Ghosts, says the “Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent, have taken up their abode in the Rue Montigny [Monsigny], in a house situated in close proximity to the “Bouffes Parisiens.” The inhabitants of this particular building aver that they are awakened by mysterious sounds, which now assume a grating character and anon resemble the knocks of a hammer plied by a monster but invisible hand.
Dismay mingled with awe – for there is no knowing what other antics the ghosts may not be up to any night – reigns in this erstwhile peaceful and comfortable dwelling, and from the concierge in her lodge on the ground floor up to the menial in the attic nothing is to be heard but thrilling stories of the marvellous and phenomenal noises.
The police have taken the matter up, have inspected the place from the cellars to the roof, and have carried their investigation to the adjoining buildings as well; but all in vain. The ghosts are silent when the police are by, but make up for lost time after their departure.
Northern Echo, 23rd October 1900.
Burglar as ‘ghost’.
Paris, Friday. – For some nights now the occupants of a house in the Rue Monsigny have been disturbed by mysterious rappings on the walls, which defied police investigation, and the papers have been revelling ever since in a “haunted house” sensation. At last the mystery is out. The rappings were a burglar’s strategem. They were heard last night, and the police were promptly called in, but failed to discover anything. Shortly after their departure, however, the concierge heard the bolt of the main door shot gently back, and two men disappeared rapidly on the street. It is believed that while the police were searching the cellars they had escaped to the roof. The prompt calling in of the police had baulked their enterprises. Nothing was stolen. London “Daily Express.”
South Wales Daily News, 15th October 1900.