Mary and Sir John will present this little
maid at the English court. An she be not a nine days' wonder there, my
name is not Pierre Radisson. If she's a court ward, some of the crew
must take care of her."
Groseillers smiled. "An the French reward us not well for this
winter's work, that little maid may open a door back to England; eh,
kinsman?"
'Twas the same gamestering spirit carrying them through all hazard that
now led them to prepare for fresh partnership, lest France played
false. And as history tells, France played very false indeed.
CHAPTER XXII
WE LEAVE THE NORTH SEA
So Sieur Radisson must fit out a royal flotilla to carry Mistress
Hortense to the French Habitation. And gracious acts are like the gift
horse: you must not look them in the mouth. For the same flotilla that
brought Hortense brought all M. Picot's hoard of furs. Coming down the
river, lying languidly back among the peltries of the loaded canoe,
Hortense, I mind, turned to me with that honest look of hers and asked
why Sieur Radisson sent to fetch her in such royal state.
"I am but a poor beggar like your little Jack Battle," she protested.
I told her of M. Radisson's plans for entrance to the English court,
and the fire that flashed to her eyes was like his own.
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