nearly
   midnight
Our children , if they wish , can man them and go out into space . But as far as we are concerned we go no more a-hunting . The notes that I am sending you are fairly complete . It is nearly midnight and the fire is burning low . Maya is nodding beside me . So -- happy at last -- parsecs away and years away -- I wish my old friend a hearty fare-thee-well -- and IT IS A TALE THAT IS TOLD . Best wishes , Jack Odin , M. D.