Chapter 9, The Challenge Summary

Earlier that day, Franz returns from a climb on the Felsburg. He enters the Edelweiss Tavern and quickly hears rumors that Captain Winter is attempting to climb the Citadel. A man who has returned from Broli reports the news, as well as the fact that Saxo is acting as Captain Winter's guide. Franz is hurt, and the men take turns savaging Winter and Saxo's names and the mountain itself. Then Frau Matt enters, looking for Rudi. Franz suddenly realizes what has happened and reassures his sister that Rudi only went to the hut on the glacier.

Teo reports that he has seen three climbers above the Blue Glacier through his telescope. The men debate the identity of the third man, but Franz knows who it is. The local guides are shocked when they discover it is Rudi. Teo raises...