Page 163 - The Book Thief

their sack.

The problem showed up as they made their getaway.

Christ! shouted Arthur. The farmer! It was his next word, however, that
frightened. He called it out as if hed already been attacked with it. His mouth
ripped open. The word flew out, and the word was ax.

Sure enough, when they turned around, the farmer was running at them, the
weapon held aloft.

The whole group ran for the fence line and made their way over. Rudy, who was
farthest away, caught up quickly, but not quickly enough to avoid being last. As
he pulled his leg up, he became entangled.

Hey!

The sound of the stranded.

The group stopped.

Instinctively, Liesel ran back.

Hurry up! Arthur called out. His voice was far away, as if hed swallowed it
before it exited his mouth.

White sky.

The others ran.

Liesel arrived and started pulling at the fabric of his pants. Rudys eyes were
opened wide with fear. Quick, he said, hes coming.

Far off, they could still hear the sound of deserting feet when an extra hand
grabbed the wire and reefed it away from Rudy Steiners pants. A piece was left
on the metallic knot, but the boy was able to escape.

Now move it, Arthur advised them, not long before the farmer arrived, swearing
and struggling for breath. The ax held on now, with force, to his leg. He called