Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-08-20
ADVERTISEMENT MENTION.
LOCAL ITTELLIGENGR.
A DIAMOND EXPERT.


How Sharper Captured q Druggist
Brilliant.
Some time ago it was reported that dia-
monds were found in large quantities in
Butte county. A diamond operator from
near Oroville came 10 Sacramento a few
DAYS ago. and succeeded in finding a dia-
mond Of considerable value. His mode Of
operations are said to be as follows: He
was of very pleasing address, and quite
familiar on short acquaintance. He called
upon J. J. Speaker, u well-known druggist,
and introduced himself as John Wagner
a merchant who does large business in
Merrimac, a thriving town L short
distance from Oroyille. Now it hap
pens that Wagner is a thoroughly
reliable merchant, thorough business
man and good cash customer of Mr..
Spieker. The latter was glad to meet his
valued country patron and extended all
the courtesies possible. The alleged country
merchant wined and dined to rather an in
ordinate extent, but LAID his seeming over
indulgence to the fact that he came to the
city but once ina great while, and that
when he did he wanted to have a good
time. He priced goods, asked about dis
count for cash on large quantities and in
timated that he intended laying in q
large and varied stock. All these state
ments added new interest to the short &C
quaintancc, and Mr.. Spieker left the
soda fountain to treat his friend TO
that which is more substantial, and
the man from the mountains reveled
in the dryest Mumm and the most fragrant
Havanas. The man from the mountains
did not fail to state, confidentially. of
course. that he had deposited with Wells,
Fargo 81 Co, in this city, large amount of
gold dust The dust had been forwarded
to the Mint and some three days would
elapse ere he would get returns. He saw
and admired beautiful solitaire diamond
pin on the shirt front of the druggist. He
was struck with its brilliancy told the
dealer in herbs so, asked the value, and
proposed its purchase. a bargain was
struck, and the shining jewel was trans
ferred to his immaculate linen bosom. The
purchase price, it was understood of course,
was to be paid ont of the expected returns
from his bullion shipment. The country
merchant disappeared as suddenly as
he came and with him went the shining
brilliant. The sequel to the whole affair is
this: Yesterday Mr.. Spieker received a tel
egram from the only simon pure John
Wagner, of Merrimac He said he had not
been out of Butte county for a very long
time, and did not contemplate taking a
vacation this season. He also stated that
one George Becher was in this city, and
would likely personate or try to obtain
goods on his credit, and warned Spieker
against him. Visions of money wasted in
cigars and wines upon fraud, saying moth
ing of the loss of his solitaire diamond pin,
crowded thick and fast through Spieker's
brain He thought moment and then
said: ~ have it. This fellow will try this
game on business houses in San Francisco
who do business with Wagner. I'll HE
Hodson; viii capture the culprit and re-
cover my diamond"
Mr. Spieker left for the Bay in search of
his conviviai friend, and we await further
developments.