Pignerol was restored to the Duke of Savoy a short time after the arrival of the new prisoners at the islands. I have carefully looked through all the despatches exchanged between Lamothe-Guérin, Saint-Mars’ successor at the Islands, and the Court of Versailles, during the ten years (1698 to 1708) which followed the latter’s departure for the Bastille.[620] Not one of them contains the name of Matthioly, or makes mention of an important prisoner, left behind by Saint-Mars. Matthioly was still at Pignerol on December 27, 1693, a few months previous to the transfer of the three prisoners to the Isles Sainte-Marguerite. They were all old captives formerly in the care of Saint-Mars. The latter, we have seen, was ignorant of the causes of their detention, _save of Matthioly’s alone_. The logical conclusion of our preceding remarks is, therefore, that these words: “Without explaining yourself to any one whatever about _what your old prisoner has done_,” are applicable to what the Government of Versailles termed the treason of Matthioly. ] If this be admitted--and we trust that our readers will have no doubt with reference to it--if it be admitted that the despatch of November 17, 1697, is applicable to Matthioly, the only prisoner, we must again repeat, whose crime Saint-Mars was acquainted with, the identity of the Man with the Iron Mask is established. On March 1, 1698, Barbézieux offers Saint-Mars the nomination to the Governorship of the Bastille.[621] He accepts this offer, and, on June 17, 1698, the Minister replies:-- “Versailles, June 17, 1698. “I have remained a long time without answering the letter which you have taken the trouble to write me the 8th of last month, because the King has not explained his intentions to me earlier. I shall now tell you that his Majesty has seen with pleasure that you are determined to come to the Bastille in order to be its governor. You can arrange everything so as to be ready to leave when I shall write to you, and bring your old prisoner with you in all safety. “I have agreed with Mons. Saumery that he shall give you two thousand crowns for your expenses in moving your furniture.” The 19th July following, Barbézieux wrote again:-- “Marly, July 19, 1698. “I have received the letter that you have taken the trouble to write me the 9th of this month. The King approves of your leaving the Isles Sainte-Marguerite to come to the Bastille with your old prisoner, taking your precautions to prevent his being seen or known by any one. You can write in advance to his Majesty’s Lieutenant of this château to have a chamber ready to place this prisoner in on your arrival.”