After the dramatic confrontation between the gendarmes and the miners, the latter are divided. Some, believing they have nothing more to lose, are of the opinion to go even further in violence and to take revenge by killing Bressan. Others, like Etienne, plead for the measure, while waiting to have instructions from Pluchart, representative of the Workers' International. Souvarine is ready to do anything to prevent a return to work.
—Canon y mus