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“Good morning, sir. We’re very sorry to disturb you. We have arrested a man on

suspicion. We found some silverware on him,” said the officer. Two policemen brought

in the man.

The bishop looked at the man and said, “Jean Val Jean! Why did they arrest you?” Jean
Val Jean said nothing. The inspector said, “He told us that you had given him all this

silverware. But we didn’t believe him.”

Then the bishop said, “This gentleman is my very good friend. He was my guest last night.

What he says is true. It was I who gave him all the silver plates and spoons.”

“Shall we let the man go then, sir?” asked the inspector. “Yes, of course. Leave him with me

and go back to your duties,” said the bishop.

As soon as the inspector left, Jean Val Jean fell at the bishop’s feet and begged for

forgiveness.

“Promise not to steal again, ever. You’ll get a good price if you sell all the silverware. Put
the money to use in an honest business. What do you say?” said the bishop.

“I’ll agree to do anything you say,” said Jean, with tears in his eyes. What did the bishop do
when the police returned
“Now start life anew. Lead an honest life and you’ll always be happy,” with Jean Val Jean?

said the bishop.

Six years later, Jean Val Jean became a wealthy factory owner and it is said that he went

on to become a very successful man in his town.

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