"It is impossible you should be moved, at any rate for some weeks," he said. "Why do you want to go?"
"Because I cannot earn anything, and shall not be able to do so for a long time, I fear," was the sorrowful reply.
"Never mind, Owen, these few months you have been here have shown me that money is not everything. Honesty, uprightness, and faithful service are more than money, and I will show you I value them by spending money on you. Don't you trouble; you will earn plenty when you are about again."
"Thank you," said the boy, greatly comforted, "I will get well as soon as I can, sir."
But the days passed slowly to the active lad, as he lay in weariness and pain, wondering if he should ever be able to walk again. He had intended to work hard and get on, and earn money, and do so much good in the world. Yet here he was laid on his back, unable to do anything, hardly knowing whether he should ever be more than a cripple. It was a trial to the young Christian, just as he started on the heavenly road. But he was very patient, and bore his pain manfully, while gratefully thanking any one who showed him any kindness.
His uncle continually came and sat down by him for half-an-hour at a time, and thus Owen often had sweet opportunities of witnessing for his Saviour, and telling his uncle of his peace and joy.
One day Mr. Hadleigh came in with a somewhat troubled face.
"Owen," he said, "how can I make up to you for wrongly accusing you?"
"Have you found out that I never took those things of Mr. Davenport's?" he asked, eagerly.
"Yes, I have just returned from Norris's trial, and it all came out. It seems that he and his sister kept a small grocer's shop in a low part of the town, and that for a long time he has partly stocked it through goods taken from me, by little and little, as he was able to do it. He confessed at last, when the evidence became too strong, and owned that he carried off Mr. Davenport's parcel to his own home. He is now in prison for two years."