The Adventures of Radisson. Back to the New World Read Free

in the sun. Sails were shortened so that everyone could get some rest.
    For the first time in over a week, Radisson saw Father Poncet on deck. He seemed to be faring better, but Radisson did his best to avoid him. He had lost confidence in this Jesuit he barely knew. He feared he had been misled by the relief they shared after escaping from the Iroquois. Now he wondered if this weakened old man really could help him, if the offer he had made Radisson was really of interest. But Poncet followed him everywhere and in such cramped surroundings Radisson couldn’t keep giving him the slip for long.
    The Jesuit was most impressed by the young man’s promotion, considering him something of a protégé. Radisson’s exploits during the storm had strengthened his intention to recruit this gem he had uncovered after the testing times spent in captivity by the Iroquois. It was as though he believed Radisson to be a reward sent down to him by God. Now that his seasickness had subsided, he wanted to close the deal he had begun with Radisson as they left Manhattan. He cornered Radisson near the bow.
    â€œHow are things, my friend? The new captain tells me you were quite the hero during the storm. Congratulations.”
    â€œThank you, Father,” Radisson replied distractedly, hoping to discourage the Jesuit with his lukewarm welcome. “I was out on deck when the wave hit us. I did what I had to do, that’s all.”
    â€œGod is great and merciful. Let us give Him thanks for saving our lives! Once more, you have shown great courage and exceptional ability in coming to the bo’s’n’s aid. You have all my admiration.”
    â€œThank you, Father,” Radisson replied, looking out to sea.
    He dreamed of returning to New France. This unintended detour via Europe was complicating matters. But he doubted the Jesuit had a solution to his problem.
    â€œHave you given my suggestion any thought?” Poncet asked, not at all put off by Radisson’s standoffishness.
    â€œWhat suggestion, Father? To be frank, I’m not sure I understand what you expect from me.”
    â€œCome off it, Radisson!” snapped Poncet. “Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten the conversation we had when we left. I told you we needed experienced voyageurs like you, strapping lads with plenty of pluck to travel with our missionaries to the nations we are trying to convert. We have goods to transport, letters to deliver, new routes to discover, valuables to protect… Your knowledge of the Iroquois would be a great asset to us! Can’t you see what we’re up against? You spent a year in Trois-Rivières, after all. Didn’t you see everything the Jesuits had accomplished there? You know all this. Don’t pretend you don’t. You can help all of New France by serving the Society of Jesus.”
    Radisson didn’t flinch. He was wary of flattery, even though he knew very well that the Iroquois were the Frenchmen’s worst enemies. According to Poncet, the colony was still in crisis. Nothing had changed since the Iroquois had captured him more than two years ago.
    â€œPerhaps you’re right, Father,” Radisson replied, turning to look at the priest for the first time. “But, with all due respect, I spent less than a year in Trois-Rivières and know little of the Jesuits.”
    â€œYour sister Françoise is working for us over there and she didn’t tell you a thing? Our missionaries have travelled great distances and taken incalculable risks. Some have even paid for their devotion with their lives, massacred by the Wildmen you know so well. What I hope for us Jesuits, and for all the colony, is to benefit from your youth, your energy, your courage. In return, through me the Jesuits are offering you unconditional support and the chance to travel across America with our missionaries. You will want for nothing if you join us: the Jesuits are powerful, and