noon
John had his mind set on escape by the way of the Adriatic . He had heard rumors that Italy might enter the war on the side of the Allies , but he knew that it had not yet taken any action and he had high hopes of finding a path to safety in that direction . Meanwhile , and whatever came of it , he must press on . Toward noon he slackened speed , and they ate a little from the supplies they carried in the automobile . Just as they finished Suzanne held up her hand : `` I think I hear another machine coming , '' she said . `` You are right , '' said John , after he had listened intently for a full minute . `` It 's the humming sound of tires , but it 's only one automobile .