Who is Mr. Packard from The Nick Adams Stories and what is their importance?

Mr. Packard is Nick's uncle who helps him escape from the wardens in "The Last Good Country." He was once a U.S. Postmaster but now owns a hotel and grocery store near Nick's home. He avoids the hotel, though, because he says he does not like a hotel without a bar. He helps Nick by furnishing him with supplies (or, rather, reimbursing his family for supplies Nick took).