The steward looked shocked that the maid would even ask such a thing.  "Why.... why of course I know the combination.  But certainly you do not think, and forgive me for even suggesting this to one so lovely as you, that I would allow a maid to take possession of so valuable an item?  The combination is known only to the master and myself and I am under nothing but the strictest of orders from the master himself to allow anyone other than he to open it."<br/><br/>He shook his head and frowned, "No, I'm sorry if the master needs the ruby, He'll have to come fetch it himself.  I'll not even risk carrying it for fear that I might fumble it."<br/><br/>He smiled and looked at her cleavage, "As for how much my aid is appreciated, I'd be glad to accept any token of that appreciation that you might care to share my pretty young thing."  The pointed tip of his tongue licked across his lips and there was no doubt in her mind exactly what he was hoping for as he stared at her cleavage.