A MYSTERIOUS HAND.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2278, 15 September 1899, Page 5

A MYSTERIOUS HAND.

The following " true story "is related by a Parisian journalist

A few evenings since a box in the first tier at t Le opera was observed to b« empty, though the entire house, with this exception, was crowded to excess. Two spectators, who had not seats to tleir liking, went to the door of this box but could not obtain admission. The ouvreuse, who has charge of opining and sbuttiag the box doors, insisted the box held but live, and that tLe five were already within.

The gentlemen regained the r seats, fully detrrmined to lay their complaint before the chef de controle. With this view they begged those around them to observe that the box was empty.

" l'eifectiir empty,'' cried all, unanimously. But just then, as all were gazing, what was their terror, at behilding a white hand, apparently detactied from any body, moving along the edge of the bix, snd holding au ivory opera glass. This hand, isolated and flitting about in the darkness, protiuceu a terrible effect. The two gentlemen, pale with surprise, and affright, remained immovable and speechless. Presently other white hands ma;ie their appearance, one of them holding a white hand-k-rcliief, and going through the motions of wiping a forehead.

The house iras, «f course, very dimly lighted, which aided the excitmeat and delusion. But no sooner was the gas turned on than those nearest to the mysUricus bor buist into a shout of laughter. The occupants of the box wire five negroes, completely dressed in black, witli th«ir coats buttoned up, and elegantly gloved in white. Hidden by the darkuess thi y had remained invisible in their shades of their " loge," or " open box !"