Then Curdie, who had long been satisfied that Lina understood almost every word he said, communicated his plan to her, and knew by the wagging of her tail and the flashing of her eyes that she comprehended it.

Until they had the king safe through the worst part of the night, however, nothing could be done.
They had now merely to go on waiting where they were till the household should be asleep.

This waiting and waiting was much the hardest thing Curdie had to do in the whole affair.

He took his mattock and, going again into the long passage, lighted a candle end and proceeded to examine the rock on all sides.

But this was not merely to pass the time: he had a reason for it.