The morning call., 1894-06-20
Amazing ArtIessness of a
Sl1OebIack.
FRANCISCO PAGANINPS WOES
How He Fell Into the Snare Set
by Fernando Beretta.
AGREED TO ACT AS BANKER.
An Instance of Mans Ingratitude
That Will Send Mr.. Beretta
to States Prison.
FRANCISCO PAGANINPS WOES
AGREED TO ACT AS BANKER.

Fernando Beretta has taken gross an
vantage of the innocence of Francesca
Paganini, and Fernando Beretta must in
consequence pass some few of his declin-
ing years in one of the State prisons.
1t came about in this wise: Paganini
makes an honest living as the proprietor
of a northumberland on Post and Stockton
streets. and has saved up little money.
the earnings of several years. This fact
came to the knowledge OF Beretta. a
foreign gentleman of no established repu-
tation or business. Beretta communed
D. with himself long and weightily devlslng
some scheme whereby the Paganini saw
ings were to form the nucleus of Beretta
fortune. His ideas took practical form in
the following manner:
Beretta addressed Paganini and in
formed him that he (Beretta) was a min
ing man who had acquired a snug little
property. some S25. 900. The recent panics
among the banks had rendered these re-
ceptacles so insecure that Beretta resolved.
for the time being only. 20 carry his
wealth about with bin in leather satchel.
Beretta told this story to the unsuspect-
ing Paganini in the back room Of a saloon
at1314 Dupont street. He even went so
far as tn open the mysterious satchel, and
hlblted 20 has companions envious eyes
the glittering layer of gold on top. Like
this all the way through said Beretta,
and now was Paganini to know that those
apparently gold coins were nothing more
or less than few gilded nickels taken
from a secret pocket in the sack, which
was filed with odds and ends2
twenty-five thousand dollars; NO more,
no less" said Beretta in his native tongue,
his tne eyes lighting np with enthusiasm.
Then the wealthy Beretta proceeded to
crush the already Inundated sboeblack
with business offer that was magnanim-
ity itself. Beretta was to start at once for
his mines in Mexico. Not wishing to be
overburdened with his gold coin he pro-
posed to entrust the money to his dear and
trusted friend, Paganini, who would act
as his banker during his absence.
Baretta proposed that Paganini should
keep the satcbel, while Beretta himself
kept the key. Then on his return Beretta
would claim back his own, and the KEY
which he would take with him upon his
travels would once more come into requi-
stion.
Nay, more. Beretta offered to give Pa
ganini So q day for his services as custo-
dian of the treasure. All he bad to ask of
Paganini was that be should, merely as
guarantee OF good faith, OF course, deposit
$500 OF his own money in the satchel, to he
kept there locked up with Bereita's S25-
a simpler proposition never was dis
cu5sed, and after that Paganini had per-
suaded BereJta to accept a $500 in place of
a $500 deposit, the bargain was struck.
Paganlni had his $500 in TWO common
leather purses. one filed with silver. the
other with gold. and he failed to observe
that his companion, Beretta, kept a Dor
ton of bis S25, 900 in TWO purses almost
precisely similar.
Well they opened the satchel with great
! md E.
show the other their contents. It was then
that Paganinisaw something which brought
him TO his senses. Could he believe his
eyes, or was that one of his own purses,
the one filed with gold. that was being
deity slipped into Beretta's lap by the
hand OF that magnanimOuS miner?
The next instant the purse had slipped
from Beretta's lap on to the floor, and the
$50 gold pieces were rolling in every direc-
ton. Paying DO heed to his decetful part
ner PagaDini dropped Oh his hands and
knees and started to pick np the scattered
coins. He had picked up all in sight when
Berett2 grabbed the satchel and made for
the door.
Paganini sprang after him and caught
him, but Beretta again escaped, leaving
the satcbel in Paganinfs hands. The lat
ter pursued his man again and eventually
succeeded In arresting and taking
him to the City Prison on a charge of
grand larceny.
Beretta was held for trial and yesterday
a jury in Judge Wallace's court found him
guilty as charged. The evidence was in
terestiDg as pOrtraying the amazing sim
pIieity of the complaining witness. WIN.
after all was over, the handouts placed
upon his ensmy's wrists and Judge Wal
lace had signed an order directing that
Paganinps money be returned to him, be-
moaned the loss Of $40 that had been lost
in the scuffle.
Why" said Assistant District Attor
ney Black, you came very near losing all
your money. You ought to he satisfied to
get of with the loss Of SO. I'm sure that's
cheap enough experience for You"
Francesca Paganini shook his head
mournIully, as one who refuses to be con-
vlnced. Finally be frightened up as he
gazed once more upon his beloved money
and exchanging bows and smiles with
every one in court, including the defend
ants attorney, he returned to business and
blacking.