Meantime his hunger was pressing.

He threatened to turn smuggler like his father, and perpetrate some crime which would dishonour his family.

At this the Rougons shrugged their shoulders; they knew he was too much of a coward to risk his neck.

At last, blindly enraged against his relatives in particular and society in general, Antoine made up his mind to seek some work.
In a tavern of the Faubourg he made the acquaintance of a basket-maker who worked at home.

He offered to help him.