a doctor somewhat overworked.

One after another of the bystanders covered the figures stamped upon the
table with gold or silver. The ball in the centre, spinning in its
circle, fell into a pocket with a "click." The _croupier_ called the
winning number I think (though confessing that the game is a hidden
mystery). That quick, sharp utterance was the only sound breaking the
silence. At the same time, with wonderful dexterity, he raked the money
into a pile, and pushed it towards the winner, or, more frequently,
added it to the pile before himself.

I looked in vain for any exhibition of excitement or anxiety among the
players sitting or standing around the table. All were serious, silent;
some few absorbed. Both sexes were equally represented, and old as well
as young. Beside us was standing a woman with a worn, though still fine
face, unobtrusive in dress and manner; a traveller and spectator, I
judged, like ourselves. It was something of a surprise, not to say a
shock, to see her suddenly stretch out her hand, and lay down a handful
of gold pieces, selecting the numbers with an air that proved her to be
no novice. "Click," fell the ball. The _croupier_, with a sweep of the
rake, gathered up her Napoleons. The bank had won. Again she laid down
her gold, placing each piece with thoughtful deliberation. Again they
were swept away; and even the third time. She made no exclamation. She
did not so much as raise her eyes from the table as she prepared to make
a fourth attempt. There was no change in her face, except a certain
fixedness which came over it, and a faint tinge of color rising in her
cheeks.

We breathed more freely when we had gained the open air. I am sure there
was an odor of sulphur about the place.

The scenery around Baden-Baden is striking and wild. Gloomy valleys
abound, and dark forests cover many of the hills. We took a kind of
wagonet one morning, and climbed the mountain behind the city, passing
what is known as the "New Schloss," or castle, before leaving its
limits. It is anything but _new_, however, having been erected some four
or five hundred years. Its horrible dungeons, where all manner of
torments were inflicted, and tortures suffered by the unfortunate
wretches incarcerated here, attract scores of visitors. We went on, by
the zigzag road up the mountain, to the Old Schloss upon its summit.
This was the residence of the reigning family of Baden before the
erection of the New Schloss. Hard