Moss is a salesman. You name it and he has sold it. As the yellow fever descends on the Crescent City, Moss sells mercury to physicians who are looking to prescribe a cure. However, he does not realize his shipment is tainted, and soon there is a warrant for his arrest. He goes into hiding.

"As cool weather set in and the epidemic subsided, the business season opened gradually, then very rapidly moved into full swing. New Orleans filled up with thousands of newcomers as well as the returning summer absentees, and the gaiety of social life along with serious business activity dispelled the gloom of the previous months. The previously desolate city was transformed almost overnight into a gay, lively, dynamic scene of feverish activity, and every memory of the painful scenes of the summer and early fall months was relentlessly shoved into the background.”
- Diary of a Samaritan