"Aye," says Pierre Radisson, "twenty thousand pounds' worth o' fur
without a pound of shot or the trade of a nail-head for them. The
French had these furs in store ready for us!"
Mr. Young lifts his candle so that the light falls on Radisson's
bronzed face. He stands staring as if to make sure we are no wraiths.
"Twenty thousand pounds," says he, slowly extending his right hand to
Pierre Radisson. "Radisson, man, welcome!"
The Frenchman bows with an ironical laugh.
"Twenty thousand pounds' worth o' welcome, sir!"
But the director of the Fur Company rambles on unheeding.
"These be great news for the king and His Royal Highness," says he.
"Aye, and as I have some rare furs for them both, why not let us bear
the news to them ourselves?" asks Radisson.
"That you shall," cries Mr. Young; and he led us up-stairs, where we
might refresh ourselves for the honour of presentation to His Majesty
next day.
[1] The Duke of York became Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company after
Prince Rupert's death, and the Company's charter was a royal favour
direct from the king.
CHAPTER XXVIII
REBECCA AND I FALL OUT
M. Radisson had carried his rare furs to the king, and I was at Sir
John Kirke's door to report the return of her husband to Madame
Radisson.
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