Page 459 - The Book Thief

And the teddy bear?

It belonged to Anna-Marie Steiner and was no bigger than one of Liesels books.
The fur was shaggy and worn. The eyes and ears had been sewn back on
repeatedly, but it was friendly looking nonetheless.

That, answered Rudy, is the one masterstroke. Thats if a kid walks in while Im
inside. Ill give it to them to calm them down.

And what do you plan to steal?

He shrugged. Money, food, jewelry. Whatever I can get my hands on. It sounded
simple enough.

It wasnt until fifteen minutes later, when Liesel watched the sudden silence on
his face, that she realized Rudy Steiner wasnt stealing anything. The
commitment had disappeared, and although he still watched the imagined glory

of stealing, she could see that now he was not believing it. He was trying to
believe it, and thats never a good sign. His criminal greatness was unfurling
before his eyes, and as the footsteps slowed and they watched the houses, Liesels
relief was pure and sad inside her.

It was Gelb Strasse.

On the whole, the houses sat dark and huge.

Rudy took off his shoes and held them with his left hand. He held the toolkit
with his right.

Between the clouds, there was a moon. Perhaps a mile of light.

What am I waiting for? he asked, but Liesel didnt reply. Again, Rudy opened his
mouth, but without any words. He placed the toolbox on the ground and sat on it.

His socks grew cold and wet.

Lucky theres another pair in the toolbox, Liesel suggested, and she could see
him trying not to laugh, despite himself.