Page:History of The man with the iron mask (1).pdf/5

Rh Fer, or Man with the Iron Mask, remained in this isle till 1698, when M. de St Mars, being promoted to the government of the Bastilo, conducted his prisoner to that fortress. In his way thither, he stopt with him at his estate near Palteau. The Mask arrived there in a litter, surrounded by a numerous guard on horseback. M. de St Mars eat at the same table with him all the time they resided at Palteau; but the latter was always placed with his back towards the windows; and the peasants, who came to pay their compliments to their master, and whom curiosity kept constantly on the watch, observed that M. de St Mars always sat opposite to him, with two pistols by the side of his plate. They were waited on by one servant only, who brought in and carried out the dishes, always carefully shutting the door both in going out and returning. The prisoner was always masked, even when he passed through the court; but the people saw his teeth and lips, and observed that his hair was grey. The governor slept in the same room with him, in a second bed that was placed in it on that occasion. In the course of their journey, the Mask was one day heard to ask his keeper whether the king had any design on his life? “ No, prince,” he replied; “ proivided that you quietly allow yourself to be conducted, your life is perfectly secure.” The stranger was accommodated as well as it was possible to be in the Bastile. An apartment had been prepared for him by order of the governor before his arrival, fitted up in the most convenient style; and everything he expressed a desire for was instantly procured him. His table was the best that could be provided; and