How did Slim examine Curly's wife's dead body?

There is a gentleness and calm which Slim examines her body. He countenance and body language are almost Christ-like as he gently checks her pulse and neck. For a moment, the scene transfixes the men.

Then Slim went quietly over to her, and he felt her wrist. One lean finger touched her cheek, and then his hand went under her slightly twisted neck and his fingers explored her neck. When he stood up the men crowded near and the spell was broken. ch 5