26. "The Whistler" is a book stolen from Ilsa Hermann's library. When cold and cruel Viktor Chemmel tosses it into the river, who dives in to rescue it?
From Quiz Books of "The Book Thief"
Answer:
Rudy Steiner
Rudy Steiner is Liesel's best friend, but he is also a bit in love with her. Always loyal, always headstrong, he comes from a large family, rich in love but poor in wealth. He lives in the rented house next door to Liesel and gets to know her when playing soccer in the street, and from school. They are kindred spirits and take to each other right away, which is probably why they develop a childhood attraction to one another.
Since they are poor and looking for ways to find food, they join a gang who steal things from neighbouring farms. The next year, the leader of the gang changes. The new leader, Viktor Chemmel, is unusually cruel and mean to both Rudy and Liesel. The two leave the gang, but not before Rudy insults Viktor, who vows to get Rudy back one day. Later, when the two run into the older boy, he takes Liesel's book and tosses it into the river. Rudy, ever-loyal, jumps into the river to save it.