Hulda Hansen awaits the return of her betrothed, Ole Kamp, who promised her great fortune after his voyage aboard the fishing boat, Viking. When the Viking fails to return and is feared lost, a bottle is found with a note for Hulda and a lottery ticket, numbered 9672. News of the tragedy spreads, along with Hulda's possible riches from the lottery ticket, whose drawing day grows near.

Includes a new introduction by literary scholar Darrell Schweitzer.