A Stranger's Story - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
A STRANGER'S STORY. Copyright, 1895. by J. C. Groene & Co. Words and Music by Gussie L. Davis. 
The lights were brightly burning on a cold and winter's night In a tavern at the corner, 'twas a scene of splendor bright; Its walls and decorations like a palace grand in style. There rich men 'round the fireside sat, told stories for the while; A stranger, who had entered there, stood list'ning to their talk; Though young he looked, his hair was white, but steady was his walk. "Excuse me, gentlemen," he said," a story I'll relate; It's old but new, 'tis strange but true, worked by the hand of fate. 
Refrain. "I'll tell a story"-this the stranger said"I'll tell of those that loved me once, now numbered with the dead. Yours is joy and pleasure, and a peaceful life; My poor heart is breaking for my babes and wife. 
"'Twas in the late rebellion that I went to fight my share; My wife and little children I left in an old friend's care. Through falsehood and deceit, I found, he made her think me dead; Then married and mistreated her, he broke her heart and fled. When I returned, I found her grave, the babies, too, were there; And then, upon my bended knees, to heaven sent a pray'r, I must avenge their wrongs," he said; then went out in the night. He left tears in the eyes of those that just before were bright. - Refrain.