His hatred against the Rougons grew with his wretchedness.

He swore, with horrible threats, that he would wreak justice himself, since the rich were leagued together to compel him to toil.
In this state of mind, he welcomed the Coup d'Etat with the ardent, obstreperous delight of a hound scenting the quarry.

As the few honest Liberals in the town had failed to arrive at an understanding amongst themselves, and therefore kept apart, he became naturally one of the most prominent agents of the insurrection.

The working classes, notwithstanding the unfavourable opinion which they at last entertained of this lazy fellow, would, when the time arrived, have to accept him as a rallying flag.

On the first few days, however, the town remained quiet, and Macquart thought that his plans were frustrated.