"I see not why," said Offley. "But we must hasten, or the health committee will be gone."
In a few minutes they were at the State House. Daniel led him through the hall and up-stairs. In the council-room of Penn was seated a group of notable men.
"Here," said Offley in his great voice, "is a young man of a will to help us."
Girard rose. "This, gentlemen, is my countryman, the Vicomte de Courval."
Matthew Clarkson, the mayor, made him welcome.
"Sit down," he said. "We shall presently be free to direct you."
De Courval took the offered seat and looked with interest at the men before him.
There were Carey, the future historian of the plague; Samuel Wetherill, the Free Quaker; Henry de Forrest, whom he had met; Thomas Savory; Thomas Wistar; Thomas Scattergood; Jonathan Seargeant; and others. Most of them, being Friends, sat wearing their white beaver hats. Tranquil and fearless, they were quietly disposing of a task from which some of the overseers of the poor had fled. Six of those present were very soon to join the four thousand who died before November. When the meeting was over Girard said to De Courval: "Peter Helm and I are to take charge of the hospital on Bush Hill. Are you willing to help us? It is perilous; I ought to tell you that."
"Yes, I will go," said René; "I have now time, and I want to be of some use."