A GHOSTLY HAND.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1036, 1 June 1894, Page 3

A GHOSTLY HAND.

« The following ' true story ' is related by a Paris journalist : — ■ A few overling since a box in the first tier of the Opera wa3 observed to be empty, though the entire house, with exception, was crowded to excess. Two spectators, who had not seats to their liking, went to the door of this box, but could nofc obtain admission. The ouvreuse who has charge of opening and shutting the box doors, insisted the box held but five, and that the five were already in. The gentlemen regained their seats, fully determined to lay their complaint before the chef de controle. With this view they begged those around them to observe that the box was empty, • Perfectly empty,' cried all, unanimously. But just then, as all were gazing, what was their terror at beholding a white hand apparently detached from any body moving along the box, and holding an ivory opera-glass. This hand, isolated and flitting about in the darjcness, produced a terrible effect. The two gentlemen, pale with surprise and affright, remained immovable and speechless. Presently other white hands made their appearance, one of them holding a white handkerchief and going through the motions' as if wiping a forehead. The house was, of course^ very dimly lighted, which aided the excitement and delusion. But no sooner was the gas turned on than those nearest to the mysterious box burst into a shout of laughter. The occupants of the box

were five negroes, completely dressed in black, with their coats buttoned up, and elegantly gloved in white. Hidden by the darkness, they had remained invisible in the shades of their ( loge,' or ' open box !'