Saruman pored long hours over the ancient scrolls in Minas Tirith. Many things found there had now passed from the memory of Men – short-lived mayflies that they were. At last, he deemed he had drawn from there what knowledge he could. He lingered over one volume, then slipped it into his robes. It was unlikely to be missed, and in any case they would not dare accuse him of theft. Saruman smiled coldly. No, such knowledge by right belonged to the Wise. And by taking the book, he made it more difficult for any meddler to follow in his footsteps.
Notes:
Written for Back to Middle-earth Month 2012. Prompt N38: "Book Title: The Book Thief."