When they came out Étienne was swearing. And he broke out before Chaval, who was returning from the wheatfields in company with Catherine, amusing himself while his father-in-law was absorbed in serious business.
"By God!" he exclaimed, "it's simply s*******r! Today it is the worker who is forced to devour the worker!"
Chaval was furious. He would never have lowered it, he wouldn't. And Zacharie, who had come out of curiosity, declared that it was disgusting. But Étienne with a violent gesture silenced them.
"It will end some day, we shall be the masters!"
Maheu, who had been mute since the auction, appeared to wake up. He repeated:
"Masters! Ah! bad luck! it can't be too soon!"
CHAPTER II
It was Montsou feast-day, the last Sunday in July. Since Saturday evening the good housekeeper
