`` Joe grew still by and by , and I thought he was asleep , for I felt his breath when I tucked him up , and his hand held on to mine . The cold sort of numbed me , and I dropped off , too weak and stupid to think or feel . I never should have waked up if it had n't been for Joe . When I came to , it was morning , and I thought I was dead , for all I could see was that great field of white mounds , like graves , and a splendid sky above . Then I looked for Joe , remembering ; but he had put my coat back over me , and lay stiff and still under the snow that covered him like a shroud , all except his face . A bit of my cape had blown over it , and when I took it off and the sun shone on his dead face , I declare to you it was so full of heavenly peace I felt as if that common man had been glorified by God 's light , and rewarded by God 's ` Well done . ' That 's all . '' No one spoke for a moment , while the women wiped their eyes , and Saul dropped his as if to hide something softer than tears . `` It was very noble , very touching . And you ? how did you get off at last ? '' asked Randal , with real admiration and respect in his usually languid face . `` Crawled off , '' answered Saul , relapsing into his former brevity of speech . `` Why not before , and save yourself all that misery ? '' `` Could n't leave Joe . '' `` Ah , I see ; there were two heroes that night . '' `` Dozens , I 've no doubt . Those were times that made heroes of men , and women , too . '' `` Tell us more ; '' begged Emily , looking up with an expression none of her admirers ever brought to her face by their softest compliments or wiliest gossip . `` I 've done my part .
It 's Mr. XXXXX 's turn now ; '' and Saul drew himself out of the ruddy circle of firelight , as if ashamed of the prominent part he was playing .
Emily Joe Randal Saul bit morning night one shroud something