George smiled. Perhaps he’d misjudged the man.
“Can I confirm,” said Hinks, “that you were educated at Winchester?”
“Yes, I was,” said George, wondering once again what possible relevance the question might have.
“And from there you went up to Magdalene College, Cambridge, to read history?”
“Yes,” repeated George. He was tempted to add, “But I had to climb the college wall to make sure they offered me a place,” but somehow he managed to hold his tongue.
“And you graduated with an honors degree before taking up a teaching post at Charterhouse?”
“That is correct,” said George, still unsure where this could possibly be leading.
“And although as a schoolmaster you were exempt from serving in the armed forces, you nevertheless volunteered and were commissioned as an officer in the Royal Artillery, seeing action on the Western Front?”
“Yes,” said George. He glanced at Young in the hope of guidance, only to find that he looked equally bemused.
“And after the war you returned to Charterhouse to become the senior history master.”
George nodded, but said nothing.
“That’s all I needed to know. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
George once again glanced at Young, but he just shrugged his shoulders.
“Are there any more questions for Mr. Mallory?” asked Sir Francis. “Or can we let him go?”
The man with the cigar raised his hand. “Yes, Mr. Raeburn?” said Younghusband.
“If you were selected as climbing leader for this expedition, Mallory, would you be willing to purchase your own equipment?”
“I’m sure I could manage that,” said George after a moment’s hesitation.
“And would you also be able to pay for your passage to India?” inquired Ashcroft.
George hesitated, because he couldn’t be sure to what extent his father-in-law would be willing to assist him. He eventually said, “I would hope so.”
“Good show, Mallory,” said Sir Francis. “Now, all that’s left for me to do is thank you on behalf of the…” Hinks furiously scribbled a note, which he thrust under Younghusband’s nose. “Ah, yes,” Sir Francis said. “If you were to be selected, would you be prepared to undergo a medical examination?”
“Of course, Sir Francis,” said George.
“Capital,” said the chairman. “The commi
ttee will be in touch with you in the near future, to let you know our decision.”
George rose from his place, still slightly bemused, and left the room without another word. When the porter had closed the door behind him, George said, “It was even worse than you predicted.”
“I did warn you,” said Finch.
“Just be sure you don’t say anything you’ll regret, George.”
Finch always knew Mallory was serious when he addressed him by his Christian name.
“What can you possibly mean, old chap?” he asked.
“Humor them, don’t lose your temper. Try to remember that it’s going to be you and me standing at 27,000 feet preparing for the final climb, while that lot will be back in their clubs, sitting in front of a log fire, and enjoying a glass of brandy.”
“What a splendid fellow,” Hinks said.