Page 150 - The Book Thief

Clearly, said Arthur, youre an idiotbut youre our kind of idiot. Come on.

They were in.

When they reached the farm, Liesel and Rudy were thrown a sack. Arthur Berg
gripped his own burlap bag. He ran a hand through his mild strands of hair.
Either of you ever stolen before?

Of course, Rudy certified. All the time. He was not very convincing.

Liesel was more specific. Ive stolen two books, at which Arthur laughed, in three
short snorts. His pimples shifted position.

You cant eat books, sweetheart.

From there, they all examined the apple trees, who stood in long, twisted rows.
Arthur Berg gave the orders. One, he said. Dont get caught on the fence. You get

caught on the fence, you get left behind. Understood? Everyone nodded or said
yes. Two. One in the tree, one below. Someone has to collect. He rubbed his
hands together. He was enjoying this. Three. If you see someone coming, you
call out loud enough to wake the deadand we all run. Richtig?

Richtig. It was a chorus.

TWO DEBUTANTAPPLE THIEVES,
WHISPERING
Lieselare you sure? Do you still want to do this?
Look at the barbed wire, Rudy. Its so high.
No, no, look, you throw the sack on. See? Like them.
All right.
Come on then!
I cant! Hesitation. Rudy, I

Move it, Saumensch !

He pushed her toward the fence, threw the empty sack on the wire, and they