Higgs turned, stared at the pair for a moment, and then, in his astonishment, or so we guessed, sat down plump upon the rock.

They pulled him to his feet, Orme pointing to the cliff behind, and evidently explaining the situation and what must be done.

Then followed a short and animated talk.

Through the glasses we could even see Higgs shaking his head.

He told them something, they came to a determination, for now he turned, stepped forward a pace or two, and vanished, as I learnt afterwards, to fetch my son, without whom he would not try to escape.
A while went by; it seemed an age, but really was under a minute.