The heat of Sahara would be autumn coolness after a return from Hades, and now John enjoyed the contrast.
There were many tracks of automobiles in the light snow and hail that covered the road, and one broader than the rest John felt sure was made by the great limousine of Auersperg.

It was like a trail to lead him on, and he was a trailer who could not be shaken off.
Rejoicing in his new possession of German--thankful now that he had studied it so hard--although he spoke it with a strong accent of Lorraine, John saluted such German soldiers as he passed and wished them good day.

Invariably the salute was returned in pleasant fashion.

His nature was essentially friendly and therefore he bred friendliness in others.

Although he was in a hostile land he was continually meeting people who seemed to have an instinctive wish to help him.
As he walked on he overtook a stout man of middle age dressed heavily in brown who appeared to be a priest, and who turned upon him a benign countenance.
"Why do you travel so fast for one on foot ?" asked the man.
"Because I feel strong and my errand takes me far, Father." "If it takes you far, my son, the less speed in the beginning the greater at the end." "True, Father," said John, slackening his pace, and glancing at the shrewd face which was also both ruddy and kindly.