The unified shouts of thousands of people converged into a wave of sound crashing towards Councilman Virgil.
Echoing off the towering City Administration Office building, the sound grew into a formidable force.
Virgil's feeble voice was like a mouse's squeak before a dragon's roar—completely inaudible.
In the face of such momentum, Virgil's composure as a councilman vanished. He wanted to make a stand before city officials and dignitaries, but now he seemed more like a helpless clown.
The "angry" crowd inched forward, with strong, burly men at the front.
The high bounties emboldened them to push against the sheriffs forming the human wall, advancing the protest line toward the Administration Building.
Virgil retreated up the steps, his view filled with a sea of heads, the sheriffs' line barely holding.
In his panic, Virgil tripped and fell. This immediately elicited laughter from the entire crowd.