Then came a rumour that the boy was dead.

I never believed it; yet wrote him off as dead.

Now, as I near my end, I still discredit the story; I am convinced he still lives.

In that conviction, I have made a new will, which is the paper enclosed.

As you will see, it provides that if he should return before you attain your majority, he becomes sole heir to the property; if not found before that time, the will under which you inherit all remains valid.