CHAPTER XXI.

Period from which the Theory that makes Matthioly the Man with the Iron Mask dates--Numerous Writers who have concerned themselves with the Abduction of this Individual--Arguments of Reth, Roux-Fazillac, and Delort--M. Jules Loiseleur--His Labours--The Supposition that an obscure Spy was arrested in 1681 by Catinat--It cannot be admitted--Grounds on which M. Loiseleur rejects the Theory that makes Matthioly the Man with the Iron Mask--Soundness of his Reasoning and Justness of his Conclusions 293