When she reached the little log house she crept in , cautiously put the children 's gifts in their stockings , placed the turkey on the table where Aunt Elizabeth would see it the first thing in the morning , and then slipped off to bed , a very weary but very happy girl . The joy that reigned in the little log house the next day more than repaid Theodora for her sacrifice . `` Whoopee , did n't I tell you that Santa Claus would come all right ! '' shouted the delighted Jimmy . `` Oh , what splendid skates ! '' The twins hugged their dolls in silent rapture , but Aunt Elizabeth 's face was the best of all . Then the dinner had to be prepared , and everybody had a hand in that . Just as Theodora , after a grave peep into the oven , had announced that the turkey was done , a sleigh dashed around the house . Theodora flew to answer the knock at the door , and there stood Mr. Lurgan and a big , bewhiskered , fur-coated fellow whom Theodora recognized as the stranger she had found on the trail . But -- was he a stranger ? There was something oddly familiar in those merry brown eyes . Theodora felt herself growing dizzy . `` Donald ! '' she gasped . `` Oh , Donald ! '' And then she was in the big fellow 's arms , laughing and crying at the same time . Donald it was indeed . And then followed half an hour during which everybody talked at once , and the turkey would have been burned to a crisp had it not been for the presence of mind of Mr. Lurgan who , being the least excited of them all , took it out of the oven , and set it on the back of the stove . `` To think that it was you last night , and that I never dreamed it , '' exclaimed Theodora . `` Oh , Donald , if I had n't gone to town ! ''
`` I 'd have frozen XXXXX death , I 'm afraid , '' said Donald soberly .
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