Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-03-29
THE HISTORY OF PEROUROU, OR
THE BELLOWS. MEMBER.
by MISS HELEN MARIA WILLIAMS

bf MISS HELEN MARIA WILLIAMS.
My history is composed of the most sin.
gular circumstances. Condemned by my
birth to vegetate among beings of the most
abject class, my elevation was the work of
human malice. The vice of society which
ruins so many fortunes, laid the solid foun-
dation of mine. | am married, rich, and
happy, from having been the docie instru.
ment Of an extraordinary act of mischiev-
BUSINESS.
Twas born in some of those little hamlets,
situated in the neighborhood of Montelimart,
in France. My father had made many a
fruitless effort to raise himself above indi-
gence. His last resource in his old age, a.
rose from the exercise of talent which he
had acquired in his youth that of bel
lows-mender. This, though not very bril-
liant occupation, was the profession to which
was destined, at that time of life when
was thought capable Of earning my liveli-
hood. Satisfied, at first, in following my
business under the inspection of my father,
nature had endowed me with dispositions
for industry, and soon rivalled, and even
excelled my master. Ambition led me to
imagine, that my talents were fitted for a
wider sphere; and some Of my excursions
as far as the gates of Montelimart, sue.
ceeded, beyond my wishes. After furnish.
ing all could spare for the support of my
fathers old age, found means to amass a
little sum Of money, which enabled me to
undertake q journey to Lyons. / made my
appearance in that great city, amply pro-
vided with such articles as belonged to my
profession and the crowded streets soon
resounded with my cries. Twas young and
dexterous, and we'll shaped; | sold my
wares rapidly, and became general ia
vorite with the chamber maids; which was
the utmost of my ambition.
Returning home late one evening to my
little garnet, which served me for ware.
house and lodging, / was accosted by four
well-dressed young men, who seemed to be
taking an evening walk. We were in one
| of the most solitary streets of the quarter oil
st. Clair. They threw out few pleasant.
ries on the lateness of the evening, accom-.
panied by sarcasms on my profession of bel
lows-mcnder, which ! answered in a style
of raillery, at which they appeared surpris.
ed. / saw them look at each other signif.
canty ;-and Immediately after, heard them
say" This is our man." Town that these
words made me start; finding myself alone
in the dark, without any means of resis
lance, and at the mercy of four stout young
men. What would become of me was the
reflection that occupied my mind; when one
of them who guessed at the cause of my
terror, soon dispelled it by accosting me ii
a tone of affabiity-"Pe rourou," (the name
which the people Of Lyons give their bel
lows-menders,) "Perourou," said he, "yor
probably have not supped nor we either
our supper is ready, will you 90 and SUI
with us? Our intention is to do you NOR,
good than you have any idea Of. Come ant
sup with us and after supper we will tall
with YOU. Do not be afraid we are gen
tlemen; if you will not enter into on
schemes, we shall only require your promis
of secrecy, which you will run no risk il
keeping"
i. There was something in the voice of tn
person who spoke to me, as well as in tn
proposition ITSELF SO seducing that l &C
cepted the offer without hesitation.-M
new acquaintance, after having made m
cross several streets, brought me into a
apartment elegantly furnished, where W
found six other young men, who seemed {
have been waiting for them impatiently.
short explanation took place concerning me
and we sat gaily down for supper. / ha
the honor of making the company laugh
by some Of my arch observations and cor
, irmed them in the good opinion with whic
' it was necessary they should be impressed
: before they would come to an explanation
i The servant withdrew, after having place
) the desert on the table; and, during fiv
minutes, profound silence prevailed thro'
out the assembly, which till then had bee
sufficiently noisy.
, AT length he who presided at the repa.
, addressed me in the following words =
"The ten persons with which you have sur
ped are all citizens of Lyons. We are er
grayers; our joint profits with what VIC oil