"Now, remember, my brave lads," said he, after he had outlined his plans, drawing figures of fort and ship and army of seven on the snow, "now, remember, if you do what I've told you, not a shot will be fired, not a drop of blood spilled, not a grain of powder used, and to every man free tobacco for the winter—"
"If we succeed," interjects Godefroy sullenly.
"If," repeats M. Radisson; "an I hear that word again there will be a carving!"
Long before we came to the north river near the Hudson's Bay Company's fort, the sun had wheeled across the horizon and sunk in a sea of snow, but now that the Prince Rupert had foundered, the capture of these helpless Englishmen was no object to us. Unless a ship from the south end of the bay came to rescue them they were at our mercy. Hastening up the river course we met Governor Brigdar sledding the ice with a dog-team of huskies.
"The compliments of the season to Your Excellency!" shouted Radisson across the snow.
"The same to the representative of France," returned Governor Brigdar, trying to get away before questions could be asked.
"I don't see your ship," called Radisson.
"Four leagues down the river," explained the governor.
"Under the river," retorted Radisson, affecting not to hear.
"No—down the river," and the governor whisked round a bluff out of call.