Page 338 - The Book Thief
P. 338
THE SCHMUNZELER
Minutes later, a second knocker was at the door.
Good Lord, another one!
Worry resumed immediately.
Max was covered up.
Rosa trudged up the basement steps, but when she opened the door this time, it
was not the Nazis. It was none other than Rudy Steiner. He stood there, yellow-
haired and good-intentioned. I just came to see how Liesel is.
When she heard his voice, Liesel started making her way up the steps. I can deal
with this one.
Her boyfriend, Papa mentioned to the paint cans. He blew another mouthful of
smoke.
He is not my boyfriend, Liesel countered, but she was not irritated. It was
impossible after such a close call. Im only going up because Mama will be
yelling out any second.
Liesel!
She was on the fifth step. See?
When she reached the door, Rudy moved from foot to foot. I just came to see He
stopped. Whats that smell? He sniffed. Have you been smoking in there?
Oh. I was sitting with Papa.
Do you have any cigarettes? Maybe we can sell some.
Liesel wasnt in the mood for this. She spoke quietly enough so that Mama
