ten
o'clock
Jan paid such strict attention to the tiller after that that he did not even forget when Father De Smet pointed out a burning farmhouse a mile or so from the river and said grimly , `` The Germans are amusing themselves again . '' For the most part , however , the countryside seemed so quiet and peaceful that it was hard to believe that such dreadful things were going on all about them . While Father De Smet 's eyes , under their bushy brows , kept close watch in every direction , he said little about his fears and went on his way exactly as he had done before the invasion . It was quite early in the morning when they left Boom , and by ten o'clock Joseph was tired of trudging along beside Netteke . He hailed his father . `` May I come aboard now ? '' he shouted .