But she realized that he was unconscious , and that he would speedily freeze to death if help were not brought . The footprints of a horse galloping across the prairie suggested a fall and a runaway , but Theodora did not waste time in speculation . She ran back at full speed to Mr. Lurgan 's , and roused the household . In a few minutes Mr. Lurgan and his son had hitched a horse to a wood-sleigh , and hurried down the trail to the unfortunate man . Theodora , knowing that her assistance was not needed , and that she ought to get home as quickly as possible , went on her way as soon as she had seen the stranger in safe keeping . 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 XXXXX the big fellow 's arms , laughing and crying at the same time .
across after around as at in into of that to