"What I must do is this work.

The man we are to meet to-night is Mr.Polk.It is important." "You would not call Mr.Polk important ?" I smiled frankly, and Calhoun replied in icy kind.
"You can not tell how large a trouble may be started by a small politician," said he.

"At least, we will hear what he has to say.

'Twas he that sought the meeting, not myself." Perhaps half an hour later, Mr.Calhoun's old negro man ushered in this awaited guest, and we three found ourselves alone in one of those midnight conclaves which went on in Washington even then as they do to-day.

Mr.Polk was serious as usual; his indecisive features wearing the mask of solemnity, which with so many passed as wisdom.
"I have come, Mr.Calhoun," said he--when the latter had assured him that my presence would entail no risk to him--"to talk over this Texas situation." "Very well," said my chief.