be sprung, to shoot in the air as a signal to the police. As Marius leaves, as an afterthought the inspector gives him his name: Javert.
