ALBERT C. RITCHIE, GOVERNOR. 483

at any time within two years from the date of sale, by paying
to the Treasurer a fee of one dollar for a certificate of re-
demption, together with the amount paid by the tax pur-
chaser at the sale with interest thereon at the rate of fifteen
per centum per annum from the day of the sale, and
the amount of all taxes, municipal, State or county, general
or special, or assessments, paid by the purchaser, his heirs
or assigns, with interest at the same rate from the date of
such payment.

(K) The Treasurer shall deliver to the person making the
redemption a certificate of redemption; and shall keep in a
separate fund all moneys received by way of redemption, to
be paid, without interest, to the tax purchaser, his heirs or
assigns upon the delivery to him of their certificates of pur-
chase.

(L) If real property sold for taxes be not redeemed within
two years from the date of sale, the Mayor shall, on presenta-
tion of the certificate of purchase, and the payment of the
amount of taxes and cost of conveyance then due, execute,,
in the name of the town, and deliver a deed conveying to the
purchaser, his heirs or assigns, the property described in the
certificate. Such deed shall vest in the grantee an absolute-
estate in fee simple, free from all lien or encumbrances what-
ever, except liens for State, county or municipal taxes. Such
deed shall be prima facie evidence in all courts that all the
proceedings prior to its execution and delivery, including -the
assessment and levy of the taxes, were regularly and validly
taken; that the land was subject to taxation; that the taxes
had not been paid before the sale; that the property had not
been redeemed; and that the deed vested in the grantee an
absolute title according to its tenor.

(M) If any person claiming title under a tax deed made
as hereinbefore provided, shall be defeated in any suit or pro-
ceeding by or against him for the recovery of the land pur-
porting to be conveyed by such tax deed, the successful claim-
ant shall be adjudged to Day him the full amount paid by the
purchaser at the tax sale, with interest at the rate of fifteen
per centum per annum on the total amount thus paid, also
to the amount of all taxes and assessments, State, county and
municipal, general or special, paid by the purchaser, his
heirs or assigns, after the date of the certificate of purchase,
and interest thereon at six (6) per centum per annum. Such-
judgment shall be a lien on the land in controversy.