Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-04-15
CHAPTER XVII.
FIN AL Z.

" We are 80 fortunate, my young friend, "
said Mr.. Leavitt, " as to find the records and
papers we have sought. You have only to
prove you relationship to the deceased Mr.. Bel
den, to give you the possession Of an estate quite
sufficient for all your future wants.
The testimony of Captain Blinn, and the
accompanying papers to which he refers may
| be regarded as sufficient for that purpose in the
absence of any counter proof. Yet if you can
strengthen, or confirm that by other evidence,
| it will be well to do 50. Can you do that my
young friend ~
William looked inquiringy at Clovis.
"I know" said Clovis, " the statements
made by Captain Blinn are true. I am the
person he refers to in his depositionby the name
Of Clovis Gray
81 propose" " said Mr. Leavitt, addressing the
Court, " that his testimony be taken now''
The Register accordingly wrote out the dec
larations of Clovis, to the effect that he was
the person referred to by Captain Blinn as
Clovis Gray; and affirming generally the state
mOnts contained in the deposition of the form
Ier.
81 was on board the ship Sarah Leeds, and
know said Clovis, 4" that Mr.. Beden senior
and his wife, then claimed and acknowledged
this person to be their legitimate child. This is
all the knowledge have on that point. 1t may
be proper to add, and if it will contribute to
Billy's advantagoI will cheerfuly add, that
for many years have been known as Clovis
Gray. These are my christian names. l have
given to William Belden paper, to be opened
after my deceaso to which my real name is
subscribed. The statements contained in that
paper | wish now to say, on my oath, are
true
What is your real name % the Surrogate
enquircd.
Clovis, with look that indicated the pain
he felt, answered " IF it is not material to
Williams interest, must not tell
" But you must subscribe your oath,' the
Surrogate continued.
81 will subscribe by the only name by which
| am known )" he answered.
Mr.. Leavitt, at Williams suggestion, inter-
posed request that the enquiry should be pur-
sued no farther. Accordingly the statement was
subscribed, and the oath administered.
:" think, my friend" said Mr.. Leavitt to
William there will be no difficulty in establish
ing your claim but time will be requisite to
do so."
"Of what does the estate consist ?" William
enquired.
:. All, had forgotten that you was not
aware of that. / will show you the inventory,
and read you the will. Mr.. Leavitt handed
the first named paper to William, and perused
the latter. d" 1t appears" he said at length,
" you had a brother. Was you aware of
that %
81 was not" William answered, at the
same time castingan enquiring look on Clovis,
who was deadly pale.
Mr.. Leavitt's eye followed Williams
"Wil you read the will, sir ?' Clovis said
in faltering tone.
Mr.. Ieavitt read as follows:
&C This is the last viii and Testament of me,
Francis Belden, of Liverpool, in the County
palatine of Lancaster, Esquire; whereby after
the payment of all my just debts, funeral, and
testamentary expenses and the probate OF
this my viii give, devise, and boqueath
unto my beloved wife Sarah Leeds, the dwell
ing house in which now reside, situate and
being in Liverpool aforesaid and all tho house
hold furniture, plate, and linen, therein being
unto, and to the use of, my said beloved wifi
and her assigns, for, and during, the term Of
her natural lile"
Then followed various bequests to charitable
uses and the final clause in these words -
I" give; devise and bequeath all the rest
residue; and remainder of all my real and
personal estate of what nature; tenure or kind
soever and wherasoever situate and whether in
reversion; ; remainder; or expectancy and over
which have any disposing power ; unto, and
to the use of, my said beloved wife and her as
signs for and during the term of her natural
life and from and Immediately after her de-
cease, give; devise; and bequeath the same
unto, and to the use of, my dear son William
Belden, his heirs and assigns forever
The will was subscribed and attcsted, in the
prescribed form. During the reading of the
first clause, Clovis began to feel himself relieved
from the painful apprehensions he INDUCED in
the outset; and when it was finished, he had
nearly regainod the composure which was ma
terially disturbed at first He was indulging
more cheerful hopes when Mr.. Leavitt observed
g Here is a codicil which will read likewise -
and he proceeded as folows:- =
:" A codicil TO the will of me the above named
Francis Belden, as follows
81 give unto my beloved wife Sarah Leeds.
the guardianship of nay dear son William Bel
den during his minority and also the power OF
appointment of successor of guardian to nv
said son, his person and fortune, in case of he1
death, during his minority"
81 give and bequeath out of my cash funds
to my long absent, and wayward son, Clop;,
Gray Belden, by my first wife Anna Gray if he
be living the sum of six thousand pounds -
and to this gift add-my blessing my par
don for the past and my daily prayers
When the meof the last legatco was read
Clovis felt the shock he had long painfully APP
pretended, and hoped he might avoid
William was first amazed and ncrcdulous; but
when he turned his eyes ON Clovis, and saw