The Pinkerton Labor Spy. g
of instruction to secret operatives are written with lead pencil, but the envelope may be addressed with pen. It is a strict rule of tfie Agency that neither the one nor the other may be typewritten, for fear it might attract attention.
The operative is also required to have a room exclusively for himself, which makes it possible for him to write his reports and letters in strict privacy.
In this manner the secret operative holds daily communication with the Agency without attracting suspicion, and without anyone being the wiser as to the contents of the mail he sends or receives.
After the operative has secured a room and safely opened communications with the Agency, he at once applies for work at the client's plant, as a bona fide craftsman, and does his best to secure work through his own efforts. However, if after a reasonable length of time he is unable to get employment, the Agency makes a virtue of necessity, and confidentially discloses the operative's identity to the client. He is put to work without further delay.
The operative works as hard and as steadily as anyone else about the plant, and oftentimes harder, so as to set a good example. If he notices any of his comrades killing time or violating any of the firm's rules, he is sure to mention the names of the offenders in his report that same evening; or if he discovers an incompotent employee, he is likewise sure to mention the fact. It is also the duty of the operative to suggest changes or improvements in the plant that might benefit the client.