Days Without End

Two years later, a Sioux girl who Thomas calls Winona (because he cannot pronounce her real name), has grown very attached to Thomas. Starling, whose mental state is in decline, dislikes that Thomas is befriending the child, which leads him to rant about his racist views of varying peoples. Due to his cyclical, chronic illness, John is told he can’t sign up for another term, and Thomas is free to go with him. John is worried he won’t find better work after the army. Thomas asks Mrs. Neale if he can take Winona as an “apprentice servant,” and she agrees only after Thomas assures her is not interested in Winona (who is then only nine years old) sexually.

When Thomas, John, and Winona reach Missouri, they learn that John’s father, whom John hasn’t seen in more than 10 years, has died in Pennsylvania. John estimates himself at age 25 and his father 45 or 50. They contact Noone who has left Daggsville for Grand Rapids, where he runs minstrel shows. He has work for Thomas “if he ain’t lost his pretty looks fighting” (98), and John tells Thomas he is still pretty as the two cuddle and kiss. Winona, who decides she prefers the last name Cole to McNulty, thinks nothing of two men sleeping together.