Pridgin had wanted me.

Crofter had wanted me.

Even Redwood had wanted me.

And now here was old Tempest putting in his claim! He should have me--I would not be so selfish as to deprive him of the coveted privilege.
In a somewhat "tilted" condition I went off on my errand, not even delaying to announce the great news to my fellow-Philosophers.

It was a dark evening, and the gymnasium was some way off.