Plague rages through London, but Nick Knight and LaCroix are immune to its effects. The same cannot be said for Gerald Archer, a courageous doctor who insists on braving the danger in order to treat his patients. He defies a local preacher, who insists that they would not be ill had they not in some way offended God. Nick is struck by Dr. Archer's devotion to his profession, and suggests to LaCroix that he be brought over so that he be spared the risk of being infected by one of his patients. At the back of the crowd, Nick and LaCroix quietly and prudently slip away.