Page 335 - The Book Thief

Does he know? Liesel thought. Can he smell were hiding a Jew?

Papa came from the sink with a wet cloth and soaked it onto Liesels knee. Does
it sting? His silver eyes were caring and calm. The scare in them could easily be
mistaken as concern for the injury.

Rosa called across the kitchen, It cant sting enough. Maybe it will teach her a
lesson.

The party man stood and laughed. I dont think this girl is learning any lessons
out there, Frau . . . ?

Hubermann. The cardboard contorted.

. . . Frau HubermannI think she teaches lessons. He handed Liesel a smile. To all
those boys. Am I right, young girl?

Papa shoved the cloth into the graze and Liesel winced rather than answered. It
was Hans who spoke. A quiet sorry, to the girl.

There was the discomfort of silence then, and the party man remembered his
purpose. If you dont mind, he explained, I need to inspect your basement, just
for a minute or two, to see if its suitable for a shelter.

Papa gave Liesels knee a final dab. Youll have a nice bruise there, too, Liesel.
Casually, he acknowledged the man above them. Certainly. First door on the
right. Please excuse the mess.

I wouldnt worryit cant be worse than some of the others Ive seen today. . . . This
one?

Thats it.

THE LONGEST THREE MINUTES
IN HUBERMANN HISTORY
Papa sat at the table. Rosa prayed in the corner,
mouthing the words. Liesel was cooked: her knee,
her chest, the muscles in her arms. I doubt any