Spring in the North was later than spring in the South; but the
shore ice of the Northern lakes had already become soft. To save time
they cut across the lakes of Minnesota, dragging their sleighs on the
ice. Groseillers' sleigh was loaded with pelts obtained from the
Sioux, and the elder man began to fag. Radisson took the heavy sleigh,
giving Groseillers the lighter one. About twelve miles out from the
shore, on one of these lakes, the ice suddenly gave, and Radisson
plunged through to his waist. It was as dangerous to turn back as to
go on. If they deserted their merchandise, they would have nothing to
trade with the Indians; but when Radisson succeeded in extricating
himself, he was so badly strained that he could not go forward another
step. There was no sense in risking both their lives on the rotten
ice. He urged Groseillers to go on. Groseillers dared not hesitate.
Laying two sleds as a wind-break on each side of Radisson, he covered
the injured man with robes, consigned him to the keeping of God, and
hurried over the ice to obtain help from the Crees.
The Crees got Radisson ashore, and there he lay in agony for eight
days. The Indians were preparing to set out for the North. They
invited Radisson to go with them. His sprain had not healed; but he
could not miss the opportunity of approaching the Bay of the North.
For two days he marched with the hunters, enduring torture at every
step. The third day he could go no farther and they deserted him.
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