Young Marius Pontmercy was returning to his Grandfather's house one afternoon-running late because he had to make a stop on his way home after school- it was his Grandfather's birthday, and he had been saving his money for a while to buy a present for him when his birthday came. He had purchased a silver pocket watch, the one he decided his Grandpa would like the most. He knew he was going to be in trouble for being home late, but Little Marius figured when his Grandpa saw the present, he would forget being mad. He would be so happy—so proud of Marius for saving his money to buy this for him. As he walked into the house, making sure to remove his boots before he did, he walked into the living room and looked around. "Grandpa?" "Grandfather, are you here? I've brought something for you." Marius heard grumbling coming from down the hallway. "You're late Marius. Why weren't you home a half-hour ago?" Marius stood up straighter at the sight of his Grandfather as the man entered the living room and smiled brightly. "Grandpa! I know I'm late, forgive me. But I had to stop and do something before I returned home!" he held out the cloth case that held the watch. He watched expectantly as his Grandpa hesitantly opened it and dropped the watch into his hand. Marius observed as his Grandfather studied it, seeing that it was in fact, real silver. Marius' smile went away at the words he heard. "You stole this" his Grandfather accused, his voice hushed. "You stole this you little—" "I didn't!" Marius cut him off. "I didn't steal it Grandpa! I've saved my money for it. For your birthday present." Marius dropped his head as soon as his Grandfather looked at him. He knew he wasn't supposed to raise his voice. Not in the house, especially not at his Grandpa. The 11-year-old closed his eyes tightly and his little body tensed up as he waited for the blow he was bound to receive for talking back. He felt a sharp pain in the side of his neck- the back of his Grandfather's hand- and stumbled back, looking at the ground. "I'm sorry" he whispered, trying not to cry. The little boy had been so proud, so sure his Grandpa would be happy with him.. He watched as his Grandpa stood up. "Come Marius, we're going to town, I have to show you something." Marius kept his eyes down. "Yes sir"

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Marius walked into town behind his Grandfather, looking around, unsure of where they were headed, keeping quiet as he could. He followed, confused, as his Grandfather walked towards the prison. Marius had never been in there, he only knew that was where they kept bad people locked away. That's what his Grandpa had taught him. Marius' Grandfather turned to him as they reached the enterance. "Stay here, I'm going to talk to somebody. If you move from here before I get back, you'll be in more trouble. Marius sighed quietly as his Grandfather walked in. 'More trouble.' So he was still in trouble then. He looked around and saw a post with two ropes hanging from the top and studied it for a minute, not sure what it was for. Maybe it's a sort of game? His thoughts were interrupted as his Grandfather returned from inside the building and started to walk over to the post Marius had been looking at. Marius followed him slowly, not sure whether to speak or not. "Grandpa?" he whispered. His Grandfather took him by the wrist and raised it in the air, forcing Marius onto his tip-toes to be tall enough, as he tied the boy's right wrist with the rope, then doing the same to his left wrist with the second rope. Marius only stood, allowing his Grandfather to bound him, watching him as he did. "This is what happens when you steal, when you're a thief." His Grandfather scolded him coldly, while roughly finishing the tight knot around Marius' tiny wrist. After he was through, Marius watched as his Grandfather started walking back down the road, the way they had come from. He whined softly. "Grandpa?" he tried calling, but his Grandfather didn't turn his head, his step did not falter. He kept walking. Marius looked around, people were passing by, not seeming to notice the small boy. He didn't make any noise, no attempt to ask for help, because he knew his Grandpa would be back, he would be back soon…

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Exactly two hours and twelve minutes later, Marius stood in the same position, on his toes, his hands above him and his chest pressed to the post, it was starting to snow, and it was beginning to get dark. Marius was sure his Grandpa would be back any time. He bowed his head and said a quiet prayer in his head. God, I know I did a bad thing to talk back to my Grandpa, and I know he thinks that I stole the watch, so he's only trying to teach me to behave myself. But please, if I could be done now, It's getting cold, and I want to go back home. Can you please help me God? Thank you, Amen. He opened his eyes and pressed his forehead to the post, not trying to stop his tears anymore. He blinked as tears started to fall down his cheeks. Marius sniffled and looked up as he heard footsteps coming towards him. It was a man, not his Grandpa, but at least somebody was coming towards him now. Inspector Javert had, in fact, been coming in for his shift that night when he saw the lad, tied up and pathetic as he was, and started to make his way over there. Marius watched the man carefully as the Inspector walked over to him and started to untie the knots, being as careful not to hurt the boy as he could. "Who did this to you?" The man asked as he finished untying Marius' left hand and started on his right. Marius wasn't sure what to say. He didn't want to get his Grandpa in trouble, but he knew he shouldn't lie. "My Grandfather brought me here, Monsieur." He answered quietly. Javert finished untying the second knot from the boy's right wrist and caught him quickly as he stumbled back from the sudden freedom. "And your grandpa left you here?" He asked, picking the boy up. Marius only managed a nod, for the little boy was still in tears, overwhelmed. He clung to the man that had rescued him, desperate for comfort and warmth, resting his chin on Javert's shoulder. Javert held Marius close to him, and started to go inside to the station, determined to find out why this happened. As Marius was being carried inside, he saw two policemen outside, talking with his Grandfather. He figured he was probably about to be in trouble again, but somehow he knew he was safe for the moment, safe in his rescuer's arms.