CHAPTER XXIII.

Behaviour of Charles IV., Duke of Mantua, towards his ex-Minister--His true Sentiments with reference to him--Precautions prescribed to Villebois and Lagrade for the Prisoners left by Saint-Mars at Pignerol--Change in Louis XIV.’s Position in Italy--Transfer of the Pignerol Prisoners to the Isles Sainte-Marguerite--Instructions given to Marshal de Tessé--Increase of Saint-Mars’ Watchfulness--Mystery surrounding the three Prisoners--Great Importance of one of them compared with the others--It is he who was the Man with the Iron Mask 332