'Uthman was in siege for forty days and during this time Talhah held the rein of affairs, and performed congregation prayer with the people.
at-Tabari History

Talhah 'A'ishah's cousin who was strongly supported by her, was gradually getting the control of the situation and increasing his power and influence until he seized the treasury of public funds and this helped to enhance his power.
On the other hand the siege of 'Uthman was becoming tighter and his power and influence rapidly diminishing and becoming more limited.(232)
When 'Uthman found the conditions extremely serious, and his position as caliph wholly unstable, and his life in great danger, he sent 'Abd Allah ibn al-Harith ibn Nufal a descendant of 'Abd al-Muttalib to Imam 'Ali with these lines (233)
"If lam to be eaten, eat me yourself; otherwise save me before they tear me to pieces."
At that time 'Ali was in Khaybar, not in Medina and the people had gathered round Talhah and received orders from him When 'Uthman's messenger arrived and delivered the written message, 'Ali returned to Medina and went straight to 'Uthman.
'Uthman said to him: "I have a right over you in several ways: Islam, brotherhood, family ties, and being the Prophet's son-in-law. Even if you disregard all these and we suppose ourselves to be living in pagan times, it would be a disgrace for the house of 'Abd Manaf to have its power and rule seized by a son of Taym tribe (Talhah)."
'Ali said: "You will soon see!" Saying this, he left 'Uthman's house and went to the Prophet's mosque, and placing his hand on Usamah's shoulder they proceeded together to Talhah's house. When they reached its entrance, the uproar and clamor of the people shook the house. 'Ali managed to reach Talhah and said to him: "Talhah! What is this turmoil that you have