Mr. Hinks, with the help of a mechanical aid known as an airplane.”
Young tried not to smile, although he was no longer in any doubt who the committee would select as climbing leader.
“Be that as it may,” said Hinks, “we at the RGS-”
“Forgive me for interrupting you, Mr. Hinks, but I was under the impression that I was being interviewed by the Everest Committee,” said Finch. “As the Society’s secretary, you signed a minute to that effect.”
“Be that as it may,” repeated Hinks, trying to compose himself, “perhaps you would be kind enough to answer my question.”
Young considered intervening, but remained silent, confident that Finch could handle himself just as well in a committee room as he did on a mountain.
“I was born in Australia, but I was educated in Zurich,” said Finch, “and attended the University of Geneva.”
Ashcroft leaned across the table and whispered to Raeburn, “I had no idea that Geneva had a university. I thought it was just full of banks.”
“And cuckoo clocks,” said Raeburn.
“And what is your profession?” asked Hinks.
“I’m a chemist,” replied Finch. “Which is how I know about the significance of oxygen at high altitude.”
“I always thought chemistry was a hobby,” said Ashcroft, this time loud enough to be heard, “not a profession.”
“Only for children, Commander Ashcroft,” said Finch, looking him straight in the eye.
“And are you a married man, Finch?” asked Raeburn, flicking some ash off the end of his cigar.
“I am a widower,” said Finch, a reply which took Young by surprise.
Hinks scribbled a question mark against
“And do you have any children?” asked Ashcroft.
“Yes, one son, Peter.”
“Tell me, Finch,” said Raeburn, clipping the end off another cigar, “if you were selected for this important role, would you be willing to pay for your own equipment?”
“Only if I had to,” said Finch. “I am aware that the committee has launched an appeal to raise funds for this expedition, and I assumed that some of that money would be used to equip the climbers.”
“And what about your travel expenses?” pressed Ashcroft.
“Out of the question,” replied Finch. “If I were to take part in the expedition I would be out of work for at least six months, and although I don’t expect any financial recompense for loss of earnings, I see no reason why I should also have to cover my own expenses.”
“So you wouldn’t describe yourself as an amateur, old chap?” said Ashcroft.
“No, sir, I would not. I’m a professional in everything I do.”
“Are you indeed?” said Ashcroft.
“I don’t think we need detain Mr. Finch any longer, gentlemen?” suggested Sir Francis, looking around the table.
“I have some further questions for Mr. Finch,” said Young, unable to maintain his silence any longer.
“But surely you know everything you need to know about Mr. Finch.” said Hinks. “You’ve known this candidate for years.”
“I have indeed, but the rest of the committee has not, and I suspect they might find Mr. Finch’s answers to my questions illuminating. Mr. Finch,” said Young, turning to face the candidate, “have you ever climbed Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe?”
“On seven occasions,” replied Finch.
“And the Matterhorn?”
“Three times.”
“And any of the other major peaks in the Alps?”
“All of them. I climb in the Alps every year.”
“And what about the highest mountains in the British Isles?”
“I gave them up before I was out of short trousers.”
“This is all on the record, Mr. Chairman,” said Hinks.
“For those who’ve taken the trouble to read it,” retorted Young, un-perturbed. “Can I confirm, Mr. Finch, that after completing your education in Geneva, you took up a place as an undergraduate at Imperial College, London?”
“That is correct,” confirmed Finch.
“And what subject did you read?”
“Chemistry,” replied Finch, having decided to play along with Young’s little ruse.
“What class of degree did that august establishment award you?”
“A first-class honors degree,” said Finch, smiling for the first time.
“And did you remain at London University after you had graduated?” asked Young.
“Yes, I did,” said Finch. “I joined the staff as a lecturer in chemistry.”
“And did you remain in that position after the war broke out, Mr. Finch, or did you, like Mr. Mallory, enlist in the armed forces?”
“I enlisted in the army in August 1914, a few days after war was declared.”
“And in which branch of the army did you serve?” asked Young.
“As a chemist,” replied Finch, looking directly at Ashcroft, “I felt my expertise could be put to good use by volunteering for the bomb disposal squad.”
“Bomb disposal squad,” said Young, emphasizing all three words. “Can you elaborate?”
“Certainly, Mr. Young. The War Office was looking for men to defuse unexploded bombs. Quite fun really.”
“So you never saw action on the front line?” said Hinks.
“No, Mr. Hinks, I did not. I found that German bombs had a tendency to fall on our side of the line, not theirs.”
“And were you ever decorated?” asked Hinks, leafing through his notes.
Young smiled. The first mistake Hinks had made.
“I was awarded the MBE,” said Finch matter-of-factly.
“Good show,” said Bruce. “That’s not something they give out with the rations.”
“I see no mention of this decoration in your records,” blustered Hinks, trying to recover.
“Perhaps that’s because I didn’t feel one’s place of birth, educational qualifications, and marital status had much to do with attempting to climb the highest mountain on earth.”
Hinks was silenced for the first time.
“Well, if there are no more questions,” said Sir Francis, “allow me to thank Mr. Finch for attending this meeting.” He hesitated before adding, “Someone will be in touch with you in the near future.”
Finch rose from his place, nodded to Young, and was just about to leave when Hinks said, “Just one more question. Can I confirm that, like Mr. Mallory, you would be willing to undergo a medical examination?”
“Of course I would,” said Finch, and left the room without another word.
“Rum sort of fellow, don’t you think?” said Raeburn once the porter had closed the door.
“But surely there can be no doubting his ability as an alpine climber,” said Young.
Hinks smiled. “No doubt you’re right, Young, but we at the RGS have always been wary of
“Don’t you think that’s a little rough, Hinks?” said Sir Francis. “Considering the chap’s war record.” Turning to Bruce, he asked, “You’ve led men into battle, General. What did you make of the fellow?”
“I’d prefer to have him on my side rather than the enemy’s, that’s for sure,” said Bruce. “Given a fair wind, I think I could knock him into shape.”
“What do we do next?” asked Sir Francis, turning back to Hinks for guidance.
“The members should now proceed to vote on their choice for climbing leader, Mr. Chairman. For the convenience of the committee I’ve had ballot papers prepared, on which members may place a cross beside the name of their preferred candidate.” Hinks handed a slip of paper to each member of the committee. “Once you’ve made your choice, please return your ballot papers to me.”
