Lot number 9672

The story of the novel takes place in Norway, in the province of Telemark. Here, the widow Hansen runs an inn with her daughter Hulda, while her son Joël works as a mountain guide. Hulda Hansen awaits the return of her fiancé Ole Kamp, who promised her a large fortune after a voyage aboard the Viking fishing boat. However, when Ole does not return and fears grow that the ship has been lost for good, a bottle is found with a message for Hulda. However, it' s not just any message - it' s a lottery ticket with the number 9672.

Ole set out on the voyage with the hope of becoming rich and thus being able to provide for his family. So what does the mysterious lottery mean? Is it supposed to bring great wealth to Huldah? And if so, will it be worth it for Ole to be dead? The publication of the unfortunate story of the engaged couple will bring great interest in the lottery, which, according to the public, must have a great chance of winning due to its fate. However, despite all the financial offers, Hulda does not intend to sell it, because for her it is not just a lottery ticket, but also a letter that brought with it the last message from her lover.

Verne masterfully weaves conflict, intrigue, and a strange chain of events around something as small as a piece of paper.