noon
On the last morning all of them -- with the exception of Tato , who pleaded a headache -- drove to the Latomia del Paradiso to see the celebrated `` Ear of Dionysius '' -- that vast cavern through which the tyrant is said to have overheard every whisper uttered by the prisoners who were confined in that quarry . There is a little room at the top of the cliff , also built from the rock , where it is claimed Dionysius sat and played eavesdropper ; and it is true that one in that place can hear the slightest sound uttered in the chamber below . Afterward the amphitheatre and the ancient street of the tombs were paid a final visit , with a stop at San Giovanni , where St. Paul once preached . And at noon the tourists returned to the hotel hungry but enthusiastic , in time for the table-d ' - hote luncheon . `` This is funny ! '' cried Patsy , appearing before Uncle John with a white and startled face . `` I ca n't find Tato anywhere . ''