Four on the Wire

A low wooden abacus lay flat on the corner of the study desk. I stepped onto the outer mahogany frame, steadying my feet across the polished rail. Along the uppermost brass rod, several dark wooden beads were scattered at uneven intervals. Lowering my head, I pressed the side of my bill against the nearest bead. It glided effortlessly along the wire with a faint metallic hiss, striking the inner frame with a crisp, solid snap. One by one, I guided three more beads across the rod until they clicked snugly against each other, forming a clean, tight row of spheres flush against the timber.