At first glance, one would have thought oneself in a rather luxurious private house; but second inspection showed all possible construction and furnishings were of aluminum alloy, of patterns designed to cut weight to the lowest minimum.
The walls bore lightly framed photographs of men famous in the annals of flying, from Santos-Dumont and the Wrights to Gruynemer and Nosworthy; also pictures of famous machines--the Spad, Bristol Fighter, Sopwith Pup, 120-135, and others.

More conspicuous than any of these was a framed copy of the International Air Commission's latest condensed rules.
Signs of recent occupancy were not wanting.

An extinct cigar lay on the carpet, where it had fallen from the mouth of some airman swiftly overtaken by sleep.

The table bore an open cigar-box, several packs of cigarettes with loose "fags" scattered round, and a number of champagne bottles.
Two of these were opened; one had been emptied.

The other had lost part of its contents.