Page 165 - Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

"We were working," Shifre begged, her words tum-
bling out in a rush. "And we are healthy. We are healthy
hard workers. You never take healthy hard workers. It
is one of the rules. Neven"
The, guard smiled again. "Since Commandant Breuer
makes the rules, I guess he can change the rules. But
why are you worrying so, Liebchen? I only need three.
Perhaps I won't take you." He looked over the girls
slowly, the smile still on his face. "I'll take you. You
are the least healthy." He pointed to Esther, who almost
fell forward in front of him, as if someone had suddenly
kicked her in the back of the knees.
Shifre drew in a great, loud breath and closed her
eyes.
"And you," he said, playfully putting his finger on
Shifre's nose, almost as if he were flirting with her,
"because you protest too much after all. And . . .
and . . ."
Hannah let out her breath as slowly as she dared.
She did nothing to call attention to herself. To stay alive
one more day, one more hour, one more minute, that
was all any of them thought of. It was all they could
hope for. Rivka was right. What she had was not a
memory but a dream.
" . . . and you, with the babushka, like a little old
lady. I'll take you, too." He pointed to Rivka, winked
at Hannah, then turned and marched smartly toward
the gate, confident that the chosen girls would follow.
Rivka gave Hannah a quick hug. "Who will remem-
ber for you now?" she whispered.

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