one of the Ladakhis was “apparently close to death, the other crouching in the snow. No words were passed. No water, food or oxygen exchanged hands. The Japanese moved on and 160 feet farther along they rested and changed oxygen cylinders.” Hanada told Cowper, “We didn’t know them. No, we didn’t give them any water. We didn’t talk to them. They had severe high-altitude sickness. They looked as if they were dangerous.” Shigekawa explained, “We were too tired to help. Above 8,000 meters is not a place where people can afford morality.” Turning their backs on Smanla and Morup, the Japanese team
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