The Hammerpond Park Burglary

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One might well ask whether modem burglary is practiced as an art, a hobby, or politics. Some of the most noted practitioners seem to hold to each or any of these motivations. Pride in precise accomplishment seems to point to the esthetic, disinterest in any material gain to the playful, and disrespect for unshared possessions to the envious sides of human nature.

The object to be burgled in this particular instance was a certain Frigart sketch, well known as a unique item of great value. In marrying its creator and possessor, Gal Aveling had become at one stroke the wealthiest person on the Coil. The Gal was already known for her numerous impressive qualities, of which modesty was unfortunately not one. She had all the social presence of a lump of creosote. Now she was also a psychoeconomic force, which drew the attention of the leveling section of society, among which burglars, both by habit and by principle, were well represented. The most respected of these in the Coil was Teodora W@kins, and she was appointed by her set to remedy the situation.

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