Through the darkness she heard the pant as of some one struggling desperately , then a cry close by her , followed by a strong voice exclaiming , in an agony of suspense , -- `` My God , will no one come ! '' `` Hoffman , are you there ? '' cried Helen , groping in the gloom , with a thrill of joy at the sound of a familiar voice . `` Thank heaven , you are safe . Lie still . I will save you . Help is coming . Have no fear ! '' panted the voice , with an undertone of fervent gratitude in its breathless accents . `` What has happened ? Where are the rest ? '' `` We have been thrown down an embankment . The lads are gone for help . God only knows what harm is done . '' Karl 's voice died in a stifled groan , and Helen cried out in alarm , -- `` Where are you ? You are hurt ? '' `` Not much . I keep the ruins from falling in to crush us . 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 XXXXX saw a sight that made her blood chill in her veins .
Helen Hoffman Karl Lie gratitude halloo help pant rest undertone