The Adventures of Radisson. Back to the New World by Martin Fournier Page A

live, you rat! But a powerful spirit is watching over you. You can thank the heavens I’m sparing you.”
    Radisson walked away. None of the onlookers dared intervene. Further on, he rinsed his knife in a public fountain and put it back in its sheath. He walked towards a belltower, entered the church, and knelt down before the altar. “Lord, forgive me for my sins. I only wanted to defend myself. Protect me from hatred and help me find my mother.” But he had given up on the possibility and asked the priest how to get to the Jesuits. He followed the very precise directions and found their college, where he was told Father Le Jeune was not there. He was off leading a retreat at the Saint-Germain novitiate. The Jesuit speaking to Radisson had the presence of mind to inquire after his name and immediately recognized the long-awaited traveller. He explained how to get to Rue du Pot-de-Fer.
    It was a long way. Radisson took the Pont Neuf and crossed the Seine, walked past the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Paris, then crossed another bridge. There he lost his way, tracked back on himself, looked for his bearings, asked for directions, and finally ended up, exhausted, in front of the Jesuit novitiate just as night was falling. A high stone wall stood between him and the buildings. He banged louder and louder against a locked door, yelling, “Open up! I have an urgent message for Father Le Jeune! I have come from New France!” He shouted until the porter at last let him inside, anxious to avoid a scene. When the young man showed him the crumpled note from Father Poncet, the porter, who had been expecting him, beseeched Radisson to calm down and led him to one of the rooms set aside for travellers, promising he would be able to speak to Father Le Jeune the following day. Radisson collapsed onto the bed, completely worn out.
    * * *
    Although disappointed at having to interrupt his Holy Week retreat, Father Le Jeune was so looking forward to meeting Radisson that he left the faithful to pray alone for a while.
    The meeting took place in his office.
    Radisson was struck right away by the aura of serenity given off by Father Le Jeune. Being in his company calmed him down immediately. He remained silent for a long time to let the feeling of peace wash over him. At last Paris had a nice surprise in store for him.
    Le Jeune was in no rush to break the silence either. He took a good look at the newcomer, trying to gauge whom he was dealing with, beyond what Poncet had already told him. His first impression was favourable. The young man seemed a little troubled, but likeable, and he had no doubt he had what it took to work in the difficult conditions of New France.
    â€œI have a message for you,” Radisson said eventually, handing over the crumpled parchment he had been carrying since Amsterdam.
    Le Jeune took it, feigning surprise.
    â€œFather Joseph Poncet asked me to deliver it to you in person. I crossed the ocean with him. From Manhattan. We parted ways in Amsterdam. I promised him I would come meet with you and talk about Canada.”
    Le Jeune was pleased by Radisson’s honesty. It confirmed Poncet’s first message, which he had reread before the meeting.
    â€œIf I may,” the Jesuit replied, “I will take a moment to read the message and we shall talk after that.”
    â€œGo right ahead, Father.”
    First and foremost, Le Jeune ensured the envelope’s seal had not been broken. It had not, despite the parchment’s poor condition. A point in Radisson’s favour. He opened the letter, keeping a discreet eye on the young man’s reaction. Radisson’s thoughts appeared to be elsewhere.

    Amsterdam, January 5, 1654

    Father Le Jeune,
    Please receive this young man, Pierre-Esprit Radisson, with open arms. He escaped the Iroquois at the same time as I and we travelled together from New Holland to Amsterdam. He lived among them for two years. He is familiar with their