He easily persuaded them that the enemies of the Republic must be arrested immediately if they wished to prevent the greatest calamities.

The truth was that he feared Pierre might escape him in the midst of the confusion which the entry of the insurgents would produce.

However, the four big fellows followed him with exemplary docility, and knocked violently at the door of the Rougons' abode.

In this critical situation Felicite displayed admirable courage.

She went down and opened the street door herself.
"We want to go upstairs into your rooms," Macquart said to her brutally.
"Very well, gentlemen, walk up," she replied with ironical politeness, pretending that she did not recognise her brother-in-law.
Once upstairs, Macquart ordered her to fetch her husband.
"My husband is not here," she said with perfect calmness; "he is travelling on business.