My sole reason for staying was, that it would have cost me more to go.

The fact is, I had not the wherewithal -- a most stupid reason, but for that very cause, a reason that you cannot argue with.

I am just clearing for the North -- but not, alas! your way -- and I _could_ not take out of my little funds what would carry me to Shagarack and back; and back I should have had to come.

So I have lost what would have been one of the rare joys of my life.

But I shall have another chance.