Lee Miller rediscovered the route to goal but it was a player who could join the Aberdeen forward in the Scotland squad who ensured another frustrating Scottish Premier League stalemate for the Dons.
Aberdeen were on course for three welcome points after Miller grabbed his first goal of the season just before half-time, but Hearts midfielder Andrew Driver showed the attributes which make Scotland so keen for him to switch allegiance with a cool finish.
The England under-21 international pounced on a mistake from Stuart Duff and, although the Dons are now unbeaten in seven SPL matches since the 3-1 opening day defeat against Celtic, five of them have been draws.
Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee can take heart, however, in the knowledge his Dons are at least showing signs of progress. They remain difficult to beat and his young players, such as Fraser Fyvie and Peter Pawlett, continue to shine.
Fyvie enjoyed a fine second period on Saturday, although Pawlett was forced to depart early with an ominous-looking hamstring strain.
McGhee will be delighted Miller is off the mark. The Dons targetman had netted just five times previously in 2009, with just two goals since January.
Miller is pivotal to Aberdeen and if he can weigh in with 15 to 20 goals it could prove to be the difference between a top-six finish and a European place.
Many observers have identified the Jambos as the main threat in that race, but for long spells on Saturday they flattered to deceive in front of a disappointing crowd of 11,629.
There was little between the sides until Miller’s opening goal, which arrived three minutes before half-time.
A well-worked goal it was, too.
The ball was shunted out to the left via Pawlett to Michael Paton and the young forward burst down the flank. He sent over a dangerous cross which tempted goalkeeper Janos Balogh, who could only help the ball on its way to the back post where Miller gratefully gobbled up the chance to head home.
The Dons emerged from the interval with renewed vigour and seized the initiative. A succession of corner kicks had Hearts in panic mode. Miller was denied by Balogh and then Fyvie’s volley was frantically blocked on the line by David Obua. The loss of Pawlett meant Sone Aluko returned to the side following his Under-20 World Cup exploits with Nigeria and the tide continued to flow towards the visitors’ goal.
It was a shock then when Hearts snatched an equaliser on 62 minutes. It was hard not to feel for Duff. Once again operating as a stand-in centre back in the absence of injured Jerel Ifil and Zander Diamond, he conceded possession just inside his own half.
Substitute Christian Nade swept the ball to Driver, who had been largely kept quiet by Richard Foster, and the attacker played an angled shot past Jamie Langfield.
It was harsh on the Dons, and on Duff, who had been enjoying an impressive afternoon, but the goal gave Czaba Laslo’s side the impetus.
Laslo introduced Laryea Kingston from the bench, and it was difficult to tell which support booed him the loudest. The midfielder has now patched up his differences with Laslo after defying the manager to play for Ghana, but he has yet to win over the Gorgie faithful.
Kingston played his part, though, as Hearts pushed the Dons back in search of a winner.
Obua should have scored at the back post when he was picked out by Driver’s cross, but the midfielder hopelessly fluffed his header.
There were several nervy moments as Hearts launched corner kicks into the box, with Charlie Mulgrew clearing off the line and then Langfield was forced to brilliantly tip Ismael Bouzid’s header over the bar.
Aberdeen defended deep and in numbers to safeguard the point. It is becoming a familiar sight.