The person who ended up with the lead position of the group of outcasts from Poker Flat was John Oakhurst, who led them on their trek. When everyone else wanted to stop and rest, he urges them to continue the long journey which they still have ahead of them. Oakhurst’s gambling, which is the reason that he was banned from Poker Flat in the first place, is a warning to his fellow outcasts to not throw up their hands and quit before the game is even fully played out. This is because heavy snow was expected on their journey to the next town. His motivation and inspirational attitude helps everyone cope with the difficulty of the situation that they are in. Oakhurst is also kind of like a paternal figure to Tom, also known as "The Innocent” throughout