The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-10-10
FOUGHT FOB A BRIDE.
HOW Pennsylvania Beauty Decided Be
tween Two Ardent Lovers

HOW . Pennsylvania Beauty Decided BE
tween Two Ardent Lovers
Oymsr Thomas and Frank williams an
the sons Of rich merchants residing in the
town Of Shickshinny, Pa. They do NOT
work for living, but lead the life of dudes,
Carrying big canes for exercise in the morn
ing and attending hops and socials in the
evening. Both young men were favoritea
in the society in which they moved. Shick-
shiny, like great many other towns
throughout the country, abounds In pretty
girls. Probably one at the prettiest il Mis-
Annie Griffith. Annie il not quite ~.
She is the favorite and only daughter Of
well-to-do citizen. Miss GrlfRths had
many admirers, and among the number
were Thomas and Williams. Both young
men were very assidious in their attentions,
and at ono time it was thought that Thomas
stood best in tho eyes of Miss Griffith. but
later developments went to show that Will
Jams was Just as welcome to the GrifRths'
homo az Thomas. The contest for the
young lady's hand finally got 20 warm that
Williams and Thomas became intensely
Jealous and Miss Grif8th's life was made
miserable.
The girl would stand it no longer, so one
evening she summoned her two lovers and
wish to be considered pompous in this mat
ter, but my good name is at stake. / be-
lieye YOU both admire me, and as result of
this admiration bad blood has sprung up
between you. Now, admire both Of you,
and since both of You have asked my hand
take. But tell you what will do. Both
Of you take day off and see who is the bet
ter man. will marry the better man."
Williams said he was ready to settle the
matter in the way proposed, but Thomas
declined, saying he was gentleman and
no fighter.
Miss Griffith said she could not help that.
II Thomas was better man than Williams
she would marry him. This nettled
Thomas, and on gong nome that evening
he told several of his friends of what had
occurred. The latter advised him not to
back out under any circumstances. This
advice encouraged Thomas, and he con-
Guided to 90 into training. He was very
secret in his movements. Every day he
took lessons in the manly art, and finally
acquired muscles as large as blacksmith's.
He then sent word to Williams that he was
ready to settle that "little matter" Will
4 larger man than his rival, and Thought he
would have an easy victory. The two prin-
cipals accompanied by few friends, went
TO lonely spot near Avondale. A ring was
pitched and the scene was lighted by
torches. Seven hard rounds were fought.
Thomas surprised everybody. He fought
Williams desperately. and in the eighth
round the latter threw up the sponge and
the girl, remarking to Thomas, "You are
entitled to her"
Miss Grifith's brother-in-law carried
Thomas of the field, placed him in car
rage and took him to the house where the
young lady was stopping. She was waiting
for the victor and ready to marry him, no
matter which one of the men it proved to
be. Thomas wounds were hurriedly dressed
by physician, and he and Miss Griffith
drove to the residence of Rev. Simon Sny-
der, where they were united in marriage.
The minister wanted to know how the
groom came to be in such sorry condition.
That he explained by saving he had been in
q runaway accident. The bride reproved
him, saying: CHOW, tell the truth.''
Thomas then said: "Well, am badly dis
figured, but still in the ring. In other
words, I fought for my lady and have won
her"