Be quiet , they are coming . '' A shout answered the faint halloo he gave as if to guide them to the spot , and a moment after , five of the students were swarming about the wreck , intent on saving the three whose lives were still in danger . A lamp torn from some demolished carriage was held through an opening , and Helen saw a sight that made her blood chill in her veins . Across her feet , crushed and bleeding , lay the youngest of the students , and kneeling close beside him was Hoffman , supporting by main strength a mass of timber , which otherwise would fall and crush them all . His face was ghastly pale , his eyes haggard with pain and suspense , and great drops stood upon his forehead . But as she looked , he smiled with a cheery . -- `` Bear up , dear lady , we shall soon be out of danger . Now , lads , work with a will ; my strength is going fast . '' They did work like heroes , and even in her pain and peril , Helen admired the skill , energy , and courage of the young men , who , an hour ago , had seemed to have no ideas above pipes and beer . Soon Hoffman was free , the poor senseless youth lifted out , and then , as tenderly as if she were a child , they raised and set her down , faint but unhurt , in a wide meadow , already strewn with sad tokens of the wreck . Karl was taken possession of as well as herself , forced to rest a moment , drink a cordial draught from some one 's flask , and be praised , embraced , and enthusiastically blessed by the impetuous youths . `` Where is the boy who was hurt ? Bring him to me . I am strong now . I want to help . I have salts in my pocket , and I can bind up his wounds , '' said Helen , soon herself again . Karl and Helen soon brought back life and sense to the boy , and never had human face looked so lovely as did Helen 's to the anxious comrades when she looked up in the moonlight with a joyful smile , and softly whispered , -- `` He is alive . '' For an hour terrible confusion reigned , then the panic subsided a little , and such of the carriages as were whole were made ready to carry away as many as possible ; the rest must wait till a return train could be sent for them . A struggle of course ensued , for every one wished to go on , and fear made many selfish . The wounded , the women and children , were taken , as far as possible , and the laden train moved away , leaving many anxious watchers behind .
XXXXX had refused to go , and had given her place to poor Conrad , thereby overwhelming his brother and comrades with gratitude .
Helen Hoffman Karl danger fall feet halloo hour meadow watchers