already discovered the Great
Northwest and knew the secret of the road to the North, refused to play
a second part among amateur explorers. Radisson promptly declined.
Nevertheless, in May, 1661, the Jesuits, Gabriel Dreuillettes and
Claude Dablon, accompanied by Couture, La Valliere, and three others,
set out with Indian guides for the discovery of Hudson's Bay by land.
On June 1 they began to ascend the Saguenay, pressing through vast
solitudes below the sombre precipices of the river. The rapids were
frequent, the heat was terrific, and the _portages_ arduous. Owing to
the obstinacy of the guides, the French were stopped north of Lake St.
John. Here the priests established a mission, and messengers were sent
to Quebec for instructions.

Meanwhile, Radisson and Groseillers saw that no time must be lost. If
they would be first in the North, as they had been first in the West,
they must set out at once. Two Indian guides from the Upper Country
chanced to be in Montreal. Groseillers secured them by bringing both
to Three Rivers. Then the explorers formally applied to the French
governor, D'Avaugour, for permission to go on the voyage of discovery.
New France regulated the fur trade by license. Imprisonment, the
galleys for life, even death on a second offence, were the punishments
of those who traded without a license. The governor's answer revealed
the real animus behind his enthusiasm for discovery. He would give the
explorers a license if they would share half the profits of the trip
with him and take along two of his servants as auditors of the returns.
One can imagine the indignation of the dauntless explorers at this
answer. Their cargo of furs the preceding year had saved New France
from bankruptcy. Offering to venture their lives a second time for the
extension of the French domain, they were told they might do so if they
would share half the profits with an avaricious governor. Their answer
was characteristic. Discoverers were greater than governors; still, if
the Indians of the Upper Country invited his Excellency, Radisson and
Groseillers would be glad to have the honor of his company; as for his
servants--men who went on voyages of discovery had to act as both
masters and servants.

D'Avaugour was furious. He issued orders forbidding the explorers to
leave Three Rivers without his express permission. Radisson and
Groseillers knew the penalties of ignoring this order. They asked the
Jesuits