ver pelts to the English, without the
slightest assurance that he would be given adequate return, was surely
folly; but it was not theft.

The transfer of all possessions to the English was promptly made.
Radisson then arranged a peace treaty between the Indians and the
English. That peace treaty has endured between the Indians and the
Hudson's Bay Company to this day. A new fort was built, the furs
stored in the hold of the vessels, and the crews mustered for the
return voyage. Radisson had been given a solemn promise by the
Hudson's Bay Company that Jean Groseillers and his comrades should be
well treated and reengaged for the English at 100 pounds a year. Now
he learned that the English intended to ship all the French out of
Hudson Bay and to keep them out. The enthusiast had played his game
with more zeal than discretion. The English had what they wanted--furs
and fort. In return, Radisson had what had misled him like a
will-o'-the-wisp all his life--vague promises. In vain Radisson
protested that he had given his promise to the French before they
surrendered the fort. The English distrusted foreigners. The
Frenchmen had been mustered on the ships to receive last instructions.
They were told that they were to be taken to England. No chance was
given them to escape. Some of the French had gone inland with the
Indians. Of Jean's colony, these alone remained. When Radisson
realized the conspiracy, he advised his fellow-countrymen to make no
resistance; for he feared that some of the English bitter against him
might seize on the pretext of a scuffle to murder the French. His
advice proved wise. He had strong friends at the English court, and
atonement was made for the breach of faith to the French.

The ships set sail on the 4th of September and arrived in England on
the 23d of October. Without waiting for the coach, Radisson hired a
horse and spurred to London in order to give his version first of the
quarrel on the bay. The Hudson's Bay Company was delighted with the
success of Radisson. He was taken before the directors, given a
present of a hundred guineas, and thanked for his services. He was
once more presented to the King and the Duke of York. The company
redeemed its promise to Radisson by employing the Frenchmen of the
surrendered fort and offering to engage young Groseillers at 100 pounds
a year.[7]

[Illustration: Hudson Bay Dog Trains laden with Furs arriving at Lower
Fort Garry, Red