Page 316 - The Book Thief

FRESH AIR, AN OLD NIGHTMARE, AND WHAT TO
DO WITH A JEWISH CORPSE

They were by the Amper River and Liesel had just told Rudy that she was
interested in attaining another book from the mayors house. In place of The
Whistler, shed read The Standover Man several times at Maxs bedside. That was
only a few minutes per reading. Shed also tried The Shoulder Shrug, even The
Grave Diggers Handbook,but none of it seemed quite right. I want something
new, she thought.

Did you even read the last one?

Of course I did.

Rudy threw a stone into the water. Was it any good?

Of course it was.

Of course I did, of course it was. He tried to dig another rock out of the ground
but cut his finger.

Thatll teach you.

Saumensch.

When a persons last response was Saumensch or Saukerl or Arschloch, you
knew you had them beaten.

In terms of stealing, conditions were perfect. It was a gloomy afternoon early in
March and only a few degrees above freezingalways more uncomfortable than
ten degrees below. Very few people were out on the streets. Rain like gray pencil
shavings.

Are we going?

Bikes, said Rudy. You can use one of ours.