Inside could be seen the crowds of people waiting on the platforms; in many of them, the engine of a great airship was already throbbing, waiting to start.

In the background was a huge wireless installation, and around, at regular intervals, enormous pillars, on the top of which flares of different-coloured fire were burning.

The automobile came to a standstill before a large electrically illuminated time chart.

Nigel alighted for a moment and spoke to one of the inspectors.
"Which station for the _Black Dragon_, private ship from China ?" he enquired.
The man glanced at the chart.
"Number seven, on the other side," he replied.

"You can drive around." "How is she for time ?" "She crossed the North Sea punctually," he replied.