lamity as this, the
Seine seemed the only resource, and the young Norwegian, it is said,
had nearly concluded to find relief from his troubles in its turbid
and sin-weighted waters. But it happened that the young man had still a
little money left, enough to support him for a week, and he concluded to
delay the fatal plunge till the last sou was gone. It was while he was
slowly enjoying the last dinner which he was able to pay for, that he
made the acquaintance of a remarkable character, to whom he confided his
misery and his determination to find a tomb in the Seine.

III.

Said the stranger, after pondering a few moments over the simple but sad
story of the young violinist, in whom he had taken a sudden interest:

"Well, I will do something for you, if you have courage and five
francs."

"I have both."

"Then go to Frascate's at ten; pass through the first room, enter the
second, where they play 'rouge-et-noir,' and when a new _taille_ begins
put your five francs on _rouge_, and leave it there."

This promise of an adventure revived Ole Bull's drooping spirits, and he
was faithful in carrying out his unknown friend's instructions. At the
precise hour the tall stalwart figure of the young Norwegian bent over
the table at Frascate's, while the game of "rouge-et-noir" was being
played. He threw his five francs on red; the card was drawn--red wins,
and the five francs were ten. Again Ole Bull bet his ten francs on
_rouge_, and again he won; and so he continued, leaving his money on the
same color till a considerable amount of money lay before him. By this
time the spirit of gaming was thoroughly aroused. Should he leave the
money and trust to red turning up again, or withdraw the pile of gold
and notes, satisfied with the kindness of Fortune, without further
tempting the fickle goddess? He said to a friend afterward, in relating
his feelings on this occasion:

"I was in a fear--I acted as if possessed by a spirit not my own; no one
can understand my feelings who has not been so tried--left alone in the
world, as if on the extreme verge of an abyss yawning beneath, and at
the same time feeling something within that might merit a saving hand at
the last moment."

Ole Bull stretched forth to grasp the money, when a white hand covered
it before his. He seized the wrist with a fierce grasp, while the
owner of it uttered a loud shriek, and loud threats came from the other
players, who took sides in the matter, when a