Theodora knew the locket had cost a great deal more than that , but four dollars would get what she wanted , and she dared not ask for more . In a few minutes the locket was in Mr. Benson 's possession , and Theodora , with four crisp new bills in her purse , was hurrying to the toy store . Half an hour later she was on her way back to Red Butte , with as many parcels as she could carry -- Jimmy 's skates , two lovely dolls for the twins , packages of nuts and candy , and a nice plump turkey . Theodora beguiled her lonely tramp by picturing the children 's joy in the morning . About a quarter of a mile past Mr. Lurgan 's house the trail curved suddenly about a bluff of poplars . As Theodora rounded the turn she halted in amazement . Almost at her feet the body of a man was lying across the road . He was clad in a big fur coat , and had a fur cap pulled well down over his forehead and ears . Almost all of him that could be seen was a full bushy beard . Theodora had no idea who he was , or where he had come from . 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 XXXXX all .
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