D’Eon’s valet, a man named Hugonnet, had been for some time employed carrying despatches on the King’s secret service between the two countries. Long suspected of being engaged in this duty, orders were issued by the ministry to the police at Calais to watch for him, and arrest him if they at any time found sufficient cause. On January 10, as he was preparing to return to England, he was taken up, and in his possession was found a letter in the handwriting of M. Drouet, private secretary to the Count de Broglio. It was intended, ostensibly, for D’Eon de Mouloise in London, bore no signature, but contained the names of Tercier and Durand, and allusions to the Counsellor, the deputy, &c. Drouet was in consequence also arrested and his papers seized, and the two were lodged in the Bastille. Being kept promptly informed by de Broglio of what was passing, and fearing that all was surely about to be discovered, Louis XV. resorted to the only expedient left to him—to secure the co-operation in his cause of the officials in charge of the prisoners. He immediately sent for M. de Sartines,[210] officer of police, and had to endure the humiliation of admitting him into his confidence, and asking him to lay hold of all such papers as were likely to compromise, in the sight of his ministers, those of his secret agents he named. ‘I have unburdened myself and confided in him (de Sartines). He seemed pleased, and we must hope that his discretion and this mark of confidence will guide him aright. If we are disappointed, we will see what is to be done, and write to de Guerchy. Have your mind at ease.’ So wrote Louis XV. to Tercier; and again, in a day or two:— ‘I am afraid that we are getting into a mess. I have instructed M. de Sartines to send for you and see you secretly, and that you will give him the fullest particulars.... You cannot possibly be present at the investigation and the patching up of this business, but tell de Sartines everything, arrange matters with him, and let him make his report to me.... At the preliminary inquiry M. de Praslin said he treated them with contempt, but what passed between him and de Sartines should suffice to tranquillise you.... I am quite sure that Drouet is in a mess, but he will get out of it (I rather feel that I am getting somewhat into a mess).’[211] [Sidenote: A PLAY AT THE BASTILLE!]