“It is true that out of this M. Bezemaux was obliged to pay a number of sergeants and soldiers for the guard of the prisoners in his care, but you know, from what you derive from your company, to what these expenses amount. Having enumerated the value of this governorship, I shall now say to you that it is for you to know your own interests, that the King does not force you to accept it, if it is not agreeable to you, and at the same time I do not doubt that you will take account of the profit that is generally made upon what the King gives for the keep of the prisoners, which profit may become considerable. There is also the pleasure of being in Paris with one’s family and friends, instead of being confined to an extremity of the kingdom. If I may give my opinion, it seems to me very advantageous, and I believe, for the reasons given above, that you would not lose by the exchange. I beg you nevertheless to write me your opinion frankly concerning that:”--Archives of the Ministry of War. [622] P. 164, _ante_. [623] The Count de Pontchartrain to Saint-Mars, November 3, 1698: “The King approves of your prisoner from Provence confessing and communicating whenever you think proper.” CHAPTER XXIV. The Use of a Mask formerly very general--Frequently adopted for Prisoners in Italy--Its Employment not difficult in the Case of Matthioly--Origin of the Legend of the Man with the Iron Mask--As to the Transmission of the Secret from King to King--Louis XV. and Louis XVIII.--How it is that the Despatches which we have quoted have remained unpublished--Concerning the Silence of Saint-Simon--Dujonca--Taulès’ Objection--Louvois’ harsh Language--Matthioly’s Age--Concerning the Name of Marchialy--Order for Matthioly’s Arrest--Arrival of the Duke of Mantua in Paris--Conclusion.