Page 295 - The Book Thief

This is between us. Rudy tried to reason with him. It has nothing to do with her.

Come on, give it back.

The Whistler. He addressed Liesel now. Any good?

She cleared her throat. Not bad. Unfortunately, she gave herself away. In the
eyes. They were agitated. She knew the exact moment when Viktor Chemmel
established that the book was a prize possession.

Ill tell you what, he said. For fifty marks, you can have it back.

Fifty marks! That was Andy Schmeikl. Come on, Viktor, you could buy a
thousand books for that.

Did I ask you to speak?

Andy kept quiet. His mouth seemed to swing shut.

Liesel tried a poker face. You can keep it, then. Ive already read it.

What happens at the end?

Damn it!

She hadnt gotten that far yet.

She hesitated, and Viktor Chemmel deciphered it instantly.

Rudy rushed at him now. Come on, Viktor, dont do this to her. Its me youre
after. Ill do anything you want.

The older boy only swatted him away, the book held aloft. And he corrected
him.

No, he said. Ill do anything I want, and he proceeded to the river. Everyone
followed, at catch-up speed. Half walk, half run. Some protested. Some urged
him on.

It was so quick, and relaxed. There was a question, and a mocking, friendly