That man was only old Mr. Byers , and he had seen no signs of a tramp . There is a trail of grease right across the road . The tramp must have taken directly to the woods . We 'll simply have to do without our Christmas dinner . '' `` By no means , '' said Josie quickly , with a little red spot on either cheek . `` Our dinner is all ready -- turkey , pudding and all . Let us lend it to you . Do n't say a word to your uncle about the accident . '' Alexina flushed and hesitated . `` It 's very kind of you , '' she stammered , `` but I 'm afraid -- it would be too much -- '' `` Not a bit of it , '' Josie interrupted warmly . `` Did n't Duncan and I have Christmas dinner at your house last year ? Just come and help us carry it over . '' `` If you lend us your dinner you and Duncan must come and help us eat it , '' said Alexina , resolutely . `` I 'll come of course , '' said Josie , `` and I think that Duncan will too if -- if -- '' She looked at Stephen , the scarlet spots deepening . Stephen coloured too . `` Duncan must come , '' he said quietly . `` I 'll go and ask him . '' Two minutes later a peculiar procession marched out of the Tracy kitchen door , across the two yards , and into the Falsom house . Josie headed it , carrying a turkey on a platter . Alexina came next with a plum pudding .
XXXXX and Duncan followed with a hot mince pie apiece .
Alexina Byers Duncan Falsom Josie Stephen Tracy accident pudding right