Chapter 7 The fifth part is off the map

§WALKING OFF THE MAP§ 36 Challenge Chimney 1922 Thursday, March 2, 1922 * When George stepped aboard the SS Caledonia in Tilbury, he knew he was about to embark on a journey he had planned for a lifetime. The climbing team took a five-week sea voyage to Mumbai, where they bought better gear, improved their fitness and learned how to work together in small groups.Every hour before breakfast, they would run around the deck, always at a pace set by Finch.Occasionally George had a problem with his ankle, but he never admitted it, not even to himself.After breakfast and writing his daily letter to Ruth, he would lie on deck and read Keynes's The Economic Consequences of Peace.

Finch gave several presentations on the use of oxygen at high altitudes.The team dutifully took apart and reassembled the thirty-two-pound oxygen equipment, strapped the equipment to each other's backs, and adjusted the pistons that adjusted the amount of gas released.Few showed enthusiasm for it.George watched intently.No doubt Finch knew what he was talking about.However, most team members do not approve of the use of oxygen in principle.Norton said that the weight of the cylinders alone must negate any benefit the filling may provide. What evidence do you have, Finch, that we'll need these damn things to get to the top?he questioned.

No evidence, Finch confesses: but if you find yourself at 27,000 feet and can't go any further, maybe you'll be thankful for one of these damn things after all. I'd rather turn back.Somerville said. And then failed to attack the summit?Finch asked. If that's the price, so be it.O'Dell said firmly. Although George also objected to the idea of ​​using oxygen, he did not comment.After all, if Fincher turns out to be wrong, no one would expect him to call the shots.The familiar shouts from everyone interrupted his thoughts: Friends, it's time for physical training.All the team members stood up and formed three orderly rows in front of General Bruce.The general stood with his hands on his hips and his feet firmly on the ground, clearly not interested in leading by example.

After an hour of intense exercise, the general disappeared below decks, drinking his morning cup and leaving the rest of the crew to do their own thing.Norton and Somerville played deck tennis, and Odell sat down to read E. F.Class student (EF Benson) 1 latest published novel.George and Guy sat with their feet crossed on deck, chatting about the possibility of some Cambridge man winning the 100-meter race at the Paris Olympics. Note 1E. F．Benson (Edward Frederic Benson, 1867︱1940), a British writer, is famous for creating ghost stories. I saw Abraham run at the Fenner cricket ground and George said: 'He's great, he's great as hell, but Somerville told me there was a Scot named Liddell who never lost a run in his life so look It should be interesting to see what happens when they play against each other.

We'll go back in time and find out which of them won the gold.In fact, Guy grinned and added: That would be a good excuse to go back to oh my god.Guy looked over George's back.what is he doing George turned and saw Finch standing, arms folded, legs spread, staring at the ship's funnels, which were belching black clouds of smoke. Obviously he shouldn't want to I think he might do that, George said: "He'll do anything to get the best of the team. I don't think he cares about the rest of the team, Guy said: The only one he wants to beat is you. In this situation, George replied: I'd better talk to the captain.

George told Ruth in a letter one day that he and Finch were like two little children, always trying to outwit each other for the teacher's attention.At this time, the teacher was General Bruce; George also whispered to her: He may be an old man, but he is not a fool, and we are all happy to accept the leader of the expedition.He stopped to look at the picture of Ruth. This time he remembered to have it with him, but he forgot the razor and left the house with only a pair of socks.He continued: □□□ I still spent a lot of time wondering if taking this trip was the right decision.When you have found Queen Guanniwei (Note 2), why bother to seek the Holy Grail?I have begun to understand that without you, every day is wasted.God knows, I hope to get rid of this demon once and for all, so that I can return to Holt House to spend the rest of my life with you and the children.I know how difficult it is for you to put your true feelings into words, but please let me know what you really feel.

your loving husband, george Note 2: In the story of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table followed King Arthur to find the Holy Grail, while Guinevere was Arthur's wife, but she had a mutual relationship with Lancelot, one of Arthur's most trusted Knights of the Round Table, and Lancelot had to leave in the end . Ruth read George's letter again.She kept asking herself if it was right not to let him know that she was pregnant again before he left.She got up from the chair by the window, went to the small writing desk, and began to write, trying to answer his last question truthfully.

□□□ my dear: I can never quite express how I feel every time you leave home.This time it was not so different from when you used to go to the Western Front or the Alps, when I worried every hour of the day if you were safe and if I would ever see you again.Same now.Sometimes I envy other wives who are lucky enough to see their husbands come back from that misnamed fight unscathed, and then think they'll never have to face the same fears again in their lifetime. Note 3: The English name of the World War is Great War, and Great means great as well as great, so Ruth said that this war took the wrong name.

Like you, I long for a successful outcome to this expedition, but only for selfish reasons: I don't want to go through such an ordeal again.You haven't even begun to understand how much I miss you, your company, your sweetness, your kindness, your guidance in everything, but above all your love and affection, especially when we are alone.I spend every waking moment wondering if you will come back, if our children will have to grow up without a father from whom they will learn tolerance, compassion and wisdom, and if I will lose the only man I can love , and die forever. your faithful wife, ruth

Ruth returned to her chair and read the letter again before putting it in the envelope.She looked out the window, at the open door at the end of the drive, and wondered, as she did during the war, whether she would ever see her husband striding down the path again. After the general blew his whistle for the last time, most of the players would lie flat on the ground, trying to recover from their morning physical training.George sat up and looked around the deck to make sure none of his colleagues were paying special attention to him, then stood up and strolled to his cabin. He walked down the stairs to the passenger deck, walked through the gangway, looked back for a while, and then opened a door that said only crew members could enter, and then went down three flights of stairs along the crew-only ladder until he came to the engine room until.He knocked on the heavy door with his fist, and after a while, the chief engineer came out to meet him.The man nodded, but didn't intend to talk over the noise of the engine.He led George through the narrow corridor, and stopped before a heavy iron gate marked Dangerous and forbidden.

He took a large key from his coverall pocket, unlocked it, and opened the door. Mr. Mallory, the captain gave me definite orders, and he shouted: You have five minutes, no more. George nodded and disappeared through the door. build.Braque started clapping as soon as he saw George standing on top of the central chimney.Norton and Somerville took a break from deck tennis to see what was going on.O'Dell looked up, closed the book, and joined the applause.Only Finch, with his hands in his pockets, stood with his legs apart, unresponsive. How did he do it?"Just touching one of the chimneys a little bit will grind out blisters the size of an apple," Norton said. Even without the heat problem, Somerville was just as confused: You'd have to have limpet-like suction to climb that surface. Finch continued to stare at Mallory.For once, he noticed, the central chimney was not belching black smoke; he glanced at Braque, who was laughing uncontrollably.When Finch looked up again, Mallory was gone. As George climbed back down the ladder inside the chimneys, he couldn't decide whether to tell Finch that one of those chimneys was shut down every Thursday morning so that the ship's engineer could do a full inspection. Moments later, plumes of black smoke burst from the central chimney, and the rest of the team burst into cheers of their own accord again.I still can't figure it out.Norton said. The only explanation I can think of, said O'Dell, is that Mallory must have smuggled Houdini the magician aboard. The rest of the team laughed, but Finch remained silent. Also, he seems to have climbed to the top without the aid of oxygen.Somerville added. I wonder how he did it?Guy said so with a smile on his face all the time.No doubt our resident scientist will have a theory. No, I don't have a theory, said Finch, but I can tell you one thing: Mallory can't climb the inside of Mount Everest. Ruth sat by the window, letter in hand, and began to wonder whether her frankness might in the end be a distraction to George.After a few minutes of contemplation, she tore the letter into small pieces, threw them into the crackling flames, returned to her desk, and began to write a second letter. □□□ My dear George: Spring has arrived at our Holt mansion, and the daffodils are in bloom.In fact, the garden has never been so beautiful.Everything is as you expect it to be.The children are doing well and Claire has written you a poem which is enclosed 37 Yes, Your Excellency the General When the Caledonia anchored at Bombay, the first person to disembark was General Bruce.He was wearing the short-sleeved khaki shirt, freshly ironed, and the pressed khaki shorts that have become standard for British troops on duty in hot weather.He often reminded the troop that it was Lord Baden-Powell (Note 1) who chose the Scout uniforms from him, not that he imitated them. Note 1: Robert.Baden-Powell (Robert SS Baden-Powell, 1857︱1941), a British Army officer, was sent to India and Africa, and later became a writer of young people's books and the founder of the Scout movement. George disembarked right behind the general.When he stepped off the wobbly diving board, the first thing that impressed him deeply was the smell that Kipling once described as pungent, pungent, oriental, unlike any other smell on earth.The next thing that hit him was the heat and the humidity, which was almost as strong as the word shock. To a fair-faced Cheshire countryman, it felt like Dante's flaming furnace.The third is that he realized that the general has considerable influence in this remote and remote place. There are two groups of people waiting to welcome the leader of the expedition team at the end of the disembarkation plank. They not only stand far from each other, but also have a world of difference.The first trio was a concrete expression of the Britons overseas.They don't try to fit in, dress like they're at a garden party in Tunbridge Wells(Note 2), and don't back down in the face of unfriendly weather, lest they unknowingly become locals of the same kind. Note 2: The full name is Royal Tunbridge Wells (Royal Tunbridge Wells), located in the southeast of London, famous for its spa since the 18th century, and now an important tourist area. As the general stepped onto the edge of the pier, one of them came up to say hello.He was a tall young man in a dark blue suit, a white shirt with a stiff collar, and a Harlow School tie. He stepped forward and identified himself: My name is Russell. Good morning, Russell.The general said the two shook hands as if they had known each other for years, but in fact their only connection was the alumni tie. Welcome back to India, General Bruce, said Russell: I am the Governor's Private Secretary.This is Captain Berkeley, the Governor's Adjutant.The other man was wearing a full uniform and looked younger. After the general came ashore, he kept a strict posture of standing at attention. At this time, he even saluted the general, and the general returned the salute.A third man in a chauffeur's uniform stood next to a gleaming Rolls-Royce, but Russell didn't introduce him, just going on: The Governor wants you and the team to have dinner with him tonight. We'll be happy to do that, said Bruce: "When does Sir Peter want us to be paraded?" He'd have a reception at the mansion at seven o'clock, Russell said, followed by a dinner at eight. What about clothing requirements?asked the general. Formal attire, sir, with medals, please. Bruce nodded in agreement. Russell went on: As you requested, we have fourteen rooms booked at the Palace Hotel, and I have also prepared several vehicles to be at your command while you and your crew are in Bombay. That would be all the better, said the General: Now, then, perhaps you can arrange for my men to be sent to the hotel, and let them allocate lodging and meals. Of course, general, Russell said: and the governor wants me to give you this.He handed out a thick brown envelope, and the General handed it to George as if George were his personal secretary. George smiled and tucked the envelope under his arm.He couldn't help but pay attention to the other team members, and found that everyone, including Finch, was observing the exchange in silence. Mallory, said the general: I want you to come with me while the others are escorted to the hotel.Thank you, Russell, he said to the Governor's Private Secretary: Looking forward to seeing you at this evening's reception. Russell bowed, then took a step back, like the general was royalty. The general then turned his attention to another group of people, also three, which was probably the only commonality between the two groups.The three natives, dressed in cool white robes and sandals, had waited patiently while Mr. Russell greeted Bruce on behalf of the governor.At this moment, their leader stepped forward. Namaste, General Sahib. (Salute, Your Excellency General.) He said, bowing deeply. The general did not shake the captain's hand, nor did he return the salute.He omitted the polite words at the beginning and asked: Kumar, did you get my telegram? Yes, Your Excellency, and all your instructions have been carried out verbatim.I think I can say with some confidence that you will be quite satisfied. I'll confirm that, Kumar, after I've checked the merchandise. Of course, General.The Indian bowed deeply again as he spoke.Perhaps you would like to take the time to follow me. Kumar and two companions lead the general through a street filled with crowds, rickshaws, hundreds of old Raleigh or Hercules bicycles, and the occasional seemingly contented cow in the middle of the road Rumination food.The general strode past the noisy, moving crowd, who stepped aside, as if Bruce were Moses about to cross the Red Sea.George follows his leader, curious to know what's coming next and at the same time listening to the unfamiliar sounds of street vendors hawking exotic wares.Hands lentil stew, player cigarettes, Swan matches, tasers and perpetual batteries were regularly thrust upon him, and he politely declined each new offer, enraged by the energy and exuberance of the locals Beggars outnumber peddlers, bewildered and appalled on the other hand by the poverty I see around me.He now understood why these people saw Gandhi as a prophet, but the British continued to see the Mahatma as a criminal.When he goes back, he has many things to share with those junior and fifth graders. The general strode forward, ignoring the dusty and long outstretched hands, and the repeated cries of half pennies (Note 3), half pennies, half pennies.The Captain led him into a square that was packed like a Hyde Park public meeting, except that everyone was talking and no one was listening.Unfinished concrete buildings surround the plaza, and curious and idle people clamber out of the upper windows, hoping to find a bird's-eye view of what's going on below.Then, for the first time, George saw the merchandise the general had mentioned. Note 3: The original text is pie, which was originally the smallest monetary unit in India, equivalent to one hundred and ninety-two rupee (rupee), and is no longer used today. On a dusty, sun-scorched field, a hundred mules waited to be inspected.Behind the mules stood a large group of porters. When the general inspected, George stood aside to observe, and the crowd watched the general's every move.He began by examining the mules' legs and teeth, and even straddled several of them to assess their strength, two of which collapsed under his weight.It took him more than an hour to pick out the seventy he thought were passable. Next, the general did exactly the same thing to the rows of silent porters.He inspected their legs first, then their teeth, and sometimes, to George's astonishment, even jumped on their backs.This time one or two more fell under his weight.Nevertheless, before the end of the second hour he had selected sixty-two porters in addition to the seventy mules. George, though a spectator and doing nothing, was sweating from head to toe, while the General seemed to be letting everything go, along with the heat, with ease. After the inspection, Kumar stepped forward and led the two cooks and four laundrymen to his discerning customers.To George's relief, the general didn't jump on their backs.He did, however, examine their teeth and legs. After the general finished the inspection work, he turned to Kumar and said: Please make sure that these coolies and mules will all appear at the pier at six o'clock tomorrow morning.If they all stand there and wait, you'll get fifty rupees.Kumar smiled and bowed.The general turned to George, and held out a hand.George decided it was the envelope he wanted.The general opened the envelope, drew out a fifty-rupee note, and handed it to the captain to confirm the deal.Also, remember to tell them, Kumar, pointing to the porters, and adding: They get ten rupees every week.When we re-board the ship three months later, those who are still working with us get an extra bonus of twenty rupees. How generous you are, General, how generous you are.Kumar replied, bending even lower. Did you comply with my other requests?demanded the general as he handed the envelope back to George. Yes, Your Excellency the General.said the captain, with a bigger smile on his face than before. One of the men standing behind Kumar stepped forward, stood at attention before the general, and took off his slippers.George had given up guessing what would happen next.The general pulled a measuring tape from one of his shorts pockets and began measuring the young man from the crown of his head to the soles of his bare feet. I think you'll notice, Kumar said with satisfaction: This boy is just six feet tall. Yes, but does he understand what we expect of him? Your Excellency, he does know.In fact he has been preparing for the past month. I'm glad to hear that, said Bruce: if he turns out to be satisfactory, he'll get twenty rupees a week and an extra fifty rupees when he gets to base camp. The captain bowed again. George was about to ask why the expedition needed a young man exactly six feet tall when the general pointed to a stocky man with Asian features and asked: Who is that? The young man stood behind the trio and hadn't said anything until Kumar stepped forward and said, "General, I'm Nima from Sherpa."I will be your personal interpreter and will be the Sherpa leader when you arrive in the Himalayas. Twenty rupees a week.The general strode out of the square without another word; his business was done. It always amused George that all officers and generals, when they strode forward, assumed that the others would follow on their own.He thus concluded that this may be one of the reasons why the British were more likely to win battles than lose them.It took George a few minutes to catch up to Bruce, as most of the crowd was still running after him, hoping to get a piece of his generosity.When he finally catches up, all Bruce says is: Never befriend the locals.In the long run, you will regret it.He didn't say another word until he walked into the driveway of the Palace Hotel twenty minutes later, leaving the chasing crowd behind.As the General strode up the path, through the manicured gardens, George saw the third welcoming procession standing at the top of the hotel steps and wondered how long they had been waiting. The general stopped suddenly in front of a beautiful young woman in a deep purple and gold sari.She held a small bowl of sweet-smelling spice powder in her left hand, dipped the index finger of her right hand into the powder, and then gently tapped her fingertips on the general's forehead, leaving a clear red mark representing respect.She stepped back as a second young woman, also in traditional dress, placed the wreath on the general's head.He bowed and thanked them. After the ceremony, a stylish man in a black frock coat and pinstriped trousers stepped forward.Welcome back to the Palace Inn, General Bruce.He said: I have placed your people in the south wing, overlooking the ocean, and your usual suite is ready.He stepped aside and let his guest into the hotel. Thank you, Mr. Cohan.The general said, walking straight past the lodging check-in counter, toward the elevator, which he believed was waiting for him with its doors open. George followed him, and when they reached the top floor the first thing he saw was Norton and Somerville standing at the other end of the corridor in their dressing gowns.He smiled and waved to let them know he would be joining them in a few minutes. General, I guess, said George, this may be the last time we'll have a bath for the next three months. Don't count me in, Mallory.By the time Bruce answered, Mr. Cohan had already opened the door to the Queen Victoria suite for the General. By this time George understood why the Royal Geographical Society considered this small, rotund retired soldier more suitable than anyone else for the position. 38 gaffe I want to send some letters, please help me.George said. Of course, sir, said the porter, how many? Seventeen letters.said George.He had sent eighteen letters the last time the ship lay at Durban for a few hours to refuel and fresh food. Are they all going to the same country?The porter asked casually, as if it was just a matter of routine. Yes, in fact they all go to the same address.Now the porter raised an eyebrow.My wife, George explained: I write to her every day, and I've only just landed, so give it to me.said the concierge. Thank you.George said. George, are you going to the governor's grand banquet?asked a voice behind him. George turned to see Guy approaching him.right.he answered. Let's share a taxi then.Guy said and walked towards the door. I'm going to binge like a pig tonight.As the rickshaw dodged obstacles on the crowded street, Guy said: "I have a feeling this is probably the best meal we'll ever have before we get back to England, unless the Governor decides to treat us to another meal on the way back. It may depend on whether we are the heroes who conquered the mountains or the losers with chilblain when we go back.George said so. Either way, I'm not going to take any chances, Guy said, especially as Bruce told me that Sir Peter has the best wine cellar in India. Two soldiers in full uniform suddenly turned to attention and saluted as the rickshaw drove past the gates of the governor's residence.Mallory and Blake jumped out of the car, walked through the wooden arches, and entered the ornately decorated marble long hall, where they took their places with the other members and lined up to be received.The general stood by the governor and introduced him to each member of the team. You seem to be well informed, Guy, whispered George: "Who's that young lady standing beside the Governor?" His second wife, Blake said: "His first wife passed away a few years ago and as for this one This is Guy.General Brake, Sir Peter, said: "He asked the Foreign Office for a year's leave to join us. Good night, Mr. Black. This is George.Mallory, our climbing leader. So here's the man who's about to stand on top of Mount Everest first.The governor said and shook George's hand cordially. Guy grinned: He has a rival. Oh, yes, said the Governor, Mr. Finch, if I recall correctly.I can't wait to meet him.Also, let me introduce someone. George and Guy, after bowing to the young lady, wandered into a crowded room with only Indian servants serving drinks.George chose a glass of sherry and walked over to someone he recognized. Good night, Mr. Mallory.Russell said. good night mr russell , said george : are you enjoying your assignment hereHe was always uncomfortable when it was necessary to chat a little. It's great here, I'm enjoying every moment, Russell replied: But the natives are a bit of a pity. Indigenous?George recounted it once, hoping Russell was joking. They don't like us, Russell whispered: in fact, they hate us.Trouble is brewing. trouble?Braque, who had come to join them, urged him on. Yes, since we put that man named Gandhi in jail for causing unrest and all of a sudden, without warning, Russell cut off halfway and became dumbfounded.Mallory and Blake turned to see what had startled him. Is he one of yours?Russell asked, barely concealing his unease. George turned around and saw Finch who was chatting with the Governor's wife, he held back his smile and said, "I'm afraid it is."Finch was wearing an open khaki shirt, green corduroy pants, and brown suede shoes, no socks. You should be flattered, Guy interjected: he usually doesn't bother. The private secretary was clearly not amused.That man was a vulgar man.So he said when they saw Finch slide his hand up Mrs. Davidson's waist. George noticed the general coming straight toward him, at a rapid pace, and stood where he was and waited. Mallory, said the general, blushing, get that fellow out of here, and fast. I'll do my best, says George, but I can't promise The general said: If you don't get him out, and not right away, then I will, and I assure you, it won't be a very nice scene. George handed the empty glass to a passing waiter, and crossed the room to join Finch and the Governor's wife in conversation. Sonia, have you met Mallory?Finch asked: He is my only opponent. Yes, we have been introduced just now.The Governor's wife replied, pretending not to notice that Finch's arm was resting on her waist. Sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Davidson, said George, but I need to speak privately with Mr. Finch because there is a small problem. Without another word, he firmly grasped Finch's elbow and quickly led him out of the room.Guy quietly approached Mrs. Davidson, chatted with her, and asked her if she planned to return to London this season. As soon as Finch was in the corridor, he asked: What's the little problem? The question is you, George replied: At this point, I think you'll find the general calling up volunteers to form a firing squad.He led Finch out the gate and into the driveway. where are we going?Finch asked. Back to the hotel. I haven't had dinner yet though. I guess that's the least of the questions for you. As George pushed him into a rickshaw, Finch said: "You're ordered to get me out of here, aren't you?" So much so, George admitted: I have a feeling that was the last time we were invited to the Governor's little soirée. That's what you said, Mallory.If you and I manage to get to the top of that hill, you'll absolutely have dinner with the Governor again. That doesn't mean you will.George said. No, I will not.I'll be upstairs, in his wife's room. George thought he heard a knock at the door, but it might have been a dream.The second knock on the door was louder.please come in.He was half asleep when he said that.When he opened one eye, he saw the general staring down at him, still in uniform. Mallory, do you always sleep on the floor with the windows wide open?he asked. George's other eye opened as well.If you don't sleep like this, you sleep on the balcony.He pushed himself up as he spoke, and then added, "And I can assure you, General, that it's better than being huddled in a small tent at twenty-seven thousand feet with only Finch for company." It is quite extravagant. That's exactly what I'm going to talk to you about, said the general: I think you should be the first to know.I decided to ask Finch to take the next boat back to England. George put on his silk dressing gown and sat down in the only comfortable chair in the room.He slowly filled his pipe with tobacco and lighted it slowly. Finch's behavior this evening was quite inexcusable, and the general continued: I see now that I should never have allowed him to join the team. George smoked his pipe for a while before answering.General, he said calmly: You do not have the authority to send any of my men back to England without consulting me. I'm talking to you now, Mallory.said the general, raising his voice higher with each word. No you don't.You broke into my room in the middle of the night to inform me of your decision to put Finch on the first available ship and return to England.That's not what I call negotiating. Mallory, interposed the General, "I needn't remind you that I'm the commander in chief of this expedition.Whatever happens to my team members, I'm the one who makes the final call. Then when you make this decision, it is entirely according to your own will, general, because if you send Finch aboard, I and the rest of my team will go with him.I'm sure the Royal Geographical Society will be very curious to know why, unlike the Duke of York, you didn't even manage to get us to the top, let alone get us back down. But, said the General in exasperation: You must agree that that is not the way to treat a lady, Mallory, and especially to the Governor's wife. Nobody knows better than me, says George: Fincher can be annoying sometimes, and I'm sure next season, he won't be teaching any budding teenage girls social etiquette.But unless you're willing to take his place, General, I suggest you go to bed now and be grateful, because Finch won't be at any cocktail parties for at least three months.Nor was he likely to meet any more ladies on his way to the Himalayas. I must think about it, Mallory, said the General, turning to go: I will let you know my decision in the morning. General, I'm not one of your coolies trying to make some pounds, so please let me know now, should I wake up my crew and tell them to take the first boat back to England, or can I just let them rest , until they are ready to embark on the toughest journey of their lives. The general's face turned even redder.If something goes wrong, you're the only one to ask, Mallory.After he finished speaking, he stormed out of the room angrily. Dear God, George said as he took off his dressing gown and lay back on the floor: Please tell me, what the hell did I do to meet someone like Finch? 39 Advance to Tibet □□□ My dearest Ruth: We have embarked on a thousand-mile trek to the Tibetan border.We boarded a train to Siliguri at the foot of the Himalayas, a six-hour journey according to the train's timetable, which actually took nearly sixteen hours.I used to wonder where these old trains went when they were decommissioned, well, now I know, they were sent to India to be reborn here. And so, we all aboard an old Castle class Great Northern locomotive, more precisely a Warwick Castle class.The first-class seats are a bit worn out now, but there are wooden slatted seats available in third class.Also, there were no toilets on board, which meant that when the train stopped at one of the stations, we had to jump out of the car and run into the bushes.There are also livestock cabins on the train, where Bruce puts mules and porters, causing complaints on both sides. There is one big difference between traveling comfortably from Birkenhead to London, and from Mumbai to Siliguri: when traveling south from the north of England, we are used to keeping the windows shut and the heat turned up, but in Here, although the railway company has spared the trouble of installing glass windows, it still feels as if you are traveling on an oven on wheels. Where is daddy?Claire asks: Where is he now? Ruth put down the letter and sat on the floor with her daughter so they could study the map their father had drawn for them and follow his progress.Her fingers crossed the ocean, from Tilbury to Bombay, then followed the railway route, stopping at Siliguri.She picked up the letter and continued to read it aloud to the children: □□□ 我們在西里古里下車，迎面看到大吉嶺喜馬拉雅鐵路公司本身的小型世界奇觀，想像一下我們有多驚訝吧。在這裡，特殊的兩呎軌距取代了公尺軌距，所以當地人暱稱為玩具火車。 我們走進的可愛小車廂也許很適合貝麗姬和克蕾爾，卻讓我感覺自己像在小人國醒來的格列佛。這小小的蒸汽機發出一種與自身尺寸不成比例的噪音後，開始往上爬，從只有海拔三百呎的西里古里，前往五十一哩外的大吉嶺，當地大約七千呎高。 孩子們要是知道這點想必會覺得有趣極了：坡度太過陡峭，因此有個當地人坐在火車頭前端的防撞緩衝器上，這樣才可在鐵軌上撒沙，確保車輪在火車深入山區、愈爬愈高時還有抓地力。 我沒辦法告訴妳這趟旅程花了多久時間，因為每一分鐘都這麼愉快，我沒有一刻停止欣賞眼前的大片景致，唯恐錯失任何新的驚奇。事實上，我們勇敢的攝影師諾爾上尉因一切體驗而深深著迷，甚至趁我們在湯恩靠站補充水分（小火車頭和我們都需要）時爬到車頂，在那裡拍完接下來的所有旅程，而我們這些凡夫俗子光張望著窗外就感到滿意了。 經過七小時的旅程，我們終於停靠在大吉嶺站，這時我只有一個想法：如果這個小巧的寶物能一路載著我們抵達基地營就好了，這樣我們的日子會過得容易些。不過我們沒這種運氣，在我們離開火車之後沒多久，就能聽見布魯斯將軍熟悉的咆哮聲發出種種命令。此時他正要叫騾子和腳夫整隊，這樣我們才能展開漫長的旅程：進入叢林，然後踏上西藏的平原。 我們每個人都分配到自己的小馬，裝載我們個人的財物和裝備，除了將軍外，我們每天都必須走上二十哩。到了晚上，如果可能的話，我們會設法在靠近河流或湖泊的地方紮營，這讓我們有機會可以游泳，並享受些許得以擺脫蚊蠅水蛭的光榮時刻，比起當地人，這些生物似乎比較喜歡以白人為食。 將軍帶著自己的浴缸，這浴缸綁在兩匹騾子身上，而且每天晚上大約七點鐘時，就有五、六位腳夫會在浴缸裡注入以柴火加熱過的水。我拍了一張照片，是我們的領隊坐在他的浴缸裡，一手拿著雪茄，另一手拿著一杯白蘭地。顯然他認為沒必要只為了幾星期的印度叢林之旅，就必須改變一輩子的習慣。 晚上，我們全都在一張支架式桌子旁共進晚餐，將軍坐在桌子最前面的首位，坐在他的手杖式摺疊椅上。我們的菜單變化範圍鮮少脫離燉菜和肉丸，不過到了一日將盡、準備紮營時，我們已經餓得不想過問鍋子裡煮的是哪種動物了。 將軍帶來十二箱最老的教皇新堡紅酒，還有六箱保羅．羅傑香檳，這些箱子由隊伍裡最強健的兩匹騾子負責馱運。將軍唯一的抱怨是沒辦法讓酒保持在室溫以下。然而隨著天氣一天天變涼，再過不了多久，他就可以用一整個浴缸的冰塊來冰鎮香檳了。 每個人看起來都還撐得住，些微發燒或感到噁心是預料中的，不過我目前似乎還逃過一劫，只有一點蚊蟲叮咬，還起了一陣相當糟糕的疹子。 已有三名腳夫逃跑了，另外有兩匹騾子力竭而死這別告訴克蕾爾，除此之外他們看起來似乎全都健康情況良好。我們已和主要的雪巴嚮導簽約了。他叫做尼瑪，不但會講標準英語，顯然也是個相當認真的登山家而且還是赤腳爬山。 桑莫維爾一直以來都是個值得信賴的好人。他不但忍受我們全都必須經歷的相同磨難，還要負起責任，擔任我們的特約醫生，卻從來不抱怨這帶來的額外工作負擔。歐岱爾如魚得水，每天都發現新種類的岩石。毫無疑問，等他回到劍橋，就會有好幾本書出現在書架上，更不用提他將會發表的數十場爆滿演講。 諾頓，這個可憐人高達六呎四吋，所以他必須騎最高大的騾子，但他的腳還是會碰到地面。芬奇總是在護送隊伍裡殿後這是他的選擇，也是我們的選擇小心翼翼地照看著他寶貴的氧氣瓶，他還是十分篤定，那些氧氣瓶將決定這場探險的結果，而我至今仍然存疑。 隨著我們愈爬愈高，我也留意著所有人如何面對周遭的狀況，並且開始考慮個別登山小組的組成方式。芬奇認定他將獲選進行最後攻頂，坦白說，如果是他，沒有人會覺得驚訝的。從我們離開孟買後，他和將軍之間幾乎沒交換過任何客氣的字句。然而隨著日子一天天過去，小伙子們口中的索妮亞事件，也漸漸消失在神聖的記憶裡。 我們的團隊中有一個人成為意料之外的天啟。我過去知道諾爾是一流的高山登山家，但完全不知他是多麼出色的平面及電影攝影師。不可能有另一次探險比這回記錄得更好了，而且錦上添花的是，諾爾是少數能說當地語言的成員。 諾爾拍攝了每日例行公事，其中一項如果不是透過他的紀錄，沒有人會相信這件事。莫斯海德，我相信妳沒見過他，他是製圖師，皇家地理學會團隊的一員，負責製作這個地區的詳盡地圖，他最一絲不苟的事，就是精確地記錄距離。為了協助莫斯海德，將軍以一天二十盧比的價錢雇用了一位印度年輕人，他正好六呎高。且讓我設法描迷他的職責，雖然等我們回去後，妳可以親自從影片上看到。他平躺在地上，讓另一個雪巴人在他頭頂所在位置的地面上畫下記號，隨後這個六呎男子爬起來，把腳趾放到那個記號（他打赤腳）後，再度躺下；他不斷重複這個過程，一遍又一遍、一小時又一小時。就靠這個辦法，莫斯海德得以測量我們每天所走的確切距離大約二十哩我算過了，這表示那個年輕人一天站起來又躺下去大約一萬八千次。上帝知道他應該得到那二十盧比。 我親愛的，現在該是停筆、吹熄蠟燭的時候了。我和蓋合用我的小帳篷。能與一位老友一起踏上旅程真是太棒了，不過，這不同於和妳在一起 （一九二二年四月十五日） 他到哪裡了？克蕾爾低頭看著地圖追問道。 露斯折起信後，再度和克蕾爾與貝麗姬一起坐在地上。她研究了一會兒地圖，然後指出一叫做強比（Chumbi）的村落。由於喬治的信花了六、七個星期時間才到達霍特宅邸，她永遠無法確認他實際的位置。她打開他寄來的最後一封信。 □□□ 今天我們走了平常該走的二十哩路，然後又損失了一匹騾子，所以現在只剩下六十一匹了。我揣測著，如果面對騾子短缺的狀況，將軍必須選擇扔掉他的酒或他的浴缸時，他會做出什麼樣的策略性決定。 每天早上六點，他叫那些腳夫接受檢閱，立正等待點名。今天早上我們的腳夫人數降低到三十七名，因為又有一個逃跑了；將軍稱呼他們是逃兵。 昨天行軍時，經過一個高踞山丘上的佛教僧院。我們停了下來，讓諾爾把僧院拍進去，不過將軍建議我們不要打擾祈禱中的僧侶。他們是智慧與誇張言行的奇特組合。 尼瑪告訴我，等到我們跋涉到加里普（Jelep La）山上時，當晚應該就會在大約一萬四千呎高處建立營地，那裡位於某座山的頂峰之下，而如果我爬上那座山，就可以清楚地看到埃佛勒斯峰。明天是星期天，將軍已指定這天是休息日，讓腳夫和騾子都有機會恢復力氣，我們之中的某些人則能趕上閱讀進度，或寫信回家給心愛的人。我現在正享受著T ．S ．艾略特的詩<荒原>，不過我也承認，如果有那麼一點點機會可以第一次看到埃佛勒斯峰，我打算明天去爬那座山。我該早點起床，因為尼瑪估計山頂可能高達兩萬一千呎。我並沒有向那位雪巴人領隊坦白，我以前從沒爬到那麼高的地方。 克蕾爾用拇指用力一點位於印度和西藏之間的那條紅色細線，問道：如果爹地沒有獲准越過邊境，會發生什麼事？ 他就只能轉身回家了。她母親說道。 very good.克蕾爾說。 40 揭下面紗的女神 喬治在日出之前溜出營區，背著背包，一手拿著羅盤，另一手拿著冰斧。他自覺就像個躲在腳踏車棚後面偷抽菸的學生。 透過清晨的霧，他只能勉強辨識出聳立面前的那座無名山岳。他估算著，在他有望抵達山腳前至少要花上兩小時。這時他聽見一種不熟悉的聲音，他停下腳步回頭，不過沒看到什麼不尋常的事。 抵達那座山較低的山坡時，他已考慮了幾條不同的攻頂路線。對任何企圖攀爬高山的登山者來說，第一件令人感到刺激的事就是決定採取哪條路線。錯誤的選擇可能會導致災難或者至少改天再來，但喬治沒有改天了。 他剛決定好看似最好的路線時，感覺似乎又聽見那個陌生的聲音了。他回顧身後的山谷，剛才他就是沿著這道山谷接近這座山的。山谷的一部分沐浴在早晨的陽光之中，山岳的陰影則讓其他部分顯得好像還沒清醒，但他還是沒看到什麼奇怪的事物。 喬治仔細檢查他選擇的路線，然後開始朝山腳那佈滿石頭的粗礪地面進攻。接下來一小時，他的進展良好，雖然有幾次都因為障礙物擋住去路而改變方向。 他看見面前的峰頂了，估計一小時內就會到達頂端。這時，他犯下了第一個錯誤。他遇上的一塊岩石，不但擋住去路，而且看起來若是沒有伙伴一起幫忙，不可能過得去。喬治從痛苦經驗中明白，許多登山行程往往是在挫折中結束的，此時他別無選擇，只能回頭找另一條路線。他也知道，如果他必須在日落前回到營地，總會有那麼一刻，當太陽沉入陌生的地平線時，他就不能再冒險和太陽比快了。 這時，他又聽到那個聲音，而且這回更接近了。他一轉身，看見尼瑪走了過來。喬治微笑了，因為這位雪巴人領隊跟著他來而感到受寵若驚。 我們必須回頭，喬治說：然後試著找另一條路線。 no need.尼瑪說。他直接跳上那塊岩石，開始毫不費力地攀爬，當他在那崎嶇不平的表面上移動時，他的手臂和雙腿合作無間。喬治觀察到，這個雪巴人遵循的顯然是他以前走過的路。他在心中揣測，尼瑪是不是以前就見過埃佛勒斯峰。過了一會兒，尼瑪抵達那個障礙物的頂端，喬治能看到的只是召喚他跟上來的一隻手。 喬治依照雪巴人走過的路線前進，抓住一個他先前沒注意到的岩架，因而打開了一條直通巔峰的路。這個簡單的調整替他省下了一小時，也許兩小時，此時，尼瑪變成喬治的登山領隊了。過不了多久，他跟上了雪巴人；在他們攀爬過程中，喬治很清楚地知道，尼瑪對這片土地非常熟悉，因為喬治只能正好跟上他所保持的步調。 抵達峰頂時，他們坐了下來，朝北方眺望，不過一切都掩藏在堤防般的濃厚雲層中了。喬治不情願地接受事實：他今天不會被引見給珠穆朗瑪。他打開背包，拿出一條肯達爾薄荷餅，掰成兩半，遞給尼瑪一塊。這個雪巴人首領直到看見喬治吃了好一陣子後，才肯咬一口。 他們坐在那裡盯著不動的雲看，這時喬治做出了結論，雪巴人尼瑪是理想的登山伙伴有經驗、能隨機應變、勇敢又靜默。他看了一眼手錶，發現如果打算在日落前返回營地，就得快點離開。他起身敲敲他的手錶，然後指向山下。 尼瑪搖搖頭。再過幾分鐘就好，馬洛里先生。 既然事實證明這個雪巴人見解正確，知道他們該走哪條路，喬治決定再坐回去，多等幾分鐘。不過，總有那麼一刻，每個登山者都必須決定所得的回饋是否抵得過所冒的風險。根據喬治的看法，那一刻已經過了。 喬治站起身來，沒等尼瑪動身就開始下山。當他感覺一股微風跟上來時，他應該已走了一百五十呎左右。他轉身看到雲朵慢慢飄散，很快回頭，再度來到山頂上那位沉默的雪巴人身邊，發現珠穆朗瑪就像莎樂美一樣，已經把她的七重紗脫掉了四層。 微風變得更強勁，珠穆朗瑪又拿掉另一層面紗，露出在前景位置的一小片山岳，讓喬治想起法國的阿爾卑斯山脈；隨後，另一層面紗又不見了。他不相信還有其他能超越眼前的美，但接下來又一陣勁風揭開最後一層面紗，證明他錯了。 喬治感動得說不出話。他擡頭盯著世界最高的山峰。埃佛勒斯峰光芒四射的頂峰主宰了整個天際線，讓偉大的喜馬拉雅山的其他山峰，看起來都像幼稚園的遊戲區。 喬治第一次能夠更仔細地研究他的勁敵。在她滿是皺紋的額頭下方，崎嶇的山脊和難以接近的絕壁組成一個尖銳的西藏式鼻子，鼻子下面是寬闊的鼻孔，噴出的風如此猛烈，讓人即使在平坦的地面上也寸步難行。更糟更糟的是，這位女神有兩種面孔。 在她西邊的臉上，顴骨由伸向高空的岩石尖端所構成，遠比喬治想像中敢於高攀的高度還要高得多，東面出現的則是永不融化的一哩長冰層，就算在一年裡最長的白日也是如此。她高貴的頭連接著苗條的頸項，安置在花崗岩構成的肩膀上。從她厚重的軀幹上，伸出兩隻長而柔軟的手臂，延伸出一雙平坦的巨手，那雙手會給你一絲希望，直到你看見她纖細冰冷的十指為止，而其中的一個指甲，正是他們希望建立基地營的地方。 喬治轉身看見尼瑪凝視著珠穆朗瑪，他的恐懼、尊敬和仰慕之情和喬治本身所感覺的一樣。喬治懷疑，如果獨自一人，他們其中之一是否有能力爬到這個巨人的肩膀，更不要說是她堅毅冰冷的臉上。不過，如果兩個人併肩一起，也許 41 來自英國的禮物 在孟買的午夜爭執之後，將軍邀請喬治成為外交使節團的成員之一，前往邊境崗哨遞交國書，這讓喬治大為放心。 遠征隊的十三位成員、三十五名腳夫和四十八匹騾子已安排好過夜的地方，在印度及西藏邊界某條湍急河流旁的一片平地上。喬治與其他隊員在晚餐時享用了將軍的美酒和雪茄，度過歡樂的晚上。 第二天早上五點四十五分，將軍穿著全副戎裝站在喬治的帳篷外，手上拿著一個黑色皮革公事包。雪巴人尼瑪站在他背後一步之遙，穿著傳統式羊毛衣巴庫，還帶著一個黑色的大盒子，盒蓋上印著倫敦帽商洛克氏等字樣。過了一會兒，喬治從帳篷裡爬出來，穿著先前到總督官邸參加接待會時的西裝，繫著他的校友領帶。他陪布魯斯走出營區，前往邊境崗哨。 現在我並不預期會有任何問題，馬洛里，將軍說：不過如果發生任何誤解，把一切都交給我。我以前曾和這些土著打過交道，我知道他們的能耐。 喬治承認將軍有很多了不得的長處，但擔心即將見識到他的弱點之一。 他們抵達邊境崗哨時，喬治大為驚訝。那棟竹子搭建的小屋在濃密矮樹叢的良好掩護下，看起來確實不像歡迎陌生人的地方。再往前走幾步，喬治發現一個士兵，然後又是另一個，老舊的來福槍正對準他們的方向。這些帶著敵意的行為並沒有讓將軍放慢他的腳步如果真要說有什麼改變，那就是他反而加緊腳步了。持平來說，喬治認為他寧願死在山上，也不要死在山腳下。往前又走了幾步後，喬治可以看到西藏邊界的確切位置。沿著整條狹窄小徑延伸的竹籬笆上有個唯一的缺口，還有另外兩個士兵坐在一個用沙袋加固的壕溝裡，他們的來福槍也直接瞄準前進中的英國軍隊。將軍還是無所畏懼，他筆直朝著小屋的木製臺階走去，就像這個邊境崗哨歸他號令一樣。喬治小心翼翼地跟在他後面，尼瑪則落在一步之後。 走進小屋，將軍在一個木頭櫃檯前停了下來。一個年輕下士坐在桌子後面，難以置信地瞪著這三個陌生人，雖然張開了嘴，卻什麼話都沒說。 將軍大聲吼道：我想和你們的指揮官說話。雪巴人尼瑪用輕柔的聲音為他翻譯。 那名下士很快消失在他身後的一個小房間裡，同時還關上門。過了好一段時間，門再度打開，一個臉頰凹陷、看似身經百戰的瘦削男子走了出來，怒視著將軍，就像他的私人領域受到侵略一樣。將軍注意到這位崗哨指揮官只有上尉軍階時，他微笑了。他舉手敬禮，不過那個西藏人並沒有回應，反而直視著雪巴人尼瑪，一邊指著將軍，一邊用母語說：我是帕里地區的宗本（註1）。who is this 註1：宗本為藏語官名音譯。在藏語中，宗為城堡之意，也是過去西藏地方政府的區域行政機構之一，相當於縣，其行政官稱為宗本，每宗一至二人，一九五九年廢除此制。 雪巴人尼瑪翻譯了他的話，不過在問句裡多加上了紳士一詞。將軍回答：我是布魯斯將軍，然後打開公事包，拿出幾張紙，堅定地放在桌子上：這些是官方的許可，授權讓我的人進入帕里宗的管轄區。尼瑪翻譯過將軍的話後，宗本草草瞥了一眼檔案，然後聳聳肩膀。如你所見，將軍說：這些文書有英國外交部長寇森勳爵的簽名。將軍等著雪巴人尼瑪完成他的翻譯，然後宗本丟回問題。 宗本想知道你是不是寇森勳爵。 我當然不是，將軍說：告訴這個傻子，如果他不讓我們立刻通過邊界，我別無選擇，只能 顯然這位西藏指揮官不需要透過翻譯就已經了解將軍的話，因為他的手迅速地伸向槍套裡的手槍。 宗本說，他會讓寇森勳爵通過邊界，但其他人不行。尼瑪翻譯道。 布魯斯一拳搥到桌子上，吼道：這個愚蠢的人不知道我是誰嗎？ 在等待宗本的反應時，喬治低下頭，開始想著回家的漫長路程。他只能期望將軍的話在翻譯過程中會失去原意，但在雪巴人尼瑪翻譯完成前，宗本就從槍套裡拿出了手槍，把槍管指向將軍的前額。 告訴將軍，他可以回家去，指揮官平靜地說：我會命令我的手下，要是看見他再靠近這個邊境崗哨附近，直接開槍。我講得夠清楚了嗎？ 將軍毫不退縮，就算尼瑪把邊境指揮官的話譯完後也一樣。雖然喬治已放棄獲准通過邊界的任何可能性，他還是希望能活著脫身。 我可以說句話嗎，將軍？他悄聲說道。 當然可以，馬洛里。將軍回答。 喬治思索著，他是不是應該管住自己的舌頭，因為這時指揮官的槍指向他的前額了。他直盯著宗本的眼睛。我從我的國家帶了一些代表友誼的禮物到你的國家。 雪巴人尼瑪翻譯後，宗本慢慢放低槍，把槍收回槍套裡，然後把手擱在髖部。我會看看這些禮物。 喬治打開洛克氏盒子，拿出一頂黑色的洪堡帽（註2）遞給宗本。這位指揮官把帽子戴到頭上，看看牆上鏡子裡的自己，第一次露出了微笑。請告訴宗本，寇森勳爵每天早上都戴著洪堡帽去工作，喬治說：就像英國的所有紳士一樣。指揮官聽到這些話後，朝著桌子彎腰，往盒子裡面看。布魯斯將軍彎下腰，拿出另一頂洪堡帽遞給指揮官，指揮官接著把那頂帽子戴在身旁那位年輕下士頭上。這回宗本爆出一陣大笑，然後拎起盒子，離開小屋，開始把剩下的十頂洪堡帽發送給他的衛兵們。 註2：Homburg，譯為洪堡帽或霍姆堡氊帽，是以硬毛呢做成的小禮帽或紳士帽，材質較硬挺，且周圍略微向上摺起，帽頂上有道折痕，帽身飾以緞帶，一九三〇年代蔚為風潮，成為當時英國的新風尚。 當指揮官回到小屋時，他開始比較仔細地研讀將軍的文件。眼見他就要在最後一頁蓋下橡皮圖章了，忽然擡起頭來對將軍微笑，指一指他那免開蓋金錶。將軍想要解釋，那是從父親亞伯戴爾爵爺繼承的錶，不過三思之後改變決定，沒說一句話就把金錶交出去了。喬治覺得鬆了一口氣，幸好那天早上他在忙亂中，忘記戴上露斯在他生日時送他的錶。 宗本這時又注視著布魯斯將軍的厚實皮帶，然後是他的棕色皮鞋，最後是他及膝的羊毛襪。在剝光將軍後，他把注意力轉向喬治，把他的鞋子、襪子和領帶都據為己有。喬治只覺得納悶，宗本能在何時何地打一條溫徹斯特校友領帶？ 最後，宗本微笑著在入境許可的最後一頁蓋了印章，然後把文件交還將軍。布魯斯正要把文件放回公事包裡，這時宗本搖了搖頭。將軍把公事包留在桌上，然後把文件塞進長褲口袋裡。 光著腳的布魯斯用一隻手提著長褲，另一隻手敬禮，這次宗本回了禮。雪巴人尼瑪是唯一一個衣著完整走出小屋的人。 一小時後，探險隊在布魯斯將軍的領導下朝著邊界前進。這時路障已舉了起來，方便讓他們進入帕里宗的行政管轄範圍。 宗本在他的免開蓋金錶看了時間後，對著將軍微笑，還舉起他的洪堡帽說道：歡迎到西藏來，寇森勳爵。 尼瑪沒有翻譯他的話。 42 茫茫未知路 □□□ My dearest Ruth: 越過邊境進入西藏後，我們距離喜馬拉雅山脈愈來愈近了。這道山脈有一千座山峰，它們就像武裝警衛，環繞並保衛著他們的女主人，既不接受當地宗本的權威，也從沒聽說過寇森勳爵。雖然他們的歡迎冷若冰霜，行為舉止也很冷淡，我們仍奮戰不懈。 抵達海拔約一萬七千呎高處並建立基地營後，我們看到將軍展現他最厲害的一面。在幾小時內，僅剩的三十二名腳夫豎起了團隊用的營帳，大小和我們的客廳差不多，這樣一來，我們就能坐下來吃晚餐。在咖啡和白蘭地送上來時，另外十五個帳篷也就位了，這表示我們全部都可以躺在裡面過夜。我所謂的全部，其實不包括腳夫和尼瑪，他們仍露天睡在外面，蜷縮在粗糙的地上，只有石頭為枕。我有時會想，如果想要有任何征服這座要命的大山的可能機會，是不是該和他們一樣睡在外面。 組織當地人時，雪巴人尼瑪以實力證明他是無價之寶，將軍已同意把他的薪餉提高到一星期三十盧比（大約六便士）。抵達埃佛勒斯峰的山坡後，我們更會發現，實際上他是多麼傑出的登山家，這真是再好不過了。芬奇如今也認為他能和我們之中的任何人並駕齊驅。我會再告訴妳後續發展。 今天晚上將軍會正式把指揮權交給我，直到我們開始原路折返，返回英國 （一九二二年，五月四日） 敬國王陛下。將軍舉起他的酒杯說道。 敬國王。團隊裡的其他人回應。 紳士們，你們可以抽菸了。將軍說著，坐下來切掉他的雪茄尾端。 喬治還是站著，和其他隊員一樣。他第二次舉起酒杯。紳士們，他說：敬珠穆朗瑪，地母女神。 將軍迅速地站起身來，和隊友一起舉起酒杯，在此同時，雪巴人朝著山岳方向拜倒在地。 過了一陣子，喬治敲敲他的酒杯，要求大家安靜下來。此時指揮權已交接到他手中了。 紳士們，他說：我想先向布魯斯將軍致謝，感謝他安全護送我們所有人毫髮無傷地抵達此地。而且，先生，引用您說過的話，他轉向將軍，補上這句：我們都強壯而健康。 agree!隊伍中其他人齊聲說著，這種氛圍甚至連芬奇都覺得能夠融入。 喬治打開一張羊皮紙地圖，在面前清出一塊空間，然後把地圖放上去。紳士們，他開始說道：我們現在在這裡。他把手中的咖啡匙握柄指向高度一萬七千五百呎的地方。我們當前的目標，就是前進到這裡，他接著說，並把湯匙朝著山上移動，停在兩萬一千呎處：我希望在這裡建立三號營。如果我們想成功征服珠穆朗瑪，必須沿著不同高度再建立三個營地。四號營應設在大約兩萬三千呎的北口，五號營則會在兩萬五千呎，然後六號營在兩萬七千呎，距離巔峰只有兩千呎。當務之急就是找到一條路，沿著山脊頂點或繞過東北山脊邊緣的路，引領我們到達山頂。 不過就現在而言，他繼續說道：我們必須記得，我們對於眼前會遇到什麼毫無概念。沒有參考書可以查閱，也沒有地圖可以鑽研；沒有坐在英國登山協會酒吧後的老頑固，告訴我們過去光榮凱旋的軼事，不管那是真的還是想像出來的。團隊裡好幾位成員微笑著點頭。因此我們必須找出一條路線，讓我們在未來成為那些老頑固，把我們的知識傳遞給下一代的登山者。他擡頭看著他的團隊。Have any questions? 有，桑莫維爾說：你認為要花多久才能建立三號營？我指的是物資完全存放好、人員已進駐的狀態。 你向來都是最實際的人，喬治帶著微笑說