It is hard for all to wait so long , and the babies need a lullaby . '' The young men laughed and sang as only German students can sing , making the night musical with blithe drinking songs , tender love-lays , battle-hymns , and Volkslieder sweeter than any songs across the water . Every heart was cheered and warmed by the magic of the music , the babies fell asleep , strangers grew friendly , fear changed to courage , and the most forlorn felt the romance of that bivouac under the summer sky . Dawn was reddening the east when a welcome whistle broke up the camp . Every one hurried to the railway , but Helen paused to gather a handful of blue forget-me-nots , saying to Hoffman , who waited with her wraps on his arm , -- `` It has been a happy night , in spite of the danger and discomfort . I shall not soon forget it ; and take these as a souvenir . '' He smiled , standing bare-headed in the chilly wind , for his hat was lost , his coat torn , hair dishevelled , and one hand carelessly bound up in his handkerchief . Helen saw these marks of the night 's labors and perils for the first time , and as soon as they were seated desired to see his hand . `` It is nothing , -- a scratch , a mere scratch , I give you my word , mademoiselle , '' he began , but Wilhelm unceremoniously removed the handkerchief , showing a torn and bleeding hand which must have been exquisitely painful . Helen turned pale , and with a reproachful glance skilfully bound it up again , saying , as she handed a silken scarf to Wilhelm , -- `` Make of that a sling , please , and put the poor hand in it . Care must be taken , or harm will come of it . '' Hoffman submitted in bashful silence , as if surprised and touched by the young lady 's interest . She saw that , and added gratefully , -- `` I do not forget that you saved my life , though you seem to have done so . My uncle will thank you better than I can . '' `` I already have my reward , mademoiselle , '' he returned , with a respectful inclination and a look she could neither understand nor forget . III AMY 'S ADVENTURE The excitement and suspense of the major and Amy can be imagined when news of the accident reached them . Their gratitude and relief were intense when Helen appeared next morning , with the faithful Hoffman still at his post , though no longer able to disguise the fact that he was suffering from his wound . When the story had been told , Karl was put under the surgeon 's care , and all remained at Heidelberg for several days to rest and recover . On the afternoon of the last day the major and young ladies drove off to the castle for a farewell view . Helen began to sketch the great stone lion 's head above the grand terrace , the major smoked and chatted with a party of English artists whom he had met , and Amy , with a little lad for a guide , explored the old castle to her heart 's content .
The sun set , and twilight began to fall when Helen put up her pencils , and the major set off to find XXXXX , who had been appearing and disappearing in every nook and cranny of the half-ruined castle .
Amy Dawn English Helen III Wilhelm accident battle-hymns days forget-me-nots