`` I shall tell you my own story for the benefit of those who have not heard it . When I was a lad of sixteen I started to work out my own education . Some of you will remember that old Mr. Blair of Avonlea offered me a place in his store for the summer , at wages which would go far towards paying my expenses at the country academy the next winter . I went to work , eager and hopeful . All summer I tried to do my faithful best for my employer . In September the blow fell . A sum of money was missing from Mr. Blair 's till . I was suspected and discharged in disgrace . All my neighbors believed me guilty ; even some of my own family looked upon me with suspicion -- nor could I blame them , for the circumstantial evidence was strongly against me . '' Ralph and James looked ashamed ; Edith and Margaret , who had not been born at the time referred to , lifted their faces innocently . Robert did not move or glance up . He hardly seemed to be listening . `` I was crushed in an agony of shame and despair , '' continued Malcolm . `` I believed my career was ruined . I was bent on casting all my ambitions behind me , and going west to some place where nobody knew me or my disgrace . But there was one person who believed in my innocence , who said to me , ` You shall not give up -- you shall not behave as if you were guilty . You are innocent , and in time your innocence will be proved . Meanwhile show yourself a man . You have nearly enough to pay your way next winter at the Academy . I have a little I can give to help you out .
Do n't give XXXXX -- never give in when you have done no wrong . '
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