Right aft, and gained by a companion-ladder from a very small cockpit, was the main cabin, fitted throughout in teak, and possessing four sofa berths. In the centre was a large table, while there was more than 6 feet 6 inches headroom under the deck-beams. Through the for'ard bulkhead of the saloon were two doorways, one leading to a small, compact, and well-fitted galley, the other to a single-berthed sleeping-cabin.
For'ard of these a solid bulkhead ran athwartships, completely cutting off the engine-room from the owner's quarters.
The engine-room was gained by means of an almost vertical ladder. In it were two twin motors of 30 horse-power, controlled, when running, from a "sunk" wheel-house. Opening out of the engine-room was a spacious forepeak, with folding-cot accommodation for six persons.
"We've got our work cut out to get shipshape before night," declared Mr. Armitage briskly. "All hands to it, and we'll soon break the back of the job."
The Sea Scouts were told off to their respective tasks. Stratton and Hepburn tackled the work of scrubbing decks, airing sails, and overhauling the running-gear. Roche and Flemming took on the motor-room, running the engines, testing the controls, and seeing "how things worked", in addition to gauging the contents of the petrol and oil tanks, and "checking" the engineers' stores.
Woodleigh and Warkworth cleaned out the forepeak and the galley, while the Scoutmaster toiled like a Trojan in the main cabin.
By six o'clock in the evening the Rosalie was transformed into a clean and tidy craft, the Sea Scouts' gear was packed away below, and the galley fires were burning brightly. Half an hour later all hands sat down to a plentiful meal in the saloon Then, dead tired with their exertions, they turned in and slept until nearly eight the next morning.
"No chance of a start to-day," declared Mr. Armitage. "The glass has risen far too quickly. It means a repetition of the blow, but possibly from another quarter."
"Would it be too rough outside, sir?" asked Hepburn. "The caretaker told me that the Rosalie was out in all weathers during the war, winter and summer."
"It may not be too rough for the yacht," replied Mr. Armitage, "but it may be too rough for us. Remember it's the human element that counts. We don't know the Rosalie. She, no doubt, has her peculiarities, which her former crew understood. We don't. We have to find them out. See what I mean?"