I mean mischievously , not malignantly wicked . He likes fun , I 'm sure , for he laughed about the ` sumptuous cheek ' till his own were red , though he dared not show it , and was as grave as an owl when we met uncle , '' said Amy , smiling at the recollection . `` We shall go by boat to Biebrich , and then by rail to Heidelberg . We shall get in late to-morrow night , but can rest a day , and then on to Baden . Here we are ; now make yourselves easy , as I do , and let Karl take care of everything . '' And putting his hands in his pockets , the major strolled about the boat , while the courier made matters comfortable for the day . So easily and well did he do his duty , that both girls enjoyed watching him after he had established them on the shady side of the boat , with camp-stools for their feet , cushions to lean on , books and bags laid commodiously at hand . As they sailed up the lovely Rhine they grew more and more enthusiastic in their admiration and curiosity , and finding the meagre description of the guide-books very unsatisfactory , Amy begged her uncle to tell her all the legends of picturesque ruin , rock and river , as they passed . `` Bless me , child , I know nothing ; but here 's Hoffman , a German born , who will tell you everything , I dare say . Karl , what 's that old castle up there ? The young ladies want to know about it . '' Leaning on the railing , Hoffman told the story so well that he was kept explaining and describing for an hour , and when he went away to order lunch , Amy declared it was as pleasant as reading fairy tales to listen to his dramatic histories and legends . At lunch the major was charmed to find his favorite wines and dishes without any need of consulting dictionary or phrase-book beforehand , or losing his temper in vain attempts to make himself understood . On reaching Biebrich , tired and hungry , at nightfall , everything was ready for them , and all went to bed praising Karl , the courier , though Amy , with unusual prudence , added , -- `` He is a new broom now ; let us wait a little before we judge . '' All went well next day till nightfall , when a most untoward accident occurred , and Helen 's adventures began in earnest . The three occupied a coupé , and being weary with long sitting , Helen got out at one of the stations where the train paused for ten minutes . A rosy sunset tempted her to the end of the platform , and there she found , what nearly all foreign railway stations possess , a charming little garden . Amy was very tired , rather cross , and passionately fond of flowers , so when an old woman offered to pull a nosegay for `` the gracious lady , '' Helen gladly waited for it , hoping to please the invalid . Twice the whistle warned her , and at last she ran back , but only in time to see the train move away , with her uncle gesticulating wildly to the guard , who shook his stupid German head , and refused to see the dismayed young lady imploring him to wait for her . Just as the train was vanishing from the station , a man leaped from a second-class carriage at the risk of his neck , and hurried back to find Helen looking pale and bewildered , as well she might , left alone and moneyless at night in a strange town .
`` Mademoiselle , it is I ; rest easy ; we can soon go on ; a train passes in two hours , and we can telegraph to XXXXX that they may not fear for you . ''
Baden Biebrich Heidelberg Helen Hoffman Karl camp-stools coupé guide-books minutes