What caused Perry to agree to " Dick's proposition" instead of following a better path?

Here is a quote from the book,

He (Perry) drove to Las Vegas, sold his junk-heap car, packed his collection of maps, old letters, manuscripts, and books, and bought a ticket for a Greyhound bus. The journey's aftermath was up to fate; if things didn't "work out with Willie-Jay," then he might "consider Dick's proposition." As it turned out, the choice was between Dick and nothing. (Ch 1) 

idk