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 . '' Hoffman submitted in bashful silence , as if surprised and touched by the young lady 's interest . She saw that , and added gratefully , -- `` I do not forget that you saved my life , though you seem to have done so . My uncle will thank you better than I can . '' `` I already have my reward , mademoiselle , '' he returned , with a respectful inclination and a look she could neither understand nor forget . III AMY 'S ADVENTURE The excitement and suspense of the major and Amy can be imagined when news of the accident reached them . Their gratitude and relief were intense when Helen appeared next morning , with the faithful Hoffman still at his post , though no longer able to disguise the fact that he was suffering from his wound . When the story had been told , Karl was put under the surgeon 's care , and all remained at Heidelberg for several days to rest and recover . On the afternoon of the last day the major and young ladies drove off to the castle for a farewell view . Helen began to sketch the great stone lion 's head above the grand terrace , the major smoked and chatted with a party of English artists whom he had met , and Amy , with a little lad for a guide , explored the old castle to her heart 's content . The sun set , and twilight began to fall when Helen put up her pencils , and the major set off to find Amy , who had been appearing and disappearing in every nook and cranny of the half-ruined castle . Nowhere could he find her , and no voice answered when he called . The other visitors were gone , and the place seemed deserted , except by themselves and the old man who showed the ruins . Becoming alarmed lest the girl had fallen somewhere , or lost her way among the vaults where the famous Tun lies , the major called out old Hans with his lantern , and searched high and low .
Amy 's XXXXX , full of flowers and ferns , was found in the Lady 's Walk , as the little terrace is called , but no other trace appeared , and Helen hurried to and fro in great distress , fearing all manner of dangers .
ADVENTURE discomfort girl glance hat inclination life look post vaults