Chapter 4, Trial - Summary

Rudi dreams of climbing the Citadel and then takes his father's red flannel shirt out of a drawer. He studies it for some time before going to the hotel. After finishing his dishes early, he receives a note to visit the mountaineering shop in town. Teo is delighted and sends him out early. Rudi is very excited that Captain Winter has bought climbing supplies for him. He proudly picks up a pair of boots, a knapsack and an ice-ax. Rudi has never owned real equipment before. He breaks in the boots on the way home and shows the gifts to his mother. She expresses excitement, but she is sad because he will only be using them once.

Franz and Rudi meet up with Captain Winter at the hotel, and the men check their gear. Some men call out as...