CHAPTER II.
A BARGAIN FOR THE SKIN OF A LIVING MAN.
One of the richest capitalists in Paris at this time was Monsieur Griffard.

Not so very long ago, somewhere about 1780, Griffard was nothing more than a pastry-cook in one of the suburbs of the city, and his knowledge of the science of finance was limited to his dealings with the needy students who ate his wares on credit, and paid for them accordingly.

The Mississippi mania whirled him along with it also.

In those days every man in Paris meant to be a millionaire.

In the streets, alleys, and public squares every one was either buying or selling Mississippi shares.