Sentence:  He was prudent enough not to admit he was earning money, which went down well with you, for you knew already he was working “black,” as the Germans call it — meaning illegally, and at night. Shrewd chap, you thought; resourceful; not above a bit of <WSD>larceny</WSD>. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  The unlawful taking of personal property as an attempt to deprive the legal owner of it permanently. (from mid-15th c.)