It would therefore be more honourable to make an effort to regain power without awaiting their return, so as to be able to receive them as brothers, with the gates wide open, and the streets and squares adorned with flags.

Moreover, none of those present distrusted Macquart.
His hatred of the Rougons, the personal vengeance of which he spoke, could be taken as guaranteeing his loyalty.

It was arranged that each of them who was a sportsman and had a gun at home should fetch it, and that the band should assemble at midnight in the neighbourhood of the town-hall.

A question of detail very nearly put an end to their plans--they had no bullets; however, they decided to load their weapons with small shot: and even that seemed unnecessary, as they were told that they would meet with no resistance.
Once more Plassans beheld a band of armed men filing along close to the houses, in the quiet moonlight.

When the band was assembled in front of the town-hall, Macquart, while keeping a sharp look-out, boldly advanced to the building.