In the novel N or M?, Edward Robbins is a mann who lives on Ernes Cliff Road, near Leahampton. His house is called Whiteways. According to him, it is a new house which is "labour-saving" and has "every convenience". It also has a beautiful view, and the downs are "only a stone's throw away".
Mr Robbins is described as being a "small man, with a diffident manner and pince-nez".
When Betty Sprot goes missing from Sans Souci, Mr Robbins sees a little girl matching her description, walking with a foreign woman. He sees them going up the path and out on to the cliff.
Mr Robbins goes to Leahampton station to inquire about a parcel, where he overhears Major Bletchley asking the porter if he had seen a little girl with a foreign woman. Mr Robbins then reports what he had seen.