Upon the receipt of the affidavit and endorsement thereon, with a written undertaking executed by two or more sufficient sureties approved by the marshal, to the effect that they are bound in double the value of the property as stated in the affidavit for the prosecution of the action for the return of the property to the defendant, if return thereof be adjudged, and for the payment to him of such sum as may for any cause be recovered against the plaintiff, and after at least five days' written notice to the defendant of the plaintiff's intent to take possession of said property, and opportunity of the defendant to be heard thereon, the marshal shall forthwith take the property described in the affidavit, if it is in the possession of the defendant or his agent, and retain it in his custody. He shall also, without delay, serve on the defendant a copy of the affidavit, indorsement thereon, and undertaking, by delivering the same to him personally, if he can be found, or to his agent from whose possession the property is taken; or, if neither can be found, by leaving them at the usual place of abode of either with some person of suitable age and discretion; or, if neither have any known place of abode, by putting them in the post office directed to the defendant at the post office nearest to him.