But it is a misnomer to speak of these sums as “unclaimed,” when it is obvious that they are simply “unpublished,” and that the banks, were they so inclined, could find the true owners of a large number of these balances in a very short space of time. In many instances they have good reason to think that the customers are dead, even when they possess no positive information to that effect; and as they have their addresses in the deposit-ledgers, all they have to do is to write a few letters of inquiry. However, the banks have the law on their side; and though they are obliged to answer any questions which may be made by a deceased’s representatives, they are not compelled to give information gratuitously, so they choose to remain silent, and insist upon the initiative being taken by interested persons. Furthermore, a deceased depositor may have held three deposit-receipts. Should two of these be presented for payment by his executors, the manager need not inform them that there is a third sum standing to the credit of the deceased in the books of the bank; and he possibly will not. An interested person, therefore, should always inquire whether there be any other sums standing to the credit of the deceased, either on current account or deposit. It need not be remarked that should the balance be a debit one the bank will speedily send in its claim, together with a note of sympathy to the widow, begging her to consider the company quite at her service. So hardened is a bank-manager that he will actually attend the funeral of an old and esteemed client whom he has been charging 5½ per cent. interest and ¼ per cent. commission for years. It is a bad sign when a limited liability company is represented at a funeral by an official; and should two bank-agents put in an appearance, one can only quote: “Where the carcass is, there will the vultures be gathered together.” Seeing that they are so eager to exhibit their respect for the rich dead, it may be considered somewhat surprising that they are not more sympathetic towards the poor living, and, also, that they do not publish their so-called unclaimed balances for the benefit of their customers’ descendants; but life is full of these little contradictions, and, after all, the acids and the sweets, judiciously blended, give a zest to existence.