Eat , Kinder , eat and be patient . '' As he spoke Karl appeared with an odd collection of baskets , bags , and bottles , and with a fatherly air that won all the mothers , he gave the children whatever first appeared , making them laugh in spite of weariness and hunger by the merry speeches which accompanied his gifts . `` You too need something . Here is your own basket with the lunch I ordered you . In a sad state of confusion , but still eatable . See , it is not bad , '' and he deftly spread on a napkin before Helen cold chicken , sandwiches , and fruit . His care for the little ones as well as for herself touched her and her eyes filled , as she remembered that she owed her life to him , and recalled the sight of his face in the overturned car . Her voice trembled a little as she thanked him , and the moonlight betrayed her wet eyes . He fancied she was worn out with excitement and fatigue , and anxious to cheer her spirits , he whispered to Wilhelm and his mates , -- `` Sing , then , comrades , and while away this tedious night . 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 . ''
XXXXX submitted in bashful silence , as if surprised and touched by the young lady 's interest .
Dawn German Helen Hoffman Karl Kinder battle-hymns first forget-me-nots love-lays