When Theodora reached Spencer she made her way at once to the only jewellery store the little town contained . Mr. Benson , its owner , had been a friend of her uncle 's , and Theodora felt sure that he would buy her locket . Nevertheless her heart beat quickly , and her breath came and went uncomfortably fast as she went in . Suppose he would n't buy it . Then there would be no Christmas for the children at Red Butte . `` Good evening , Miss Theodora , '' said Mr. Benson briskly . `` What can I do for you ? '' `` I 'm afraid I 'm not a very welcome sort of customer , Mr. Benson , '' said Theodora , with an uncertain smile . `` I want to sell , not buy . Could you -- will you buy this locket ? '' Mr. Benson pursed up his lips , took up the locket , and examined it . `` Well , I do n't often buy second-hand stuff , '' he said , after some reflection , `` but I do n't mind obliging you , Miss Theodora . I 'll give you four dollars for this trinket . '' 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 XXXXX a big fur coat , and had a fur cap pulled well down over his forehead and ears .
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