How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I am sure your diligence will be well rewarded," Snatcher said with a smirk to the Chief Squeaker. "I will arrange for some 'paperwork' to be delivered to you later." (28.57)
Did Snatcher just imply that he was bribing the police to do what he says? Yeah, it looks like it, and he wasn't very subtle about it either. Sigh. We're not exactly sure how the chain of command works in Ratbridge, but who do you complain to if you believe that the police are taking bribes?
Quote #8
The two guards approached the boxes. One of them rubbed his chin and looked about. "I am rather partial to sweets… Do you think anyone is going to miss one of these boxes?" (35.15-16)
Jeez, is there anyone in authority in Ratbridge who isn't totally corrupt? First the police, now the town guards. And not only are they corrupt, they're kind of dumb, too. Just because some boxes are sitting outside a sweet shop doesn't mean that they actually contain sweets. In this case, they contain boxtrolls, and humans and rats in boxtroll disguises, which doesn't sound tasty at all if you ask us.
Quote #9
"I knew I would never be safe aboveground again unless I could find you as a witness to the truth." (39.55)
Grandfather is telling the story of his framing and escape to Herbert (to jog his memory, since he was there but was poisoned immediately after) and to Arthur (who is hearing this for the first time). We've complained about Ratbridge's legal system before, and it seems like it wasn't any better in the past than in the present. After all, Grandfather was accused of a crime he didn't commit, but he had to live his life in hiding since he knew he'd never be cleared. Sounds like a crummy criminal law system to us.