There was much trouble during our last sleep. Soon after sleep had come,
a terrible cry awoke us again. My mind first had the thought that the
lamps had gone out and the Groles had come. But both lamps were still
burning, and near one of them, we could see Bruno and Theodor struggling
together on the floor of the passage. Bruno's hands were around
Theodor's throat, and Theodor was no longer able to make any sounds.
Bruno is terribly strong, and Ralf and I and Doctor Dorn had to use all
of our own strength to force his hands away. Doctor Dorn asked Bruno why
he had done this, and Bruno pointed to where his shoulder pack was lying
open, and said, "He was stealing." These were the only words he had said
for a long time. When Theodor stopped choking and was able to speak
again, Doctor Dorn asked him if what Bruno had said was true. Theodor
said no, and Doctor Dorn said he should look directly into his eyes and
answer again. Theodor said he was sleepy and his throat hurt and he
didn't want to talk any more. Doctor Dorn gave a big sigh, and said he
understood. He said Theodor must promise never to steal again. If he
didn't promise, or if he broke his promise, then perhaps the next time
Bruno tried to kill him, we might not hear him in time. Theodor became
very frightened, and said all right, he promised.
When we were going back to sleep, Nina told me she had wondered why
Theodor slept each time near someone else. He had probably thought by
taking a little from each one of us, his stealing would not be noticed.
* * * * *