The iron of the bridge felt hot under my hand. The sun had been upon it all day. Gripping hard with my hands I lifted myself on to the bar and gazed down steadily on the water passing under. I thought of places I would never see and women I should never love as far as Richard's father a famous poet is concerned his son has no talent as a writer and will never amount to anything. In a moment of crisis Richard decides to end his life but is saved by Jake a passing stranger. The two men both at turning points in their lives set out for adventure jumping aboard a ship to Norway. Their travels take them through Europe and they form a passionate friendship. But in bohemian Paris Richard meets Hesta a music student who inspires him to follow his artistic dreams.