Page 151 - The Book Thief

climbed over, running toward the others. Rudy made his way up the closest tree

and started flinging down the apples. Liesel stood below, putting them into the
sack. By the time it was full, there was another problem.

How do we get back over the fence?

The answer came when they noticed Arthur Berg climbing as close to a fence
post as possible. The wires stronger there. Rudy pointed. He threw the sack over,
made Liesel go first, then landed beside her on the other side, among the fruit
that spilled from the bag.

Next to them, the long legs of Arthur Berg stood watching in amusement.

Not bad, landed the voice from above. Not bad at all.

When they made it back to the river, hidden among the trees, he took the sack
and gave Liesel and Rudy a dozen apples between them.

Good work, was his final comment on the matter.

That afternoon, before they returned home, Liesel and Rudy consumed six
apples apiece within half an hour. At first, they entertained thoughts of sharing
the fruit at their respective homes, but there was considerable danger in that.
They didnt particularly relish the opportunity of explaining just where the fruit
had come from. Liesel even thought that perhaps she could get away with only
telling Papa, but she didnt want him thinking that he had a compulsive criminal
on his hands. So she ate.

On the riverbank where she learned to swim, each apple was disposed of.
Unaccustomed to such luxury, they knew it was likely theyd be sick.

They ate anyway.

Saumensch! Mama abused her that night. Why are you vomiting so much?

Maybe its the pea soup, Liesel suggested.

Thats right, Papa echoed. He was over at the window again. It must be. I feel a
bit sick myself.