1931 Old Waldorf Bar Days by Albert Stevens Crockett

Faculty and Proctors "sit down and have a quiet drink, and talk things over." Then a man on his other side jumped up. "Take your hands off my friend, Dick Plunkett!" he shouted at Masterson, at the same time trying to jerk something from his hip pocket. Meantime, the effect upon the crowd had been pan– icky. Immediately the identity of Masterson had begun to be whispered about. "That's Bat Masterson," men told one another. "He'll shoot on sight," some added. So before Masterson had gr'abbed Plunkett's collar, a movem!'!nt had starteci',toward the exit-toward all ex– its, in fact. Men began pouring not only into the exten– sion of Peacock Alley, but into the Grill Room, and the emergency lavatory at the southeast corner of the Bar, past which safety could be gained, was choked by men who merely wanted to find a quick way out, but missed the door. Joe Smith, at that time chief sleuth of the hotel, had been sent for at the first sign of trouble. Now he ap– peared, and began edging his way past the crowd that was milling to escape. Joe heard the name "Bat Masterson," and it was enough to make him discreet. He did no'f rush up to the table where the fun was, and with the voice of authority quell the disturbance and order the disturbers out. As a matter of fact, Joe found a pillar that looked as if it might resist anything like gunfire, and hid behind it. However, s~mebody outside had telephoned the Tender– loin police station, and three cops appeared. By the time they arrived, the only live occupants of the room were Joe and the bartenders. By this time friends had sue- [ 91]