Read Online The Incredible Escape. The Adventures of Radisson 3 by Martin Fournier - Free Book Online Page B

decide where the chapel should go and oversee its construction. The corn you asked for will soon be ready, too. But this time you’re staying with me. I’ve had enough fretting for one day.”

Chapter 4
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
    A ccompanied by three chiefs from the Bear clan, Awenissera showed Father Ragueneau the two sites they were proposing for the chapel to be built on. The chiefs’ favourite was outside the palisade by the entrance gate. There, it would be seen by all in the vicinity. They suggested putting up a small enclosure on two or three sides, whichever the Jesuit preferred. Ragueneau was not satisfied. They led him on to the only other space still available inside the village of Onondaga, tucked away in a corner. The Jesuit wasn’t any more taken with the idea.
    â€œWhy not in front of the council house?” he asked.
    â€œYou chapel will be in the way there and it will be too small,” Awenissera answered. “There is no room.”
    â€œLet’s go take a look all the same,” Ragueneau urged.
    The chiefs went with him reluctantly. At best, they would be able to build a small bark chapel there. But it would obstruct the entrance to the council house. Even Father Ragueneau, who dreamt of occupying such a central position, could see the problem. Radisson was relieved to see his master’s hesitation because here the chapel would be vying for importance with what was a sacred place for their Confederacy. This was no way to improve relations with the Iroquois. Ragueneau did not insist. And so the group returned to the second site.
    â€œHere it shall be,” the Jesuit declared after some reflection. “I am anxious that our chapel be in the village among you. We will place a high cross on top so that everyone will know where to find it.”
    The chiefs agreed. Construction would begin the following day.
    â€œUntil the chapel is ready, you will stay with my family,” Awenissera told them.
    The next day, while Ragueneau traced the chapel’s perimeter and fifteen Iroquois gathered the wood and bark they would need to build it, Radisson inquired about the corn that was to be sent to the French. Awenissera’s wife and other women from the Bear clan had started shelling the dried ears of corn and were collecting the grains in large wicker baskets. Fifteen or so were already full. The rest would be ready in a day or two.
    In the meantime, Radisson went for a walk through the village. He tried to put Ononta’s advice into practice. He looked at the activity surrounding him with the eyes of an eagle, as though he were soaring through the air.
    Getting the harvest ready and preparing for winter was keeping a lot of people busy. Sheaves of corn hung from the walls of every home. The harvest had been a good one. Inside, women shelled beans, too. Others were out bringing in squash from the fields, while men repaired bark roofs or smoked fish. Many headed to the woods to hunt or gather firewood.
    Radisson noticed the rather cool reception he was getting. Few Iroquois smiled at him or bothered to greet him. He felt like an outsider. Only members of the Wolf clan were truly thoughtful and welcoming toward him and the other Frenchmen. Even Mahatari and Ononta were only kind to him because he was part Iroquois.
    Suddenly he saw Andoura walk between two longhouses. Radisson darted around the building the Iroquois had disappeared behind and found himself face to face with him. This time, Andoura could not slip away.
    â€œHello!” said Radisson, flashing him his best smile. “I’m happy to see you again.”
    The chief was embarrassed and pretended not to recognize him. He tried to step around Radisson, but the Frenchman stood in his path and drew his knife, planting its handle right under Andoura’s nose. The Iroquois gave a start, and his hand was instinctively drawn to his own knife.
    â€œIncredible, isn’t it?”
    The Iroquois did