The burgomaster quietly unfolded it, and, while reading its contents aloud, the notary and city clerk looked over his shoulder.
The property was to be divided among various churches and convents, where masses were to be read for her soul, and her nearest blood relations.

Belotti and Denise received small legacies.
"It is fortunate," exclaimed Van Hout, "that this paper is a piece of paper and nothing more." "The document has no legal value whatever," added the notary, "for it was taken from me and opened with the explicit statement, that changes were to be made.

Here is a great deal to be read on the back." The task, that the gentlemen now undertook, was no easy one, for the sick woman had scrawled short notes above and below, hither and thither, on the blank back of the document, probably to assist her memory while composing a new will.
At the very top a crucifix was sketched with an unsteady hand, and below it the words: "Pray for us! Everything shall belong to holy Mother Church." Farther down they read: "Nico, I like the lad.

The castle on the downs.
Ten thousand gold florins in money.

To be secured exclusively to him.
His father is not to touch it.