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

generous to those who serve them.”
    Father Poncet was looking to get the better of Radisson, to force his hand. But his protégé had too often suffered because of what others had imposed on him. He balked.
    â€œYour offer is tempting,” he replied, “But why must I first travel to Paris? Why can’t I go back to the colony immediately?”
    â€œI told you. First, you must meet with the man in charge of our missions in Canada, Father Paul Le Jeune. He alone can pay to have you sent back across the ocean and accept your oath to faithfully serve our Society. You must play by our rules now, Radisson.”
    Radisson was beginning to realize all that Poncet’s offer involved. The Jesuits would cover the full cost of his return to New France, then support him in the colony. He would also travel to Indian lands. The idea pleased him. Only, in exchange, he would have to obey the Jesuits and give up his freedom. That was less appealing.
    â€œIn Paris, I’ll go find my mother,” Radisson added. “Perhaps I’ll stay with her and make sure she has everything she needs…”
    Irked by Radisson’s shameless dishonesty, Poncet spun away. How could this daring young man—a young man who had travelled extensively in New France and been through so much among the Iroquois—how could he possibly prefer to look after his old mother in Paris rather than head back out again on another adventure?
    â€œNow listen to me,” Poncet replied curtly. “Answer me this: How are you going to get from Amsterdam to Paris? How are you going to get back to New France? How are you going to support yourself?”
    â€œI’ll find a way,” said Radisson, stalling for time. “I’m not afraid.”
    â€œClearly you’re not afraid,” Poncet retorted. “You’re afraid of nothing! But that’s not the question.
This
is the question: What are you going to do with your life, Radisson? How are you going to put your God-given talents to good use? I am offering you the chance to lead the life of adventure you dream of, all while helping the Society of Jesus. What more could you wish for?”
    Radisson had trouble fending off such serious questions when he had just survived a storm that had almost cost him his life. He kept quiet. But Poncet, who could feel his strength deserting him, was desperate to score points while he still had the energy.
    â€œLet me sum it up for you,” he went on. “The Society of Jesus will help you get to Paris, then return to New France. It will bring you to China, if that’s what you want! We have missionaries there, too. I promise you will be housed, fed, and clothed, and you will never lack adventure. In return, all I am asking is that you help our missionaries carry out their apostolic work in New France. Is that not what you want more than anything else in the world, Radisson? To get back to New France and see the Indians again? You have often told me of the wild lands you hold in such affection, the lands you dream of one day seeing again. I am giving you the chance to live this dream. But you must decide. And I want an answer now.”
    Before making a decision, Radisson wanted some advice. He thought of his two absent fathers, the merchant back in France who had disappeared without a trace, and the Iroquois warrior who was probably dead by now. There was no one to help him. And the way of life that the Jesuit was trying to drag out of him made his head spin, as though his very soul had gotten seasick. The blood was still crashing around inside his heart, too much fog still enveloped his mind for him to say yes or no to Poncet. It was asking too much. The Jesuit, who felt as though he was about to collapse, was bold enough to make a final offer.
    â€œI am even prepared,” he added, “to give you the money you need to make it to Paris. There you can meet Father Le Jeune, who will be able to explain