The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne Quotes

“You kill, you lie, you rob, you hit old men and steal their boots. I only thank God you draw the line at swearing - it would have been just too dreadful otherwise.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“You speak with eerie calm, but your face promises violence. I feel a little frightened.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“What was it about Albert? He seemed to live almost entirely in the present, able to cut himself off from the unpleasantness of the past and the perils of even the most imminent future. Sure, it kept him in more or less constant danger of death, but it was not the least of his talents. Scarlett, on whom certain aspects of the past weighed heavily, found that she envied it greatly.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“Change couldn't be stopped, it couldn't be controlled. Sure as the debris brought in on the ceaseless tides, it would go on unendingly, for better or for worse.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“What’s not to like for a boy who’s running from the world? I’d say you’re nicely sorted now.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“She straightened, looked at Albert. There was a touch of that old serenity about him, the calmness he exuded despite it all.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“As their conversation had ebbed, it left anxieties strewn behind it, scattered like pebbles in his mind.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“This was what she liked — a clear, straightforward objective, a simple danger to be faced down. But more than that, she had a sense that things were going her way. She had a bulging sack of banknotes, a head start on her enemies, a gun in hand, and the wilderness up ahead. Life was good again, and the sun was shining too.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“And it was easy to believe her, standing beside him like that — her hair tied back from her face, her skin shining so, all brisk and sure and confident. And with her thoughts gleaming above her, as bright and effervescent as he'd ever seen them. Showing how she would scale the wall, break in, come down to fetch him... Scarlett's belief in her talents was absolute. It made Albert believe her too.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“And what about you, Scarlett? You’ve heard lots about me now. What’s your story? Take a chip and tell me all.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“In Swindon, if you pick your nose in public, they lock you in the can.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“I see. Yes, you kill, you lie, you rob, you hit old men and steal their boats. I only thanks the gods you draw the line at swearing — it would have been just too dreadful otherwise.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“But she has little experience of helpless-looking boys.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“And don't bump the backpack. It's got gelignite in it. If it goes off, your head'll shoot over the rooftops and ping between the chimneys.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“I'm sure there are wolves around. Savage ones. They'll be drawn by the scent. You'll open the window and find me gone. Just my trainers left, with my little feet inside them.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“Breathing hard between her teeth, she swung the torch around. Where was Albert? Lying on his back by the steps, with his legs wavering in the air. It was typical of him.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“His features were blunt and brutish, as if drawn at speed by an untalented child.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“A stick-thin creature, hagged and bloody-mouthed. A vision of hatred and raving hunger. A monstrosity, a parody of a human.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“Some nights last forever; others run past like water through the fingers.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“Stop moaning”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“Yes, an Unforeseen Event might be any one of the following: (a) a dead whale; (b) a quantity of wood, coal or other combustible substance; (c) a sighting of a shark or kraken; (d) a piece of useable flotsam; or (e) an attack by enemy Archipelagans." The tall man sniffed, wiped his nose amid the voluminous folds of his sleeve. "You fall into category (d)."
"I'm a 'piece of useable flotsam'?"
"Better than being a dead whale, love.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“Your behaviour surprises me. What next? Are you going to kick him while he's down? Why not rob the fellow too?"
There was a pause. "You know," Scarlett said slowly, "that last one is an excellent idea.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“Sorry, what was your question again?"
Scarlett glared at him. "I've forgotten myself, it was so long ago. I asked whether you could walk. At least we know your jaw's operating fine.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne

“She tipped her prayed mat from its tube and unrolled it on the ground. Sitting cross-legged on it, she tried to meditate. No luck, not with four corpses staring at her, and a knife wound throbbing in her arm. A girl couldn't concentrate in those conditions.”
― Jonathan Stroud, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne