He created some fifteen hundred millions of new shares, promising his shareholders a dividend of twelve per cent.

From all parts silver and gold flowed into his hands; everywhere the paper of the Bank was substituted for coin.

The delirium had mastered all minds.

The street called Quincampoix, for a long time past devoted to the operations of bankers, had become the usual meeting-place of the greatest lords as well as of discreet burgesses.

It had been found necessary to close the two ends of the street with gates, open from six A.M.to nine P.M.; every house harbored business agents by the hundred; the smallest room was let for its weight in gold.