Historical clue formulations

• Crept — 2023-04-03
• Emulated a cat burglar — 2015-02-14
• Didn't proceed forthrightly — 2007-12-15
• Stole — 2007-05-06
• Took surreptitiously — 2003-12-25
• Pussyfooted — 1997-01-03
• Stole — 1995-08-26