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

language, their customs, their strengths, and—I hope—their weaknesses. I have managed to convince him to serve us in New France, where his knowledge will be of great assistance to us. If he appears before you within two months of this day and delivers this letter still sealed, I have accurately judged his character and he is someone we can trust. Welcome him as my protégé and please see to it that he returns to New France without delay.

    Joseph Poncet

    Although brief, this letter showed more conviction than the first. Father Le Jeune nevertheless noted that his colleague did not appear to have been freed by the Iroquois; it seemed he had escaped. Hopes of a peace with these terrible foes in the near future faded. But other matters were of greater concern. Before looking up again to speak to Radisson, the Jesuit allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection, pretending to still be reading. The message clearly indicated that Poncet had already recruited the young man, even though Poncet appeared to have been in some doubt just a few hours later when he wrote the second note. Perhaps Radisson had not given a firm commitment. There was still work to be done then. Comparing Poncet’s letters in his mind, Le Jeune drew three conclusions. Radisson’s strong suit was his knowledge of the Iroquois. It was up to him to make sure the young man could be a reliable servant to the Jesuits. He would also have to decide if there was a need to apply Poncet’s advice: “Keep a close eye on him and take him in hand in the future.”
    â€œFather Poncet tells me you know the Iroquois well, that you wish to assist our missionaries in New France. Is that correct?”
    Radisson was not expecting such a frank assessment. He remembered having promised Poncet to come talk to Father Le Jeune. Nothing more. But a lot of water had flowed under the bridge since then. Now the only thing he was certain of was his desire to return to New France at any price. If he had to serve the Jesuits to get there, he was prepared to go that route.
    â€œI do know the Iroquois well,” Radisson replied. “I lived among them for two years. I speak their tongue. I know their customs. I promised Father Poncet I would come talk to you because he believed I might be of use to you. If you would like my help, I am prepared to work for the Jesuits in New France. As long as I don’t have to kill any Iroquois.”
    Father Le Jeune was taken aback by this unexpected remark.
    â€œWhoever said anything about killing them?” he retorted. “The cross of Christ is our only weapon. Our intention is to convert them, not to go to war with them. Wherever did you get such an idea?”
    Radisson was sorry the emotions of the past few days had gotten the better of him. But he recalled that tensions were running so high in Trois-Rivières when he had been captured that everyone, including the Jesuits, was on the offensive against the Iroquois. He believed he was right to bring the matter up since he would prefer not to get involved.
    â€œI know there are Iroquois who want peace,” he added. “That’s what matters to me.”
    â€œVery well!” exclaimed Le Jeune. “We both want the same thing. Do tell me more about these peaceful Iroquois. Do you really think peace is possible?”
    â€œBefore I left the Mohawks, an Onondaga delegation came to talk to them. Peace was in the air.”
    â€œEncouraging… Listen, I do not yet know you, but you certainly inspire confidence. I’d like to tell you a secret. Or rather, a rumour. In the last letter I was sent from our missionaries in Canada, they told me the Iroquois have proposed a truce. A number of our countrymen are skeptical and fear it may be no more than a ploy. Do you believe the Iroquois are acting in good faith?”
    â€œProbably. Anything is possible with the Iroquois. If it’s peace you’re after, I can help. Send me back to