I could speak the French language fairly, and might, by some means, find out the steps he had taken.
Arrived at Paris, I was completely blocked.

He was not remembered in the Custom House; he was not remembered at some twenty hotels at which I called.
Again I began to think what he was likely to do.

I did not think he would possess very much money, and a man of his temperament would devise some means of getting some.

How?
Work would be a slow process, and not suited to his nature.

Kaffar would get money by gambling.