Several readers reacting to today's Slice column suggested that it was the route manager (or whatever the job title would be) that I was taking those quarters from, not The New York Times empire.

That's a good point. And if I could determine that person's identity with a high degree of certainty, I would be happy to make good. Maybe with a little interest thrown in.

But here's the thing. Whoever was actually in charge of that vending box was a bit of an underachiever when it came to maintaining its functionality. He or she seemingly did not care.

If the box had worked properly, I never would have been tempted to go on a crime spree.

I realize that's just another rationalization.

Reader Victor Buksbazen said it is a good sign that my conscience bothers me after all these years.

I'm not sure that it really does. But maybe he's right.  

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