Chapters 12 through 19 Summary

The first chapter in the second part of the book is "The March of the Hundred Thousand" and describes the mass movement along the California Trail. In "A Youth Who Is not Young," Karl is working one day in the field near his house when a man approaches. Karl does not initially recognize the man but soon discovers that it is Robert, returned home. He has aged incredibly. His face is sunken and scabby, most of his teeth are missing, and his skin is pocked. He is, however, dressed well, which is a point that Karl notes almost immediately. Karl is relieved that Robert is home and takes him at once to the house. Robert takes note of all the changes around the farm, including the new house. The children are shy of their uncle, not remembering him from the years...