Cat. #0752 (MFH #442) - As sung by Ollie Gilbert, Mountain View, Arkansas on May 26, 1969
VERSE 1
O, one night it was dark an' stormy
An' along came tramp in th rain
He was mak'n his way to some station
To catch a long distance train
VERSE 2
May I sleep in your barn tonight, mister
It is cold lying out on th ground
And th cold north wind is whistling
An' I have no place to lie down
VERSE 3
I have no tabarker or matches
I am sure I will do you no harm
I will tell you my story, kind mister
It runs thru my heart, like a starm
VERSE 4
It was three years ago, last summer
I'll never forget that sad day
When a stranger came out of th city
Want-ing to stay a few days
VERSE 5
Th stranger was tall, fair an' handsome
He looked to be a man who had wealth
He said he could like t' stay in our country
He would like to stay there, for his health
VERSE 6
An' my wife she would like to be earning
A little more, add to our home
An' finally th talk got started
That th stranger could stay in our home
VERSE 7
One even'n I came home from my workshop
I was whistl'n an' sing'n with joy
I expected a kind hearted welcoome
From my lov'n wife and my boy
VERSE 8
But what did I find but a letter
Was placed in th room on a stand
An' th moment my eyes fell upon hit
I picked it right up in my hand
VERSE 9
Th note said, my wife an' th stranger
Had run away an' taken my son
I wonder if God, up in Heaven
Only knows what th stranger has done
VERSE 10
But as sure there's a God, up in Heaven
Which we've always been taught to believe
I know he will give that rascal
Th doom that he ought to receive