The dead man, swinging with bended back, seemed to be obstinately tugging, in ludicrous and awful ways, for the possession of the flag.
It was past in an instant of time.

They wrenched the flag furiously from the dead man, and, as they turned again, the corpse swayed forward with bowed head.

One arm swung high, and the curved hand fell with heavy protest on the friend's unheeding shoulder..