A Brass Mechanism

The wooden surface stretched wide before me. I measured each pace with care, keeping clear of the shelf's edge. Near the stack of weathered volumes, a small brass box barred my path. Its surface bore fine tarnished ridges and a heavy swinging clasp. I knelt down to inspect the joint. With steady pressure, I lifted the tiny latch with my right hand until a subtle click gave way. The metal was cool to the touch. Behind it lay a faint scent of cedar and cedar dust, undisturbed. A sound gate successfully surveyed.