Page 156 - The Book Thief

Im leaving soon, his friend Walter Kugler told him. You know how it isthe
army.

Im sorry, Walter.

Walter Kugler, Maxs friend from childhood, placed his hand on the Jews
shoulder. It could be worse. He looked his friend in his Jewish eyes. I could be
you.

That was their last meeting. A final package was left in the corner, and this time,
there was a ticket. Walter opened Mein Kampf and slid it inside, next to the map
hed brought with the book itself. Page thirteen. He smiled. For luck, yes?

For luck, and the two of them embraced.

When the door shut, Max opened the book and examined the ticket. Stuttgart to

Munich to Pasing. It left in two days, in the night, just in time to make the last
connection. From there, he would walk. The map was already in his head, folded
in quarters. The key was still taped to the inside cover.

He sat for half an hour before stepping toward the bag and opening it. Apart
from food, a few other items sat inside.

THE EXTRA CONTENTS OF
WALTER KUGLERS GIFT
One small razor.
A spoonthe closest thing to a mirror.
Shaving cream.
A pair of scissors.

When he left it, the storeroom was empty but for the floor.

Goodbye, he whispered.