About a quarter past six
It was his daily practice thus to try the locks , in hope that some day the safe , or the drawers , or the desk would be left open by accident , when he might be able to solve a certain problem , the doubt and difficulty of which sore let and hindered him -- namely , of what extent , and where placed , were those great treasures , savings , and investments which enabled his master to be careless over his business . It was , further , customary with him to be thus frustrated and disappointed . Having briefly , therefore , also in accordance with his usual custom , expressed his disgust at this want of confidence between master and man , Mr. James returned to his paste and scissors . About a quarter past six the shop door was cautiously opened , and a head appeared , which looked round stealthily . Seeing nobody about except Mr. James , the head nodded , and presently followed by its body , stepped into the shop . `` Where 's the admiral , Foxy ? '' asked the caller .