Track's End / Being the Narrative of Judson Pitcher's Strange Winter Spent There as Told by Himself and Edited by Hayden Carruth Including an Accurate Account of His Numerous Adventures, and the Facts Concerning His Several Surprising Escapes from Death Now First Printed in Full

by Hayden Carruth

“Nobody. But I knew you wouldn’t want to leave them here to starve, and I did it to save time.”

“They’re not going to starve here,” I said, getting better control of my voice. “Call Andrew back this minute. You’ve neither of you the right to touch a thing that’s there.”

“But surely you’re going with the rest of us?” said Tom.

“No, I’m not,” I answered.

Tom turned and started toward the town.

“Now, don’t make a fool of yourself, young man,” said Burrdock. “This here town is closed up for the winter. You won’t see the train here again before next March.”

“The train won’t see me, then, before next March,” I said. “Jim, are you going with the rest of them?” 41

“Well, I’m not the fellow to do much staying,” he answered.

I turned and started for the hotel; Burrdock muttered something which I didn’t catch. I saw Andrew going toward the train, but without any of the animals. Tom came down the street and met me. He held out his hand and said:

“Jud, I admire you. I’d stay with you if I could, but the company has ordered me to come, and I’ve got to go. But it’s a crazy thing for you to do, and you’d better come along with us, after all.”