I had reached a place where I had to choose between starvation on the one hand, or a venture among these people on the other.

To go back was impossible.

Who could breast those waters in the tremendous subterranean channel, or force his way back through such appalling dangers?
Or, if that were possible, who could ever hope to breast those mighty currents beyond, or work his way amid everlasting ice and immeasurable seas?
No; return was impossible.

I had been flung into this world of wonders, and here would be my home for the remainder of my days; though I could not now imagine whether those days would be passed in peace or in bitter slavery and sorrow.

Yet the decision must be made and the risk must be run.