She was in the shadow of an angle , and the man paused , as if looking for the person who called for help . `` Who is lost here ? '' said a clear voice , in German . Amy shrunk closer to the wall , fearing to speak , for the voice was that of a young man , and a low laugh followed the words , as if the speaker found the situation amusing . `` Mortal , ghost or devil , I 'll find it , '' exclaimed the voice , and stepping forward , a hand groped for and found her . `` Lottchen , is it thou ? Little rogue , thou shalt pay dearly for leading me such a chase . '' As he spoke he drew the girl toward him , but with a faint cry , a vain effort to escape , Amy 's terror reached its climax , and spent with fatigue and excitement , she lost consciousness . `` Who the deuce is it , then ? Lottchen never faints on a frolic . Some poor little girl lost in earnest . I must get her out of this gloomy place at once , and find her party afterward . '' Lifting the slight figure in his arms , the young man hurried on , and soon came out through a shattered gateway into the shrubbery which surrounds the base of the castle . Laying her on the grass , he gently chafed her hands , eying the pale , pretty face meantime with the utmost solicitude . At his first glimpse of it he had started , smiled and made a gesture of pleasure and surprise , then gave himself entirely to the task of recovering the poor girl whom he had frightened out of her senses . Very soon she looked up with dizzy eyes , and clasping her hands imploringly , cried , in English , like a bewildered child , -- `` I am lost ! Oh , take me to my uncle . '' `` I will , the moment you can walk . Upon my soul , I meant to help you when I followed ; but as you did not answer , I fancied it was Lottchen , the keeper 's little girl . Pardon the fright I 've caused you , and let me take you to your friends . ''
The true English accent of the words , and the hearty tone of sincerity in the apology , reassured XXXXX at once , and , rising , she said , with a faint smile and a petulant tone , -- `` I was very silly , but my guide ran away , my candle went out , I lost the path , and can speak no German ; so I was afraid to answer you at first ; and then I lost my wits altogether , for it 's rather startling to be clutched in the dark , sir . ''
Amy English German Lottchen deuce escape first laugh solicitude uncle