ich it is easiest to gain
access to them, and the hours at which the theft is most likely to be
successful. All this requires an immense amount of patient study and of
personal observation of the premises, which must be conducted in such a
way as not to attract attention or excite suspicion. When everything is
ready for the commission of the deed, the thief proceeds to the place
where the bonds are kept, seizes them and makes off. If a package of
bank notes is at hand, he adds that to his other plunder. Usually his
operations are so well planned and conducted that he is not observed by
the bank officers, and he escapes with his plunder. Once at large, he
proceeds to sell the bonds, if they are coupons, or to use the bank
notes, if he has secured any. Registered bonds require more care in
their disposition. Generally the bank offers a reward for the arrest of
the robber and the recovery of the goods, and calls in a detective to
work up the case. The thief at once manages to communicate with the
detective, and offers to compromise with the bank, that is, to restore a
part of the plunder upon condition that he is allowed the rest and escape
punishment. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred his offer is accepted,
the bank preferring the recovery of a part of its loss to the punishment
of the thief. In this way the thief secures a large part of the amount
stolen, sometimes one-half. Should the thief be caught with his plunder
upon him, and the bank be thus saved from loss, which is rare, the
offender is turned over to the police, and the bank joins heartily in the
effort to send him to the penitentiary.

The Damper Sneak confines his attentions to the safes of the business men
of the city. Wall street has suffered heavily from this class. The
thief enters a broker's office, in which the safe is generally left open
during business hours, and asks permission to look at the directory, or
to write a note. If this permission be accorded him, he manages to get
inside the railing, in close proximity to the safe, if its doors are
open. A confederate (or sometimes more) now enters and attracts the
attention of the broker or the clerk, by making fictitious arrangements
for the purchase of gold or some security. The thief who first entered
watches his opportunity, and then, with the greatest rapidity, darts to
the safe, abstracts whatever he can lay his bands on, and passes out,
always thanking the broker for his courtesy.