In chapter 5 of "Night," how did Elie's father respond when he learned his name had been written down?

Dr. Mengele arrived at the camp to "weed out" those too sick and weak to work.  All of the prisoners are reviewed and if their number is written down they must remain in camp for further examination and possible death.  At first Elie's father doesn't think his number has been written down.  After several days a group of numbers are read off and they are told to stay behind in camp that day.  When Elie's father realizes his number has been called he runs to Elie in a panic and tries to be brave.  He tells his son that maybe there is still hope, but he gives Elie his knife and his spoon.  He tells Elie that he will have more use of it now.

"Look, take this knife," he said to me. "I don't need it any longer and it might be useful to you.  And take this spoon as well.  don't sell them.  Quickly! Go on.  Take what I'm giving you!" (pg 50)