  The discovery of K I 7699{\AA} line strength variations during the 1982-1984
eclipse of {\epsilon} Aurigae is described. The equivalent widths and radial
velocities of the K I 7699{\AA} line derived from spectra obtained during 1981
November to 1983 July with the 2.1-meter Otto Struve reflector telescope of the
McDonald observatory are presented.
