I learnt one great lesson there, however, and that was the evil of gambling.

In spite of tinsel and gilt, in spite of gay attire and loud laughter, in spite of high-sounding titles and ancient names, never did I see so much real misery as I saw in the far-renowned gaming palace.
For days I tried to think what to do, without avail.

Kaffar had not been at the Casino; he had not stayed at any of the hotels.

Where was he, then?
I began to entertain the idea that he had gone to Egypt as he had said.
I would do my best to find out.

Accordingly, I went to all the seaports along the coast of France and Italy from which he would be likely to set sail for Egypt.