The later recorded deed described the larger tract as though no reserve existed.
The attorney traced the boundary language with her finger.
Then turned toward the boy's mother.
"This may explain the survey discrepancy."
The mother leaned closer.
"What?"
The attorney pointed toward the northern boundary.
"The recorded deed appears to have included land that the earlier reserve documents excluded."
The boy looked up.
"The spring?"
The lawyer nodded.
"Yes."
He stared.
The spring was one of the places his grandfather loved most.
The old man had taken him there several times.
It ran cold even during summer.
Clear water emerged from the rocky hillside and moved through a shallow channel bordered by ferns and moss.
His grandfather used to kneel beside it.
Dip one hand into the water.
Then smile.
"The dairy started because of this spring."
The boy remembered those words.
He looked toward the attorney.
"Does that mean the spring is ours?"
She answered carefully.
"It means we need to find out who holds lawful title to that reserved parcel."
The child nodded.
Then the lawyer requested the historical notary records.
That inquiry produced the first truly shocking public-record discrepancy.
The notary named on the later conveyance had died before the date on which the deed claimed the acknowledgment occurred.
For several moments, nobody spoke.
The attorney checked the name again.
Then the commission records.
Then the date.
The discrepancy remained.
The notary had died.
Yet the county's recorded copy described him witnessing a signature afterward.
The mother stared at the paperwork.
"How is that possible?"
The lawyer took a slow breath.
"Either the record contains a serious error, the acknowledgment was improperly attributed, or the document was not executed as represented."
The boy leaned forward.
"Or somebody lied?"
The attorney looked toward him.
Then nodded.
"That's one possibility."
The mother pressed a hand against her mouth.
For decades, the family had been told the transaction was complete.
Now the record supporting that claim contained a notarial acknowledgment that appeared impossible.
The attorney gathered the documents.
"We need a certified history of the notary's commission and death record, then a qualified examination of the deed."
The mother nodded.
The lawyer continued.