Page 263 - The Book Thief

Franz Deutscherthe irate Hitler Youth leader.

Rudys inability to stay out of things.

If only Tommy Mller hadnt disappeared for seven hours on one of the coldest
days in Munichs history, six years earlier. His ear infections and nerve damage
were still contorting the marching pattern at the Hitler Youth, which, I can
assure you, was not a positive thing.

To begin with, the downward slide of momentum was gradual, but as the months
progressed, Tommy was consistently gathering the ire of the Hitler Youth
leaders, especially when it came to the marching. Remember Hitlers birthday the
previous year? For some time, the ear infections were getting worse. They had
reached the point where Tommy had genuine problems hearing. He could not
make out the commands that were shouted at the group as they marched in line.
It didnt matter if it was in the hall or outside, in the snow or the mud or the slits

of rain.

The goal was always to have everyone stop at the same time.

One click! they were told. Thats all the Fhrer wants to hear. Everyone united.
Everyone together as one!

Then Tommy.

It was his left ear, I think. That was the most troublesome of the two, and when
the bitter cry of Halt! wet the ears of everybody else, Tommy marched comically
and obliviously on. He could transform a marching line into a dogs breakfast in
the blink of an eye.

On one particular Saturday, at the beginning of July, just after three-thirty and a
litany of Tommy-inspired failed marching attempts, Franz Deutscher (the
ultimate name for the ultimate teenage Nazi) was completely fed up.

Mller, du A fe! His thick blond hair massaged his head and his words
manipulated Tommys face. You apewhats wrong with you?

Tommy slouched fearfully back, but his left cheek still managed to twitch in a