Page 339 - The Book Thief

wouldnt hear. I dont steal from my papa.

But you steal from certain other places.

Talk a bit louder, why dont you.

Rudy schmunzeled. See what stealing does? Youre all worried.

Like youve never stolen anything.

Yes, but you reek of it. Rudy was really warming up now. Maybe thats not
cigarette smoke after all. He leaned closer and smiled. Its a criminal I can smell.
You should have a bath. He shouted back to Tommy Mller. Hey, Tommy, you
should come and have a smell of this!

What did you say? Trust Tommy. I cant hear you!

Rudy shook his head in Liesels direction. Useless.

She started shutting the door. Get lost, Saukerl, youre the last thing I need right
now.

Very pleased with himself, Rudy made his way back to the street. At the
mailbox, he seemed to remember what hed wanted to verify all along. He came
back a few steps. Alles gut, Saumensch? The injury, I mean.

It was June. It was Germany.

Things were on the verge of decay.

Liesel was unaware of this. For her, the Jew in her basement had not been
revealed. Her foster parents were not taken away, and she herself had
contributed greatly to both of these accomplishments.

Everythings good, she said, and she was not talking about a soccer injury of any
description.

She was fine.