One final example is that of a wealthy landowner from Ribera who was owed 86 million lire by a local firm which went under. He agreed with the owners to a compromise repayment of 38 million lire. In the meantime, one of Colletti's proteges bought the firm and signed a check for 28 million lire. Colletti delivered the check in person, encouraging the lender to content himself with the lesser sum. "Knowing that he was an important man of respect whose word was like a contract," the lender accepted (OSAG: 169ff.).

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 433