He began to believe that Muller had been forced to take shelter at the start of the storm and could not now return.

His hope that it was so strong that his mind turned it into a fact, and Muller disappeared from his thoughts.
The garage, besides the great automobile, contained a smaller one, but John kept the limousine in mind.

He intended when the time came to escape in it with the two women, if possible.

There might be a road leading down the other side of the mountain, and toward Italy.

If so, he would surely try to get through when the melting of the snow permitted.
Meanwhile he devoted himself with uncommon zest to household duties.