THE APOSTLE OF YOUTH
a walk, pursuing his way somewhat at random. As he was passing a handsome mansion quite unfamiliar to him, a liveried servant appeared at the door and begged him to come in. Don Bosco complied and was conducted into the presence of a middle-aged man, an apparent paralytic.
"Ah, Father," said the invalid, "I have been in bed three years and the physicians pronounce my case hopeless. If you will relieve me your works will gain."
"Really? Why, that is admirable. My works are in urgent need this evening of three thousand francs."
"If it were only three hundred! But three thousand francs!"
"Never mind; let it go," answered the priest, and after a few casual remarks he arose to depart.
"Father, I will try to get you three thousand francs before the end of the year."
"At the end of the year? But I want the money tonight."
"I shall have to send to the bank. It requires formality."
"Go to the bank yourself, sir."
"You are joking, Father. Haven't I told you I have been lying in this bed for three years?"
"Nothing is impossible to God, Let us appeal to Mary." And Don Bosco ordered that the whole household should be called, thirty in number.
Struck with wonder, they knelt around the bed
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