Page 390 - The Book Thief
P. 390
She wished shed thought of them at the time.
I am stupid, Hans Hubermann told his foster daughter. And kind. Which makes
the biggest idiot in the world. The thing is, I want them to come for me.
Anythings better than this waiting.
Hans Hubermann needed vindication. He needed to know that Max Vandenburg
had left his house for good reason.
Finally, after nearly three weeks of waiting, he thought his moment had come.
It was late.
Liesel was returning from Frau Holtzapfels when she saw the two men in their
long black coats, and she ran inside.
Papa, Papa! She nearly wiped out the kitchen table. Papa, theyre here!
Mama came first. Whats all this shouting about, Saumensch ? Whos here?
The Gestapo.
Hansi!
He was already there, and he walked out of the house to greet them. Liesel
wanted to join him, but Rosa held her back and they watched from the window.
Papa was poised at the front gate. He fidgeted.
Mama tightened her grip on Liesels arms.
The men walked past.
Papa looked back at the window, alarmed, then made his way out of the gate. He
called after them. Hey! Im right here. Its me you want. I live in this one.
The coat men only stopped momentarily and checked their notebooks. No, no,
they told him. Their voices were deep and bulky. Unfortunately, youre a little
old for our purposes.
