No doubt he thought he was doing me a good turn, and honestly thought ill of Crofter.

But it did not follow he was not doing him an injustice, and demanding that I should join in it.
At any rate, I felt heartily miserable, and wished I had never put foot outside the faggery that day.
About a mile from home Tempest got out on the towing-path, and said he would trot to the school while I paddled the boat home.

It was some relief to be left alone; a relief, however, which was considerably tempered by the fear of meeting Crofter, and having to explain matters to him.

That difficulty fortunately did not occur, and I got back to the bosom of the Philosophers without further adventure.
In their sweet society I gradually recovered my spirits.

Their enthusiasm for Tempest was still unabated, and their avowed contempt for his enemies all the world over was refreshing.