"He failed to report, this morning." Cliff reached into an inner pocket and drew out a flat package, which he proceeded to open, using a wing for a table.

"I've been busy this morning," he announced, laying his cigarette down on the wing.

Johnny promptly swept the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his heel.

Wing coverings are rather inflammable, and he was not taking any chances.
"Pardon the carelessness.

I don't know much about airplanes, old man.
Well, I went to the boss and had a talk with him, after I left you last night.