Page 148 - The Book Thief

Rudy wouldnt be hungry if they played soccer on the street. Or if they took bikes

from his brother and sister and rode to Alex Steiners shop or visited Liesels
papa, if he was working that particular day. Hans Hubermann would sit with
them and tell jokes in the last light of afternoon.

With the arrival of a few hot days, another distraction was learning to swim in
the Amper River. The water was still a little too cold, but they went anyway.

Come on, Rudy coaxed her in. Just here. It isnt so deep here. She couldnt see the
giant hole she was walking into and sank straight to the bottom. Dog-paddling
saved her life, despite nearly choking on the swollen intake of water.

You Saukerl, she accused him when she collapsed onto the riverbank.

Rudy made certain to keep well away. Hed seen what she did to Ludwig
Schmeikl. You can swim now, cant you?

Which didnt particularly cheer her up as she marched away. Her hair was pasted
to the side of her face and snot was flowing from her nose.

He called after her. Does this mean I dont get a kiss for teaching you?

Saukerl!

The nerve of him!

It was inevitable.

The depressing pea soup and Rudys hunger finally drove them to thievery. It
inspired their attachment to an older group of kids who stole from the farmers.

Fruit stealers. After a game of soccer, both Liesel and Rudy learned the benefits
of keeping their eyes open. Sitting on Rudys front step, they noticed Fritz
Hammerone of their older counterpartseating an apple. It was of the Klar variety
ripening in July and Augustand it looked magnificent in his hand. Three or four
more of them clearly bulged in his jacket pockets. They wandered closer.

Where did you get those? Rudy asked.

The boy only grinned at first. Shhh, and he stopped. He then proceeded to pull