At the time his refusal was attributed to high civic ideals, and he was lauded as a hero.
Anyhow, he defied the Mafia, laid in a stock of revolvers and rifles, and rallied his friends around him.

But the news got abroad that Lupo was after Patti, and there was a run on Patti's bank.

It was a big run, and some of the depositors gesticulated and threatened--for Patti couldn't pay it all out in a minute.

Then there was some kind of a row, and Patti and his friends (claiming that the Mafia had arrived) opened fire, killing one man and wounding others.

The newspapers praised Patti for a brave and stalwart citizen.