How does the man opinion of the “the old timer at sulphur creek”change from the beginning to the end of the story

At the start of the story, the man thinks the "Old Timer" is too cautious, something that he described as "womanish". He also believes that he knows everything. Unfortunately, the one thing the Old Timer has that the man lacks is experience. In the end, the man wishes he'd not traveled alone. He also concedes that he old-timer might just have been right.

Perhaps the old-timer on Sulphur Creek was right. If he had only had a trail-mate he would have been in no danger now.

The old-timer on Sulphur Creek was right, he thought in the moment of controlled despair that ensued: after fifty below, a man should travel with a partner.

You were right, old hoss; you were right," the man mumbled to the old- timer of Sulphur Creek.