But yet again what did that matter--after all?
Of what moment was it--after all?
He was a dying man.
Was anything of moment to him except the one thing which Basterga had it in his power to grant or to withhold, to give or to deny?
Nothing! Nothing! He pondered on what had passed, and wondered if he had not done foolishly.

Certainly he had let slip a grand, a unique opportunity of seizing the man and of snatching the _remedium_.

He had put the chance from him at the risk of future blame.

Now he was of two minds about it.
Of two minds: but of one mind only about another thing.

As he veered this way and that in his mind, now cursing his cowardice, and now thanking God that he had not taken the irrevocable step, Opportunity That work'st our thoughts into desires, desires To resolutions, kindled in him a burning impatience to act.