May 09, 1955

Part Iii: The Great Endeavor

PART III: In which Tenzing, ill after two attempts on Everest within a year, makes the most momentous decision of his life; and of his climb with Edmund Hillary; and of what transpired in those last few feet before the summit; and of his thoughts as he stood at last triumphant on the highest peak in the world

"Still ah chah?"

"No, not ah chah. Toi ye!—Damn it!"—(always with a big spit). "My load is crooked."

"Kai chai na. It doesn't matter."

"Toi ye!" (with a spit)—"It does matter. I must stop."

"Ap ke hukam. Have it your own way. Here, I'll help you.... Is it ah chah now?"

"Yes, ah chah. Thuji chey. Thank you."

"Let's get going then. But husiar! It gets steep here."

"Too steep. Toi ye!"

Then more spitting. More climbing. More glacier and moraine, and at last the next camp.

"Shabash! Well done! We made it."