, hunting buffalo
and deer. Between the Missouri and the Saskatchewan ran a well-beaten
trail northeastward, which was used by the Crees and the Sioux in their
wars. It is probable that the Sioux escorted Radisson back to the
Crees by this trail, till he was across what is now the boundary
between Minnesota and Canada, and could strike directly eastward for
the Lake of the Woods region, or the hinterland between James Bay and
Lake Superior.

In spring the Crees went to the Bay of the North, which Radisson was
seeking; and after leaving the Sioux, the two explorers struck for the
little fort north of Lake Superior, where they had _cached_ their
goods. 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.
Groseillers had gone hunting with another band of Crees. Radisson had
neither gun nor hatchet, and the Indians left him only ten pounds of
pemmican. After a short rest he journeyed painfully on, following the
trail of the marching Crees. On the fifth day he found the frame of a
deserted wigwam. Coverin