The coldness of the air was soft and heavy.
Hannah and Hughie held the lanterns high and with a startling attack that made the dirt fly, Kenny began to dig.
The lantern light rayed off grotesquely through the leafless orchard but the silent group, intent upon the energetic digger, watched only the spot where the fan-like rays converged upon the spade.

The wind, sharp, intermittent and bringing with it now and then a flurry of snow, flapped their clothes about them.

Kenny, pausing to wipe his forehead, thought the night warm.

Joan's eyes, dark, solemn, frightened, spurred him on to greater effort.

He dug furiously, flinging earth in all directions.