Except in point of height, the cabin was as comfortable a little room as could be desired. It was painted a light slate color, with the panels of the closets of a lighter shade of the same. The inner cabin was of the same color. A broad wooden bedstead extended across one end, and at the other were two long cupboards extending from the ceiling to the floor. The skylight afforded plenty of light to this room, while the large one in the main cabin gave standing height six feet square in the middle.
"It could not have been better," Hilda said, greatly pleased.
"Well, miss, I took upon myself to do several things in the way of cupboards, and so on, that you had not ordered, but seeing that you wanted to have things comfortable I took upon myself to do them."
"You did quite right, Mr. Gill. This big skylight makes all the difference in height. I see that you have painted the name, and that you have got a flag flying from the masthead."
"Yes; bargemen generally like a bit of a flag, that is to say if they take any pride in their boat. You cannot trade in the barge until you have had it registered; shall I get that done for you?"
"Yes, I should be very much obliged if you would."
"And in whose name shall I register it? In yours?"
"No; in the name of William Nibson. If you want his address it is Creek Farm, Pitsea."
"Well, miss, he is a lucky fellow. I will get it done, and he can call here for the register the first time he comes up the Medway."
Roberts was sent ashore again for a number of hooks, screws, and a few tools.