In the same instant, I saw that a fluctuating glimmer of violet light outlined the metal of the gun-barrels and the blade of the sword bayonet, making them seem like faint shapes of glimmering light, floating unsupported where the tabletop should have shown solid.

He sat drumming a heavy tattoo on the tabletop, forehead corrugated in a frown of intensive thought.

" He rested on the tabletop and stood leaning over and looking down.