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Ticket No. 9672 · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for Ticket No. 9672 by Jules Verne.

  1. Chapter 1

    I

    On a stormy evening in April, Hulda Hansen and her mother, Dame Hansen, prepare to retire at their inn in Dal. Hulda anxiously awaits news from her betrothed, Ole Kamp, who is fishing off Newfoundland. A skydskarl arrives with a letter from Ole, delivered by her brother Joel. Hulda reads Ole's letter, which announces his imminent return in May, his successful fishing venture, and hints at a secret that will bring them wealth and happiness.

  2. Chapter 2

    II

    This chapter provides a detailed description of the hamlet of Dal in the Telemark region of Norway, focusing on the inn run by Dame Hansen. It contrasts the inn's well-stocked larder and comfortable accommodations with the poor fare typical of the 'Buttermilk Country.' The narrative also describes the landscape, architecture, and local customs, emphasizing the beauty and uniqueness of the Telemark before the advent of railroads.

  3. Chapter 3

    III

    This chapter introduces the Hansen family of Dal, focusing on Joel and Hulda, the children of the widowed Dame Hansen. Joel is a strong, skilled mountain guide and hunter, deeply devoted to his sister and his cousin Ole Kamp, whose departure for Newfoundland he regrets. Hulda is a charming and graceful young woman, the betrothed of Ole, who helps run the family inn. The chapter also describes the family's noble ancestry, the reserved and self-reliant nature of Dame Hansen, and the financial struggles of their farm due to poor seasons.

  4. Chapter 4

    IV

    Ole Kamp and Hulda Hansen decide to marry before Ole's final voyage. They are formally betrothed in a ceremony officiated by Pastor Andersen. Ole promises to leave the sea and join Joel's business. After Ole departs for Newfoundland, a stranger delivers a message from Monsieur Sandgoist, causing Dame Hansen great anxiety.

  5. Chapter 5

    V

    Hulda and Joel discuss Ole's persistent hints about a fortune he expects upon his return. Hulda insists she is content with Ole's love alone, but admits to troubling presentiments. Joel tries to reassure her and begins planning a grand wedding for May 25. Dame Hansen appears despondent after her encounter with a stranger. The chapter details the preparations for the wedding, including the traditional Norwegian attire and the involvement of Siegfrid Helmboe. As the days pass without word from Ole, Hulda's anxiety grows, and Joel departs on a guiding job, leaving her alone when a stranger arrives at the inn.

  6. Chapter 6

    VI

    A mysterious and ill-tempered traveler arrives at Dame Hansen's inn in Dal, demanding the best room and food. He behaves rudely, inspects the property meticulously, and refuses to give his name until he finally signs the register as 'Sandgoist, from Drammen.' Dame Hansen and Hulda feel uneasy about his presence, and when he tries to pay, Dame Hansen tears up the bill after reading his name, indicating a prior connection.

  7. Chapter 7

    VII

    Hulda meets Joel at the ferry and confides in him about Sandgoist's mysterious visit and their mother's strange behavior. Joel comforts her about Ole's delay and proposes to investigate Sandgoist. He also invites Hulda to accompany him on a guiding trip the next day.

  8. Chapter 8

    VIII

    Joel and Hulda Hansen journey from Dal to the Rjukanfos waterfall to meet an expected tourist. After a scenic but rugged drive, they abandon their karjol and hike to the falls, where they discover a traveler in a perilous position on the cliff edge. With remarkable courage and skill, Hulda descends the Maristien to grasp the stranger's hand while Joel climbs from below, and together they rescue the injured man. The traveler reveals he is the tourist they were expecting, and they escort him to a nearby hut.

  9. Chapter 9

    IX

    Sylvius Hogg, a respected Norwegian professor and deputy of the Storthing, arrives at Dal after a near-fatal accident at the Rjukanfos, where he was rescued by Joel and Hulda Hansen. The chapter contrasts his generous, patriotic character with the miserly Sandgoist, and explores Norway's social equality and political independence from Sweden.

  10. Chapter 10

    Chapter X

    Sylvius Hogg, recovering from his injury at Dame Hansen's inn, becomes increasingly aware of the anxiety and secret sorrow of Joel and Hulda, who await news of Ole Kamp. He announces his impending departure, and Joel reveals that Hulda is betrothed to Ole, whose return is overdue. The chapter also highlights the intelligence and civic engagement of the Norwegian peasantry, and Sylvius Hogg's growing bond with the family.

  11. Chapter 11

    XI

    Sylvius Hogg learns the full story of Ole Kamp's disappearance and attempts to console Hulda and Joel with reasoned hope. He writes to Help Bros. for information about the Viking, extends his stay at Dal, and promises to attend Hulda's wedding. As days pass without news, the family's anxiety deepens until a karjol is heard approaching on the stormy evening of June 17.

  12. Chapter 12

    XII

    The lottery ticket No. 9672, rescued from the sea, becomes a worldwide sensation, with offers pouring in from across Europe and America. Hulda refuses all offers, seeing the ticket as Ole's last farewell, not a financial asset. Sylvius Hogg and Joel support her decision, though Dame Hansen disapproves. Sylvius Hogg receives authorization to organize a search for the missing Viking and departs, keeping his mission secret.

  13. Chapter 13

    XIII

    Sylvius Hogg travels to Bergen to organize a search for Ole Kamp and the missing Viking. He consults with Help, Junior, and convenes a meeting of experienced seamen to analyze the clues from the bottle cast into the sea. Despite vague information, Hogg is determined to find Ole, driven by his debt of gratitude to Hulda and Joel.

  14. Chapter 14

    XIV

    After Sylvius Hogg leaves Bergen, the inn falls into despair. Dame Hansen grows secretive and anxious, urging Hulda to sell the lottery ticket. Offers pour in from around the world, but Hulda refuses all. Sandgoist arrives and reveals that Dame Hansen is deeply in debt, holding a mortgage on the Dal property. He demands the ticket in exchange for extending or canceling the mortgage. Under pressure from her mother, Hulda surrenders the ticket to save the family, and Joel forcibly ejects Sandgoist from the inn.

  15. Chapter 15

    XV

    Sylvius Hogg confronts Dame Hansen about surrendering Ole Kamp's lottery ticket to Sandgoist, arguing that she should have sought help from friends rather than sacrificing the sentimental token. Despite her practical defense, Hogg remains unconvinced and continues to believe Ole may still be alive. As the lottery drawing approaches, Hogg insists Hulda and Joel accompany him to Christiania to honor Ole's wishes. Public opinion turns against Sandgoist for exploiting the family's misfortune, and the ticket loses its perceived value.

  16. Chapter 16

    XVI

    Sylvius Hogg, Hulda, and Joel travel from Dal to Christiania, stopping at Bamble to visit Farmer Helmboe and Siegfrid. The journey includes a boat ride across Lake Tinn and a carriage ride through the Telemark region. They discuss the lottery ticket held by Sandgoist and Hulda's hope for Ole's return.

  17. Chapter 17

    XVII

    Joel and Hulda arrive in Christiania for the lottery drawing. They walk through the bustling city, overhearing public gossip about the ticket and Sandgoist's villainy. Joel reads a cablegram reporting that no trace of the Viking has been found, confirming the loss of Ole and the crew.

  18. Chapter 18

    Chapter XVIII

    Sylvius Hogg visits Mr. Benett's establishment in Christiania, discussing the misfortunes of the Hansen family, the lottery ticket sold to Sandgoist, and his plans to bring Hulda to witness the drawing. He selects jewelry gifts for Hulda, though many pieces are bridal ornaments, highlighting the bittersweet circumstances.

  19. Chapter 19

    XIX

    The grand lottery drawing takes place at the University of Christiania on July 15th. The crowd buzzes with sympathy for Hulda Hansen, who has lost her lover Ole Kamp at sea. Sylvius Hogg arrives with Hulda and Joel Hansen. As the drawing proceeds, the final prize of 100,000 marks is won by ticket number 9672—Ole Kamp's ticket, now held by Sandgoist. But when the winner is called, Ole Kamp himself appears alive, catching the fainting Hulda in his arms.

  20. Chapter 20

    Chapter XX

    Ole Kamp returns to Christiania after surviving the shipwreck of the Viking, having been rescued by the Danish brig Genius. Sylvius Hogg reunites him with Hulda and reveals that the lottery ticket has been repurchased from Sandgoist. Ticket No. 9672 wins the grand prize of one hundred thousand marks. Ole and Hulda marry at Dal, with Sylvius Hogg dancing at the wedding. Joel and Siegfrid marry a few weeks later.