After replacing the ledger, she locked the desk, and returned the key to Jack.
"Remember," she said, "the rule in London is the rule here.

My desk is never to be opened, except when I ask you to do it.

And if you allow the key to pass out of your own possession, you cease to be Keeper." "Did I ever do either of those two things in London ?" Jack asked.
"Never." "Then don't be afraid of my doing them here.

I say! you haven't put back the little book." He produced the key again, and put it into the lock--while Mrs.Wagner was occupied in placing her account-book in her pocket.
"Its proper place is not in the desk," she explained; "I usually keep it about me." Jack's ready suspicion was excited.

"Ah," he cried, with an outburst of indignation, "you won't trust it to me!" "Take care I don't set a bad-conduct mark against you!" said Mrs.Wagner.
"You foolish fellow, the little book is a copy of what is in the big book--and I trust you with the big book." She knew Jack thoroughly well.