Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-04-15
HARLEY HARTMAN (;
The snaggers of Memphremagog
CHAPTER XVI.
EN- G l. A Nd.

ENGLAND.
To follow minutely the various characters in
this history is superfuous.
Hartman was reseated in his early home,
which was wonderfully improved from the con-
dition in which he left it, His wife with health
and strength renewed, seemed to have vaulted
back to early womanhood. His quondam
friends forgot his repentant faults, and his vir-
tues praised; while Herbert sought the post of
honor in his country's service; and Alice, the
pure and spotless, the pride and praise of all
around, true to her life and character, lived,
moved, and had her being, in daily cschewing
evil, and doing good.
Clovis and William took passagefor England,
and when they arrived in Liverpool their first
by whom they were referred to the Ecclesasti-
cal Court. The papers which they carried with
them were pronounced by their professional
friend, sufficient prima facie evidence to estab-
lish the claim of William Belden to the inner
itance of his fathers estate; and in company
with their Counsel they bent their steps to the
Ecclesiastical or Prerogative Court, where, he
assured them, they would find an inventory of
Mr.. Belden's estate, and full record of the
disposition that had been made of the same.
As they threaded their way through the
streets, and neared the place of destination,
Clovis evinced degree of uneasiness which he
could not repress. At length he said to the
Counsellor,
Had you any acquaintance with Mr.. Bel
den, sir?'
"No,' the latter answered, 81 knew him by
reputation as merchant of much enterprise
and character. The ship in which he sailed is
supposed to have foundered at sea, and all on
board long since given up as lost. l re-
member that her loss occasioned some excite
ment at the time. 1t was regarded as quite
mysterious that she should never be heard from.
She carried, if l recollect, valuable cargo,
and it was subject of congratulation on the
part of the underwriters, that no one appeared
to claim the loss. "
"Can the lawful heir claim that now?"
Clovis inquired.
" A recovery now on the contract of assur-
ance would be attended with great difficulties,
doubtless, by reason of the lapse of time, and
the loss Of material papers. A compromise is
preferable to litigation, l apprehend, in such a
case
Had Mr.. Belden much other property, do
you know, sr? %
81 think Irecollect that he left large estate.
And since the subject has been discussed to day,
it strikes me have heard the estate referred to,
Or inquiries made concerning it within year,
or it may be within lesser time than that"
"Do you remember by whom the inquiries
were made, or for what purpose "
81 cannot now recollect by whom, when, OF
where, nor do know if the object of the allu-
sion to it was avowed."
"Do you know in what part of Liverpool
Mr.. Belden resided?"
~ do not" the Counsellor replied il" but
we have arrived at the quarters where the Court
is held and its records will furnish us with all
needful facts"
{" If l get an estate, Clovis" said William
Belden, 'syour claim will be better than mine
to q moety."
Billy! " said Clovis surprised, Have you
unsealcd the packet gaze you?"
"What packet, Clovis?"
" That | gave you when l went to summons
Hartman S friends to the rescue of Alice
promise that would not open it till you were
dead, Clovis?"
You did, Billy, and trusted your word
But why did you say that mine is a better claim
than yours to moiety Of your fathers estate?'
"Clovis Too generous Clovis " said Will
lam, "did you not save my life when Pele
held it in his hand and was about to cast i
away? Have you not, with all of brother
kindness and affection, watched over me cvel
since ; and when was comparatively helpless
defended me from rude assaults, and perhaps 9
score of times, from deadly ones? Did you moi
reveal me to myself, and aid me to come, nay, al
the risk of your own life, and the surrender Of
all your hopes, and perilous risk it was too
did you not bring me, by yOr perseverance,
and energy, and kindness and courage, to where
Inow am, on the eve Of acquiring that which
is said to belong to me? Did you not, Clovis
for my sake surrender claims to Alice, whicl
were greatly superior to mine; and, when yor
thought was not conscious of what YOU said
urge her brother earnestly, seriously, with youl
last words to him, by every remembrance o
the past, and every hope for the future, to keeI
that pure spirit as gift Of Heaven for William
Boldon? Clovis Clovis Will you still ash
why your claim to moiety of my fathers es
tate is better than mine? Can brother
kindness or deserts equal yours, Cloyis?"
:" What have you done with the packet gave
you? Clovis enquired.
I" 'Tis here, sewed within tho lapel of my
coat" William answered.
g Give it to me, Billy"
William ripped the lapel and drew forth
the packet. Clovis took it, and having exam
ined it critically, was surprised to find that il
had remained unopened. He drew William
asido.