It was terrifying to stand erect on a knife-edge ridge, with a sheer drop on either side. I had to dig my ice-axe deep and secure myself by attaching the waist-strap to the ice-axe head.There was some tricky climbing between the South Summit and what is popularly known as Hillary’s Step. Ang Dorjee and Lhatoo were already over it, but I was still negotiating its vertical face when Ang Dorjee gesticulated towards s the top. I was thrilled. The goal was near.With renewed vigour I was on top of step in seconds. The sun had made the snow Soft’ and clihibing was easier here than it had been earlier. We trudged (walked slowly with heavy steps because of tiredness) in the heavy powder snow for some time.Then the gradient (slope) started easing off noticeably. A few steps later I saw that after only a couple of metres there was no upward climb. The slope plunged steeply down.1) How did Bachendri secure herself?(2) What is known as Hillary’s Step ?(3) When was Bachendri thrilled?(4) What does Bachendri mean by ‘The slope plunged steeply down.’(5) Pick out from the text the words with similar meanings to :(i) energy(ii) clearly