"Captain Gillam of the Prince Rupert signalled to his son outside the harbour. Monsieur had been bargaining with Ben all winter. Ben took us to the north with Le Borgne for interpreter——"
"Does Ben know you are here?"
"Not as Hortense! I was dressed as a page. Then Le Borgne told us of this cave and monsieur plotted to lead the Indians against Ben, capture the fort and ship, and sail away with all the furs for himself. Oh, how I have hated him!" she exclaimed with a sudden impetuous stamp.
Leaving her with the slaves, I took Le Borgne with me to the Habitation. Here, I told all to M. Radisson. And his quick mind seized this, too, for advantage.
"Precious pearls," he exclaims, "but 'tis a gift of the gods!"
"Sir?"
"Pardieu, Chouart; listen to this," and he tells his kinsman, Groseillers.
"Why not?" asks Groseillers. "You mean to send her to Mary Kirke?"
Mary Kirke was Pierre Radisson's wife, who would not leave the English to go to him when he had deserted England for France.
"Sir John Kirke is director of the English Company now. He hath been knighted by King Charles. 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."