Javert blinks once more. It takes a moment for these words to sink in, and then another one or two for their meaning to become clear.
...except no, they do not become clear. He turns them around a few times, frowning a little, and then shakes his head. Thor must not have clear recall of the start of the tale, and have forgotten by the time he reached the end.
'No, monsieur. I did not turn the quarrel to blows. I informed him of my intent, and he had the option to dismount, as I said. If you recall, I asked it of him five times, and he refused. The alternative being clear, I removed him by unsaddling the horse. I did not strike him. I reclaimed the property I am responsible for, that had been taken without permission. If I may add, it was also not being relinquished. What would you have me do, monsieur? What would you have done? Allowed the man to ride free, on a beast that needed rest?'
He chuckles - the noise only a little tight - because no man would do that.
'Sir Harry believes me without honour, but it is not the truth. If the stallion had been hurt due to his foolishness, I would have had to explain to his owner. What man with responsibility gives it up because a thieving fool decides to help himself to another's property? It would not have been good of me to walk from that, I should have been ashamed of myself. I do admit to being angry - who would not be? - but I did not strike him, and refused all invitations to do so thereafter. I caused him no injury.'
no subject
...except no, they do not become clear. He turns them around a few times, frowning a little, and then shakes his head. Thor must not have clear recall of the start of the tale, and have forgotten by the time he reached the end.
'No, monsieur. I did not turn the quarrel to blows. I informed him of my intent, and he had the option to dismount, as I said. If you recall, I asked it of him five times, and he refused. The alternative being clear, I removed him by unsaddling the horse. I did not strike him. I reclaimed the property I am responsible for, that had been taken without permission. If I may add, it was also not being relinquished. What would you have me do, monsieur? What would you have done? Allowed the man to ride free, on a beast that needed rest?'
He chuckles - the noise only a little tight - because no man would do that.
'Sir Harry believes me without honour, but it is not the truth. If the stallion had been hurt due to his foolishness, I would have had to explain to his owner. What man with responsibility gives it up because a thieving fool decides to help himself to another's property? It would not have been good of me to walk from that, I should have been ashamed of myself. I do admit to being angry - who would not be? - but I did not strike him, and refused all invitations to do so thereafter. I caused him no injury.'
There. All clear.