II. Karl, the Courier

by Louisa May Alcott

　　"Three days, at least, before we reach Baden. How tiresome it is thatuncle won't go faster!" said Amy, as she tied on her hat next morning,wondering as she did so if the baron would take the same boat."As adventures have begun, I feel assured that they will continue tocheer the way; so resign yourself and be ready for anything," repliedHelen, carefully arranging her bouquet in her travelling-basket.A tap at the door, which stood half open, made both look up. A tall,brown, gentlemanly man, in a gray suit, with a leathern bag slung overhis shoulder, stood there, hat in hand, and meeting Helen's eyes,bowed respectfully, saying in good English, but with a strong Germanaccent,--"Ladies, the major desired me to tell you the carriage waits.""Why, who--" began Amy, staring with her blue eyes full of wonder atthe stranger.He bowed again, and said, simply,--"Karl Hoffman, at your service, mademoiselle.""The courier--oh, yes! I forgot all about it. Please take thesethings."Amy began to hand him her miscellaneous collection of bags, books,shawls and cushions."I'd no idea couriers were such decent creatures," whispered Amy, asthey followed him along the hall."Don't you remember the raptures Mrs. Mortimer used to have over theirItalian courier, and her funny description of him? 'Beautiful tobehold, with a night of hair, eyes full of an infinite tenderness, anda sumptuous cheek.'"Both girls laughed, and Amy averred that Karl's eyes danced withmerriment as he glanced over his shoulder, as the silvery peal soundedbehind him."Hush! he understands English; we must be careful," said Helen, andneither spoke again till they reached the carriage.Everything was ready, and as they drove away, the major, leaningluxuriously back, exclaimed,--"Now I begin to enjoy travelling, for I'm no longer worried bythe thought of luggage, time-tables, trains, and the everlastingperplexity of thalers, kreutzers, and pfenniges. This man is atreasure; everything is done in the best manner, and his knowledge ofmatters is really amazing.""He's a very gentlemanly-looking person," said Amy, eying a decidedlyaristocratic foot through the front window of the carriage, for Karlsat up beside the driver."He is a gentleman, my dear. Many of these couriers are well bornand educated, but, being poor, prefer this business to any other, asit gives them variety, and often pleasant society. I've had a longtalk with Hoffman, and find him an excellent and accomplished fellow.He has lost his fortune, it seems, through no fault of his own, sobeing fond of a roving life, turned courier for a time, and we arefortunate to have secured him.""But one doesn't know how to treat him," said Helen. "I don't liketo address him as a servant, and yet it's not pleasant to order agentleman about.""Oh, it will be easy enough as we go on together. Just call himHoffman, and behave as if you knew nothing about his past. He beggedme not to mention it, but I thought you'd like the romance of thething. Only don't either of you run away with him, as Ponsonby'sdaughter did with her courier, who wasn't a gentleman, by the way.""Not handsome enough," said Amy. "I don't like blue eyes and blackhair. His manners are nice, but he looks like a gipsy, with his brownface and black beard: doesn't he, Nell?""Not at all. Gipsies haven't that style of face; they are thin, sharp,and cunning in feature as in nature. Hoffman has large, well-mouldedfeatures, and a mild, manly expression, which gives one confidence inhim.""He has a keen, wicked look in his blue eyes, as you will see, Nell.I mean mischievously, not malignantly wicked. He likes fun, I'm sure,for he laughed about the 'sumptuous cheek' till his own were red,though he dared not show it, and was as grave as an owl when we metuncle," said Amy, smiling at the recollection."We shall go by boat to Biebrich, and then by rail to Heidelberg. Weshall get in late to-morrow night, but can rest a day, and then on toBaden. Here we are; now make yourselves easy, as I do, and let Karltake care of everything."And putting his hands in his pockets, the major strolled about theboat, while the courier made matters comfortable for the day. Soeasily and well did he do his duty, that both girls enjoyed watchinghim after he had established them on the shady side of the boat, withcamp-stools for their feet, cushions to lean on, books and bags laidcommodiously at hand.As they sailed up the lovely Rhine they grew more and moreenthusiastic in their admiration and curiosity, and finding the meagredescription of the guide-books very unsatisfactory, Amy begged heruncle to tell her all the legends of picturesque ruin, rock and river,as they passed."Bless me, child, I know nothing; but here's Hoffman, a German born,who will tell you everything, I dare say. Karl, what's that old castleup there? The young ladies want to know about it."Leaning on the railing, Hoffman told the story so well that he waskept explaining and describing for an hour, and when he went away toorder lunch, Amy declared it was as pleasant as reading fairy tales tolisten to his dramatic histories and legends.At lunch the major was charmed to find his favorite wines and disheswithout any need of consulting dictionary or phrase-book beforehand,or losing his temper in vain attempts to make himself understood.On reaching Biebrich, tired and hungry, at nightfall, everything wasready for them, and all went to bed praising Karl, the courier, thoughAmy, with unusual prudence, added,--"He is a new broom now; let us wait a little before we judge."All went well next day till nightfall, when a most untoward accidentoccurred, and Helen's adventures began in earnest. The three occupieda coupe, and being weary with long sitting, Helen got out at one ofthe stations where the train paused for ten minutes. A rosy sunsettempted her to the end of the platform, and there she found, whatnearly all foreign railway stations possess, a charming little garden.Amy was very tired, rather cross, and passionately fond of flowers, sowhen an old woman offered to pull a nosegay for "the gracious lady,"Helen gladly waited for it, hoping to please the invalid. Twice thewhistle warned her, and at last she ran back, but only in time to seethe train move away, with her uncle gesticulating wildly to the guard,who shook his stupid German head, and refused to see the dismayedyoung lady imploring him to wait for her.Just as the train was vanishing from the station, a man leaped froma second-class carriage at the risk of his neck, and hurried back tofind Helen looking pale and bewildered, as well she might, left aloneand moneyless at night in a strange town."Mademoiselle, it is I; rest easy; we can soon go on; a train passesin two hours, and we can telegraph to Heidelberg that they may notfear for you.""Oh, Hoffman, how kind of you to stop for me! What should I have donewithout you, for uncle takes care of all the money, and I have only mywatch."Helen's usual self-possession rather failed her in the flurry of themoment, and she caught Karl's arm with a feminine little gesture ofconfidence very pleasant to see. Leading her to the waiting-room, heordered supper, and put her into the care of the woman of the place,while he went to make inquiries and dispatch the telegram. In half anhour he returned, finding Helen refreshed and cheerful, though a traceof anxiety was still visible in her watchful eyes."All goes excellently, mademoiselle. I have sent word to several postsalong the road that we are coming by the night train, so that Monsieurle Major will rest tranquil till we meet. It is best that I give yousome money, lest such a mishap should again occur; it is not likely sosoon; nevertheless, here is both gold and silver. With this, one canmake one's way everywhere. Now, if mademoiselle will permit me toadvise, she will rest for an hour, as we must travel till dawn. I willkeep guard without and watch for the train."He left her, and having made herself comfortable on one of the sofas,she lay watching the tall shadow pass and repass door and window, asKarl marched up and down the platform, with the tireless tramp of asentinel on duty. A pleasant sense of security stole over her, andwith a smile at Amy's enjoyment of the adventure when it was over,Helen fell asleep.A far-off shriek half woke her, and starting up, she turned to meetthe courier coming in to wake her. Up thundered the train, everycarriage apparently full of sleepy passengers, and the guard in astate of sullen wrath at some delay, the consequences of which wouldfall heaviest on him.From carriage to carriage hurried Karl and his charge, to be met witheverywhere by the cry, "All full," in many languages, and with everyaspect of inhospitality. One carriage only showed two places; theother seats were occupied by six students, who gallantly invited thelady to enter. But Helen shrunk back, saying,--"Is there no other place?""None, mademoiselle; this, or remain till morning," said Karl."Where will you go if I take this place?""Among the luggage,--anywhere; it is nothing. But we must decide atonce.""Come with me; I'm afraid to be locked in here alone," said Helen,desperately."Mademoiselle forgets I am her courier.""I do not forget that you are a gentleman. Pray come in; my uncle willthank you.""I will," and with a sudden brightening of the eyes, a gratefulglance, and an air of redoubled respect, Hoffman followed her into thecarriage.They were off at once, and the thing was done before Helen had timeto feel anything but the relief which the protection of his presenceafforded her.The young gentlemen stared at the veiled lady and her grim escort,joked under their breath, and looked wistfully at the suppressedcigars, but behaved with exemplary politeness till sleep overpoweredthem, and one after the other dropped off asleep to dream of theirrespective Gretchens.Helen could not sleep, and for hours sat studying the unconsciousfaces before her, the dim landscape flying past the windows, or forgotherself in reveries.Hoffman remained motionless and silent, except when she addressedhim, wakeful also, and assiduous in making the long night as easy aspossible.It was past midnight, and Helen's heavy eyelids were beginning todroop, when suddenly there came an awful crash, a pang of mortal fear,then utter oblivion.As her senses returned she found herself lying in a painful positionunder what had been the roof of the car; something heavy weigheddown her lower limbs, and her dizzy brain rung with a wild uproar ofshrieks and groans, eager voices, the crash of wood and iron, and theshrill whistle of the engine, as it rushed away for help.Through the darkness she heard the pant as of some one strugglingdesperately, then a cry close by her, followed by a strong voiceexclaiming, in an agony of suspense,--"My God, will no one come!""Hoffman, are you there?" cried Helen, groping in the gloom, with athrill of joy at the sound of a familiar voice."Thank heaven, you are safe. Lie still. I will save you. Help iscoming. Have no fear!" panted the voice, with an undertone of ferventgratitude 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 thespot, and a moment after, five of the students were swarming about thewreck, 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. Acrossher feet, crushed and bleeding, lay the youngest of the students, andkneeling close beside him was Hoffman, supporting by main strength amass of timber, which otherwise would fall and crush them all. Hisface was ghastly pale, his eyes haggard with pain and suspense, andgreat drops stood upon his forehead. But as she looked, he smiled witha cheery.--"Bear up, dear lady, we shall soon be out of danger. Now, lads, workwith a will; my strength is going fast."They did work like heroes, and even in her pain and peril, Helenadmired the skill, energy, and courage of the young men, who, an hourago, had seemed to have no ideas above pipes and beer. Soon Hoffmanwas free, the poor senseless youth lifted out, and then, as tenderlyas if she were a child, they raised and set her down, faint butunhurt, in a wide meadow, already strewn with sad tokens of the wreck.Karl was taken possession of as well as herself, forced to rest amoment, 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 hiswounds," said Helen, soon herself again.Karl and Helen soon brought back life and sense to the boy, and neverhad human face looked so lovely as did Helen's to the anxious comradeswhen she looked up in the moonlight with a joyful smile, and softlywhispered,--"He is alive."For an hour terrible confusion reigned, then the panic subsided alittle, and such of the carriages as were whole were made ready tocarry away as many as possible; the rest must wait till a return traincould be sent for them.A struggle of course ensued, for every one wished to go on, and fearmade many selfish. The wounded, the women and children, were taken, asfar as possible, and the laden train moved away, leaving many anxiouswatchers behind.Helen had refused to go, and had given her place to poor Conrad,thereby overwhelming his brother and comrades with gratitude. Two wenton with the wounded lad; the rest remained, and chivalrously devotedthemselves to Helen as a body-guard.The moon shone clearly, the wide field was miles from any hamlet,and a desolate silence succeeded to the late uproar, as the band ofwaiters roamed about, longing for help and dawn."Mademoiselle, you shiver; the dew falls, and it is damp here; we musthave a fire;" and Karl was away to a neighboring hedge, intent onwarming his delicate charge if he felled a forest to do it.The students rushed after him, and soon returned in triumph to builda glorious fire, which drew all forlorn wanderers to its hospitablecircle. A motley assemblage; but mutual danger and discomfort producedmutual sympathy and good will, and a general atmosphere of friendshippervaded the party."Where is the brave Hoffman?" asked Wilhelm, the blond student, who,being in the Werther period of youth, was already madly in love withHelen, and sat at her feet catching cold in the most romantic manner."Behold me! The little ones cry for hunger, so I ransack the ruins andbring away my spoils. Eat, Kinder, eat and be patient."As he spoke Karl appeared with an odd collection of baskets, bags, andbottles, and with a fatherly air that won all the mothers, he gavethe children whatever first appeared, making them laugh in spite ofweariness and hunger by the merry speeches which accompanied hisgifts."You too need something. Here is your own basket with the lunch Iordered you. In a sad state of confusion, but still eatable. See,it is not bad," and he deftly spread on a napkin before Helen coldchicken, sandwiches, and fruit.His care for the little ones as well as for herself touched her andher eyes filled, as she remembered that she owed her life to him, andrecalled the sight of his face in the overturned car.Her voice trembled a little as she thanked him, and the moonlightbetrayed her wet eyes. He fancied she was worn out with excitement andfatigue, and anxious to cheer her spirits, he whispered to Wilhelm andhis mates,--"Sing, then, comrades, and while away this tedious night. It is hardfor all to wait so long, and the babies need a lullaby."The young men laughed and sang as only German students can sing,making the night musical with blithe drinking songs, tender love-lays,battle-hymns, and Volkslieder sweeter than any songs across the water.Every heart was cheered and warmed by the magic of the music, thebabies fell asleep, strangers grew friendly, fear changed to courage,and the most forlorn felt the romance of that bivouac under the summersky.Dawn was reddening the east when a welcome whistle broke up the camp.Every one hurried to the railway, but Helen paused to gather a handfulof blue forget-me-nots, saying to Hoffman, who waited with her wrapson his arm,--"It has been a happy night, in spite of the danger and discomfort. Ishall not soon forget it; and take these as a souvenir."He smiled, standing bare-headed in the chilly wind, for his hat waslost, his coat torn, hair dishevelled, and one hand carelessly boundup in his handkerchief. Helen saw these marks of the night's laborsand perils for the first time, and as soon as they were seated desiredto see his hand."It is nothing,--a scratch, a mere scratch, I give you my word,mademoiselle," he began, but Wilhelm unceremoniously removed thehandkerchief, showing a torn and bleeding hand which must have beenexquisitely painful.Helen turned pale, and with a reproachful glance skilfully bound it upagain, saying, as she handed a silken scarf to Wilhelm,--"Make of that a sling, please, and put the poor hand in it. Care mustbe taken, or harm will come of it."Hoffman submitted in bashful silence, as if surprised and touched bythe young lady's interest. She saw that, and added gratefully,--"I do not forget that you saved my life, though you seem to have doneso. My uncle will thank you better than I can.""I already have my reward, mademoiselle," he returned, with arespectful inclination and a look she could neither understand norforget.