The San Francisco call., 1897-09-09

but this was found to be mistake. Ia
her application for family allowance she
averred that she was the mother OF the
children, Thomas Frederick Bell and
Maria Theresa Bell, as we'll as OF the chill
dren, Robina, Reginald, Muriel and Eu-
STAGE, but this petition was not verihed
Her application for homestead was
sworn to by her. but in that document she
alleged that the children mentioned, ln-
Guiding Thomas and Maria, were the chill
dren of the deceased Thomas Bell, care
being evidently taken not to say that They
were her children.
Young Thomas Frederick Bell was asked
what be ad to say. He replied that this
was the greatest surprise OF his lie.
81 have always considered this lady as
my mother, and do so still, he said. 'She
always told me she was my mother, or al
least she never told me anything else.
think she has been led into making this
declaration by the advice OF certain per-
sons W no are antagonis &c to me. don
know what | shall do about il, but sup
pose | shall have to take the advice OF my
attorney"
Proceedings in court Jagged after Mrs.
Bell mad proclaimed under oath and 10
the world that she was the mother OF but
four children, instead of SIX as he world
has long believed, and an ad djourn ment
was Iaken. Mrs. Bell, accom- panied by
Nanny Pleasant - her shrewd, silent
and faithful Servant-and Trend started
from the courtroom. AS they reached
the door they were conf onted by young
Bell Some angry words were spoken,
threats it is alleged were made by the
young man, and IN few minutes the sem
sation was transferred from the Probate
to the Police Court. Mrs. Bell with her
friends forced their way past the irate
Thomas Frederick and hurried to the
apartment of Judge Joachimsen.
To him tney told the story of the threats
made bv the "cast-off son." and warrant
charGing threats against life was issued
for the arrest of the impulsive Thomas
Frederick. lie was not arrested last even
ing, but whether or not he will be to-day
and the charge prosecuted yet remains to
be seen.
Last night Nanny Pleasant guarded
the portals of ''the house of si!ence"-the
home OF the Belis-and at her mistress
command allowed no one TO see her.
Nanny, however, talked OF the trouble,
but very guardedIy. The words uttered
by Mrs. Bell on the stand disclaiming
Fred and Theresa as her children were
words of truth" " she said.
Many years ago." she continued.
when they were both little babies they
we're brought by Mr.. Bell 10 my farm IN
Sonoma County. He said they were his
children, but he did not tell me the name
of their mother. l do not know who their
mother Is, whether she Is alive or dead. in
this coun ry or out of it. | have heard
her name that is q party told me a
woman's name. and said she was the
mother of the oldest Bell children. That
was only hearsay, though | Will not give
he< name. Some time after the children
were placed in my care Mr.. and Mrs. Bell
were married. rne children we're tnen
taken from me, and were cared for by Mrs.
Bell with the same tenderness she would
accord children that were her own.
Young Fred Bell has known for years
that Mrs. Bell was not his mother. Fisher
Ames, Mrs. Belts attorney. is aware of
the fact that Bell has known for some
time the true facts of his parentage.
These facts will give, but no more.
at is getting late; we will all go to
bed" she said in conclusion, and minute
later slipped the heavy doorbolts OF the
mysterious mansion and retired to her
room.
Fisher Ames corroborated the story OF
Nanny Pleasant regarding BelPs knowl-
edge of his parentage. Young Bell fire.
quently referred 10 the lady | always sup
posed was his mother as Mrs. Bell" he
said, land one day about two years ago l
criticized him for SO drin y, telling him /
believed he should show his mother more
respect. he tuen lOO only III l4Hhdteu, OUT
told me, that Mrs. Bell was not his moih-
er. l was surprised, but knowing full well
that the parentage of the young man was
not an affair to worry me | said nothing
further about il
W. H. Schooler, attorney for young
Bell, ex pressed an opinion to the effect
that Mrs. Bell is not stating the exacJ
truth. He believed that his client Is
really the son OF Mrs. Bell. and says he
cannot understand the motive OF her testi-
mony, as he does not believe what she
says will initiate against the legal inter
ests OF his client.