It was not fashionable in those days to have too many friends of the Democratish persuasion. And this even though he didn't look Democratish.

You can't read my diary - it is personal.

The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen. No one queried it. It was in the classic pattern of human weakness, mean and embarrassing and sad.

Split peas are hemispherical.