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It was not until 1851 that Don Bosco was enabled to purchase the Valdocco property, the owner, Pinardi, constantly requiring 80,000 francs, an exorbitant price. In February of that year he sought Don Bosco and agreed to accept 30,500, which was its real value. The offer was timely. This acquisition had been the object of the saintly apostle's desires for five years; and now, though his purse was empty, he concluded the contract with eyes fixed confidently on Divine Providence, assured that Mary, Help of Christians would be as ever his intercessor and treasurer.

Scarcely had Pinardi disappeared, when Don Cafasso, his spiritual director, entered with a gift of 10,000 francs from the Countess Casazza. The next day a trust fund of 20,000 francs was placed at his disposal, and a banker, his friend, supplied the lacking 500 francs. It was a joyous day for all when the contract was signed and the Valdocco fields became the property of the Oratory.

Don Bosco saw that this was a golden moment for securing a public house near by, the Giardiniera, which had long been a source of fear and sorrow to him on account of the danger to his