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Updated: June 17, 2025
Granoux, as a rule, did not lie; but, on a day of battle, it is surely allowable to view things dramatically. "I tell you the man tried to murder you," he repeated, with conviction. "Ah," said Rougon in a faint voice, "that's how it is I heard the bullet whiz past my ear!" At this, violent emotion came upon the audience. Everybody gazed at the hero with respectful awe.
But Monsieur Granoux wouldn't listen to reason. He climbed up, and I've no idea what he can be making that noise with." Thereupon Rougon hastily ascended the staircase which led to the bells, shouting: "That will do! That will do! For goodness' sake leave off!"
The group led by Granoux and Roudier already demanded that the President should order all republican rascals to be shot; while the marquis, leaning against the mantelpiece, gazed meditatively at a faded rose on the carpet. When he at last lifted his head, Pierre, who had furtively watched his countenance as if to see the effect of his words, suddenly ceased speaking.
An hour afterwards, Plassans was speaking of Rougon as of a hero; the most cowardly called him "an old fool." Towards evening, Rougon was much surprised to see Granoux hasten to him. The old almond-dealer threw himself in his arms, calling him "great man," and declaring that he would die with him.
When he discovered from the gossip of the town that his brother shook hands with Granoux and the marquis, he asked himself, with considerable anxiety, what was the meaning of it? Could he himself have been deceived? Had the Legitimists or the Orleanists really any chance of success? The thought terrified him.
Then Felicite bent towards the marquis's ear, and whispered with discreet gaiety: "Upon my word, it is best that devil of a commander should go and get himself arrested. He's far too zealous." However, Rougon brought Granoux back to the drawing-room. Roudier, who had quietly followed the scene from his corner, making signs in support of the proposed measures of prudence, got up and joined them.
Every one rushed upon him, tried to shake hands, poured forth praises and compliments, and eagerly questioned him. But he, already putting on official dignity, begged for a few minutes' delay in order that he might confer with Messieurs Granoux and Roudier. Business before everything. The town was in such a critical situation!
These retired tradesmen, oil dealers, and wholesale hatters, felt as if they were in a sort of fairyland. Never had they experienced such thrilling excitement before. They could not get over their surprise at discovering such heroes as Rougon, Granoux, and Roudier in their midst.
He made Granoux repeat to him how he had seen the mayor and the others surrounded by the "brigands." "I saw it all!" the poor man wailed. "I was standing behind the blind. They had just seized Monsieur Peirotte, and I heard him saying as he passed under my window: 'Gentlemen, don't hurt me! They were certainly maltreating him. It's abominable, abominable."
Granoux walked straight up to Rougon, through two lines of visitors, and held out his hand to him. "My friend," he said, "I bring you the homage of the Municipal Council. They call you to their head, until our mayor shall be restored to us. You have saved Plassans. In the terrible crisis through which we are passing we want men who, like yourself, unite intelligence with courage. Come "
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