Helen had refused to go , and had given her place to poor Conrad , thereby overwhelming his brother and comrades with gratitude . Two went on with the wounded lad ; the rest remained , and chivalrously devoted themselves to Helen as a body-guard . The moon shone clearly , the wide field was miles from any hamlet , and a desolate silence succeeded to the late uproar , as the band of waiters roamed about , longing for help and dawn . `` Mademoiselle , you shiver ; the dew falls , and it is damp here ; we must have a fire ; '' and Karl was away to a neighboring hedge , intent on warming his delicate charge if he felled a forest to do it . The students rushed after him , and soon returned in triumph to build a glorious fire , which drew all forlorn wanderers to its hospitable circle . A motley assemblage ; but mutual danger and discomfort produced mutual sympathy and good will , and a general atmosphere of friendship pervaded the party . `` Where is the brave Hoffman ? '' asked Wilhelm , the blond student , who , being in the Werther period of youth , was already madly in love with Helen , and sat at her feet catching cold in the most romantic manner . `` Behold me ! The little ones cry for hunger , so I ransack the ruins and bring away my spoils . 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 XXXXX musical with blithe drinking songs , tender love-lays , battle-hymns , and Volkslieder sweeter than any songs across the water .
Conrad Helen Hoffman Karl Kinder Mademoiselle body-guard fire first night