The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-12-28
WAITING TWENTY YEARS
"A Romantic Episode in the Lives of
Two Lovers.

A Romantic Episode in the Lives of
Two Lovers.
Correspondence ofthe New York Tribune.
AT Coalton, Pa, a romantic episode in
the lives o ftwo lovers is at present es-
citing great interest in that vicinity.
William Craig, a young farmer, and
Mary Barker, the ls-year-old daughte,
of William Barker. also a farmer, were
to have been married en- Christmas Day,
1861. On the evening of the 7th of De-
cember, in the abovc.named year, there
was a social party at Farmer Barker's
house, and among the guests was s.
young man from this village. Miss
Barker danced with him twice in sue
c%ession, and young Craig reproved her
for such marked attention to another,
and told her that he did not wish her to
dance again with the young manin ques-
ton. THIS aroused the spirit ,of the
young lady, and she replied that she
would dance with him or anyone else
she chose, and as many times as
she liked. Craig then informed her
that she might 80 so, but that she
wouldn't see him again for twenty years.
10 this she tauntingly replied. that 'he
couldn't stay. away from. her twenty
hours If he tried ever so hard.H Craig
went home, and tae next day he WAS
missing. He lived with his parents,
VINO were unable to find any trace of
hlm. Miss Barker vowed she never
would 60 into or receive company again
until he returned. AS years passed by
and no traces of the missing son were
received, his parents came to look upon
him as dead. Miss Barker, however,
had a singular faith that he would come
back some day. She kept her vow as to
living a secluded life, and few people
ever saw her after the night shs had
Quarreled with her louer.
Last Friday evening, which WIS the
TN instant. a stranger knocked at the
door OF old Mr.. Barker's house and
asked to see Miss Barker. He was a
large, ~tlne.lookilg man about fortylyears
OF age; lie was admitted, and when
MISS Barker appeared he held out his
hand and said:
Mary Barker didn't I tell you that
you wouldn't see me ag AIN in. twenty
years."
1t was William Craig. He had re.
tnrned 10 his parents home in tho after
noon. Both his fatherAnd mother were
Still living. The secret of his arrival was
KEPT and when he appeared-in so dra-
Matlc q manne in the presence OF his
OLD sweetheart she tainted in his arms.
Nraig's disappearance and long alb
sence was that he had gone Straight to
i~hlladelphia after leaving nome, and
mere enlisted insthe army under an as
snmed name. lie served until the end
o. Inc war, and was mustered out at
Philadelphia. He longed very much TO
return home, but he permitted his de-
termination to remain away twenty
wears to control him, and lie Went d.
Iectiy to Nebraska. There he took up .
tract OF land and.went to farming, re-
manning there until the twenty. years
were up: He resolved to time his re-
iurn anu the meeting with his oldsweet-
lieart, II she was still alive and nnmar-
,leu, az as a the hour of his leaving
,ler as il was possible to do. He came
oack with an ample fortune, and fonnd
tnatters much as he had left them. y
Wedding that did not come oil twenty
years ago will be. celebrated, vt the ap'
hioaching Christmas.