has been represented as Radisson’s crowning treachery.  Under that odium the great discoverer’s name has rested for nearly three centuries; yet the accusation of theft is without a grain of truth.  Radisson and Groseillers were to obtain half the proceeds of the voyage in 1682-1683.  Neither the explorers nor Jean Groseillers, who had privately invested 500 pounds in the venture, ever received one sou.  The furs at Port Nelson—­or Fort Bourbon—­belonged to the Frenchmen, to do what they pleased with them.  The act of the enthusiast is often tainted with folly.  That Radisson turned over twenty thousand beaver 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]