A Curious Column

Following the curve of the crimson ribbon from last evening, I noticed a long, polished silver cylinder lying gracefully across an open blotter. Its sleek metallic sheen resembled an elegant palace pillar resting on its side. Approaching with steady, measured steps, I reached forward with both gloved hands and nudged its heavy barrel. To my gentle surprise, it gave a soft, rhythmic roll across the paper, gliding smoothly before coming to rest against a wooden ruler. Aligning it parallel to the desk's edge created the most splendid little colonnade.