Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Read Free Book Online

suspicious.”
    Mama reached over quickly and took Ellen’s hand. “You have beautiful hair, Ellen, just like your mama’s,” she said. “Don’t ever be sorry for that. Weren’t we lucky that Papa thought so quickly and found the pictures? And weren’t we lucky that Lise had dark hair when she was a baby? It turned blond later on, when she was two or so.”
    â€œIn between,” Papa added, “she was bald for a while!”
    Ellen and Annemarie both smiled tentatively. For a moment their fear was eased.
    Tonight was the first time, Annemarie realized suddenly, that Mama and Papa had spoken of Lise. The first time in three years.
    Outside, the sky was beginning to lighten. Mrs. Johansen went to the kitchen and began to make tea.
    â€œI’ve never been up so early before,” Annemarie said. “Ellen and I will probably fall asleep in school today!”
    Papa rubbed his chin for a moment, thinking. “I think we must not take the risk of sending you to school today,” he said. “It is possible that they will look for the Jewish children in the schools.”
    â€œNot go to school?” Ellen asked in amazement. “My parents have always told me that education is the most important thing. Whatever happens, I must get an education.”
    â€œThis will only be a vacation, Ellen. For now, your safety is the most important thing. I’m sure your parents would agree. Inge?” Papa called Mama in the kitchen, and she came to the doorway with a teacup in her hand and a questioning look on her face.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œWe must take the girls to Henrik’s. You remember what Peter told us. I think today is the day to go to your brother’s.”
    Mrs. Johansen nodded. “I think you are right. But I will take them. You must stay here.”
    â€œStay here and let you go alone? Of course not. I wouldn’t send you on a dangerous trip alone.”
    Mama put a hand on Papa’s arm. “If only I go with the girls, it will be safer. They are unlikely to suspect a woman and her children. But if they are watching us—if they see all of us leave? If they are aware that the apartment is empty, that you don’t go to your office this morning? Then they will know. Then it will be dangerous. I am not afraid to go alone.”
    It was very seldom that Mama disagreed with Papa. Annemarie watched his face and knew that he was struggling with the decision. Finally he nodded, reluctantly.
    â€œI will pack some things,” Mama said. “What time is it?”
    Papa looked at his watch. “Almost five,” he said.
    â€œHenrik will still be there. He leaves around five. Why don’t you call him?”
    Papa went to the telephone. Ellen looked puzzled. “Who is Henrik? Where does he go at five in the morning?” she asked.
    Annemarie laughed. “He’s my uncle—my mother’s brother. And he’s a fisherman. They leave very early, all the fishermen, each morning—their boats go out at sunrise.
    â€œOh, Ellen,” she went on. “You will love it there. It is where my grandparents lived, where Mama and Uncle Henrik grew up. It is so beautiful—right on the water. You can stand at the edge of the meadow and look across to Sweden!”
    She listened while Papa spoke on the telephone to Uncle Henrik, telling him that Mama and the children were coming for a visit. Ellen had gone into the bathroom and closed the door; Mama was still in the kitchen. So only Annemarie was listening.
    It was a very puzzling conversation.
    â€œSo, Henrik, is the weather good for fishing?” Papa asked cheerfully, and listened briefly.
    Then he continued, “I’m sending Inge to you today with the children, and she will be bringing you a carton of cigarettes.
    â€œYes, just one,” he said, after a moment. Annemarie couldn’t hear Uncle Henrik’s words. “But there are a lot of cigarettes