walk through fences and buildings, and flit from place to place like a specter.

There are so many stories about this mysterious person that much speculation has been raised: some (hold) the opinion that it is a local individual having sport with the public; some venture that he may be an escaped lunatic; while others suggest that the Ku Klux Klan has organized in Ossian.

Since this person has been encountered on our streets, young ladies no longer walk alone after dark. Young men, too, have been getting home before nightfall— some are said to be walking backwards! "

Obviously, from this account, Editor Schmitz felt that the culprit was mortal. Others, including the town marshal, were not so sure. We recall an instance, related by one of the town fathers, when their meeting was alerted that the phantom was about. Mayor Heck summoned the marshal to apprehend the illusive one. Upon reaching the council chambers, this lawman proceeded to arm himself to the teeth. He buckled on his sidearm, sheaved a large knife, grasped a billy in one hand and a shotgun in the other. One of those assembled observed: "John, you sure are loaded for bear." "Well," explained the officer, "You can't never tell what a ghost might do! "

While it is our recollection that the phantom was observed several times over the next few years, it wasn't until 1928 that the Bee carried another account of his activities. Frank Nolte of Waucoma, a nephew of Mrs. John Schroeder, arrived on the 2:30 A. M. passenger. He decided to remain in the depot rather than disturb his relatives at such an early horn?.

Shortly after the night agent had departed, Frank became aware of a strange appearing individual, dressed in a long red garment, red leggins and wearing an aviator's helmet. The being hid his face at all times. Nolte, becoming increasingly alarmed, decided to seek refuge at his Aunt's home. He departed at a brisk pace with the phantom following for some distance.

The Bee editorializes: "Reports of this nature have reached us several times in recent months. In one instance, three young women awaiting a night train to Decorah were so frightened that they ran all the way to the business district and, fearing to return, missed their transportation home.

If this is a local person terrifying people for his own amusement, he had better learn a new game. One of these times, he will encounter an armed man and there may be a funeral!"

We don't recall the circumstances of the unmasking of the phantom, but eventually his identity became common knowledge. The Milwaukee Road discharged him from his night agent's position. We believe that criminal charges were never filed over the incidents, but public disclosure of his transvestitism was enough to stop the walking of the phantom.

Surprisingly, a petition asking the railroad to restore his job was circulated and signed by most of the town's citizens. Editor Schmitz headed a delegation to present this document to the Milwaukee's officers. They turned down the request.

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