All the others became silent on perceiving him; they felt that something extraordinary was about to take place.

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--" At this point Granoux, who was reciting a little speech which he had taken great trouble to prepare on his way from the Town Hall to the Rue de la Banne felt his memory fail him.

But Rougon, overwhelmed with emotion, broke in, shaking his hand and repeating: "Thank you, my dear Granoux; I thank you very much." He could find nothing else to say.

However, a loud burst of voices followed.