I committed an act whose results pursued me for many a year.
"Mr.Polk, sir," said I, rising and facing him, "damn you, sir, you are not fit to untie Mr.Calhoun's shoe! I will not see you offer him one word of insult.

Quarrel with me if you like! You will gain no votes here now in any case, that is sure!" Utterly horrified at this, Mr.Polk fumbled with his hat and cane, and, very red in the face, bowed himself out, still mumbling, Mr.Calhoun rising and bowing his adieux.
My chief dropped into his chair again.

For a moment he looked at me directly.

"Nick," said he at length slowly, "you have divided the Democratic party.

You split that party, right then and there." "Never!" I protested; "but if I did, 'twas ready enough for the division.