Chapter 14, First of All Men Summary

The men pack enough provisions for two nights on the mountain if necessary. They stay up late into the evening discussing strategy. Well before dawn the next morning, four depart for the summit, while five remain at the hut. The plan is for three of the remaining men to follow the main climbers the next day in case assistance is needed getting down. Teo is to stay at the hut to prepare food, and the last man leaves for town to explain what is going on. Franz tells the man to explain to Frau Matt that Rudi is safe in the cabin so she won't worry. While packing, Saxo makes a point to ridicule Rudi's old climbing pole. He attempts to take it, but Rudi holds his ground. Uncle Franz warns that it will get...