The Wilmington daily Republican., 1901-07-29
WINS BRIDE D
IN BATTLE.

Hicks from Cape Town materially
changes the programme arranged for
the celebration of the marriage Cf
Miss Viola Porter and Thomas D.
Wlrsor. of Rockland, set down for
August II.
The wedding will take place at the
scheduled time, but the young man
from South Africa will be the bride
groom instead Of Winsor, who has
accepted the position of best-man,
while David Broadley, who was to
have been best man, takes the place
of chief usher.
The BRIDES father had promised
Hicks to give him his daughter if he
would 60 to the Transvaal and fight
for Boer independence.
Three years ago Hicks was clerk
in the office of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company, at PIttsburg, Pa. He
came to this State for health as we'll
as wealth, obtaining employment as
a shipping clerk. lie met Miss Por.
ter and mutual love led to their en-
gagement, but when Miss porter's
father was appraised of affairs he
strongly opposed the match. -
Mr.. Porter had no objection to
Hicks as a suitor except the condition
of his health. lie would not have his
daughter risk her future with con-
sumptive husband.
Tie young people were making ar
ransements for clandestine marri-
age when they were discovered, and
the young woman was sent away to
St. Louis to live with her aunt. Hicks
was welcome at the Porter Home
when Miss Viola was away, for her
father had 4 liking for the lad.
Hicks was positive he did not have
consumption and asked to De put to
some test that lie might win his
bride.
The Boer war broke out "May |
have Viola if | 60 through a cam
pagn in the Transvaa?n he asked.
The old man WIS quick to reply: If
you can undergo the hardships of SOL
diering out there you can stand any
thing said he. "No man with con-
sumption could range the kopjes. |
pledge you my word that she Shall be
yours II you come back safe and
sound" "
The young man took part in sever
al sangunary engagements and devel-
uped into fine stalwart fellow be-
fore he had been six months chasing
the British over the hills and the
veldL Then he was taken prisoner
and sent to the Island Of st. Helena.
1t was supposed here that he had
beef. killed when month after month
passed without word from him, and
this idea was confirmed by report
from David Norton, Of Central Falls,
II. l., who fought on the English
side, aud had heard uf his fellow
countryman IS capture.
Time passed, and Miss Porter was
sought by another--Thomas D. Win.
sor who had been the intimate friend
of the lover she believed to be dead
When she finally gave him pernis-
sion to speak to hel father, the latter
was willing, but he would not consent
to the marriage taking place until
more time had been given for The alb
sent Hicks to turn up.
I'll gave that boy NV solemn word.
he said "and | would like some posi-
tive proof of his death before | give
Viola to another. God knows the
boy has earned his bride, after suffer-
inr 50 much.
Miss Porter had candidly stated this
to Winsor. and he had agreed to sur
render all claims to her in the event
Of Hicks returning or being heard
from as alive before August =.
But no word came, and finally the
arrangements for the wedding were
made. The usual invitations were is.
sued. Last Thursday evening Winsor
and MS prospective bride were sitting
on the piazza talking Of Hicks, when
the wandcrer appeared.
Old Mr.. Porter summoned Winsor
and lcclngly called hi" attention to
the agreement touching the return Of
Hicks, who, he said. had a PRIOR right
to his daughters hand. Wi1sor act
ed as man Of honor throughout, and
voluntarily offered to lie second best
man at the wedding.
Hicks, after he fell into the hands
Of the British, was charged with be-
ing aesertcr from the English army
because his English had no Dutch ac.
cent. Taken before Military tribu.
nal he was identified by u sergeant
OF the line as having deserted ut
Lyndbury u year before.
Devled Crab, At Is ck its Cafe, 7th aud
Shlpley street