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 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 XXXXX is going fast . ''
Help gratitude groan intent lads lady lives strength students wreck