The Milwaukee Sentinel – 24 Dic 1931
The twelfth session found the scene shifted to the new Waldorf-Astoria hotel, with Culbertson leading by 10.705 points at the end of 178 rubbers. Ely and his partners had won 12 rubbers to 36 for Lenz and Jacoby.
Keeps Ossie as Partner.
Lenz was host now instead of the Culbertsons. He and Jacoby still were teamed in defense of the official system, despite a bit of a row in which they indulged early Wednesday morning. Lenz criticized Jacoby’s bidding on the final hand of the eleventh session so severely that for a few minutes it looked as though the veteran would exercise his privilege and choose a new partner for the remainder of the match.
Everything apparently had been patched up amicably when they sat down for the twelfth session Wednesday night.
Jo Makes Peace
During the episode in which Lenz slumbered, Mrs. Ely Culbertson, a spectator at the match, acted as peacemaker and sympathized with Sidney over her husband’s slowness. Lenz said he meant merely to close his eyes and wait for the play. When Culbertson made his play there was no response from his foe. Lieutenant Gruenther, referee, reached over and tugged at his arm.
«Heh?» said Lenz jumping up with a start. «What’s the contract?»
The contract and play were explained to him. «Go back to sleep.» said Culbertson. «the next play is going to take longer.»
Lenz Charges Out
Lenz bounced out of his chair and stamped into the hall. «When he plays,» he shouted, «call me—or send a telegram. May-be I’ll come back.’
In the hallway he ran into Mrs. Culbertson, who, while not playing as partner to her husband is helping with the details of scoring.
«Sidney.» she asked, «what on’ earth is the matter?»
«I fell asleep waiting for that fellow to play.» he replied. «He’s too doggone slow, I tell you!»
Mrs. Culbertson consoled him with a funny story.
Three minutes later two bellboys, four Culbertson employes, a waiter and three reporters came running down the hall shouting that Mr. Culbertson had decided to play the next card.
Lenz walked back into the playing room.
Calls Ely’s Bluffs
«I was going to play.» said Culbertson, «but I changed my mind.»
Lenz turned around and darted out again. Culbertson caught him: by the arm. «No, wait ,» he said, «I’ll play.’ See—a little black club—there you are Sidney!»
Culbertson later accused Lenz of «playing possum for effect.»